Visa interview suspension: US plans in limbo for Kol students

Time of India

2 days ago

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Kolkata: The unexpected halt in US student visa interview appointments has left students and parents distressed and educational advisers perplexed. The move has particularly affected recent Class XII graduates planning to commence undergraduate studies in the US this autumn.
This decision by the Trump administration disrupted established plans and added pressure to students already managing a complex educational transition.
"I was deeply shocked at the news because I was preparing for exams after getting accepted into a few universities. We even paid the deposit to the university and were about to schedule a visa interview. But now, after the news, it feels like a dead end. These updates are coming so abruptly that we didn't expect it, and now we don't know what to do.
Since yesterday evening, I've started applying to colleges in Delhi and Mumbai as a backup.
All I can do is hope for the best," said Manya Mishra, a SAT candidate.
Shresth Jajodia, another student facing uncertainty, shared, "I was planning to apply for my visa soon, so the suspension news was really upsetting. Until now, I didn't have a solid backup plan, but with everything that's happening, I've started looking at alternate options.
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I'm confident about my chances because of my travel history, but without an interview slot, my entire plan to study in the US is at risk."
Educational counsellors are experiencing increased enquiries from concerned families, leading them to investigate alternative educational pathways in different countries or within India. Parents express concerns about safety, practicality, and educational investment value amidst these developments.
The recent availability of visa appointments followed by their sudden withdrawal left unprepared students without clear options.
"I secured admission to a US university and was preparing for the next steps, but the sudden visa interview suspension created a lot of uncertainty. We were waiting on the I-20 process, and now everything's on hold. With no clear communication or timeline, it's hard to plan or decide what to do next, and many students like me are stuck in the same situation after putting in so much effort," said another Class XII graduate from GD Birla Centre for Education.
The situation has prompted students to consider Indian educational institutions and alternative entrance examinations as contingency plans. Families remain in a state of watchful waiting, seeking resolution whilst reconsidering their educational strategies. The absence of reliable visa processing schedules has forced rapid decision-making about higher education, contrary to the usual extended planning period.