S'poreans looking to pursue studies in US can still submit visa applications: US Embassy

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4 days ago

Singaporeans keen to study in the US can continue to send in their visa applications, said the US Embassy in Singapore on May 28, following news that the Trump administration has directed overseas missions to stop scheduling new appointments for student and exchange visa applicants.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had said in an internal cable reported by Politico on May 27 that the State Department intends to review the screening and vetting of such applicants, with plans to issue guidelines on "expanded social media vetting".
In the meantime, appointments that have already been scheduled can continue to proceed, although available appointments not taken up yet should be taken down.
When asked about the latest directive, a spokesperson for the US Embassy in Singapore said: "The US Embassy's interview appointments system is dynamic and reflects the time required for consular officers to adjudicate cases in full compliance with US law.
"At this time, applicants may continue to submit applications, as the consular section constantly adjusts schedules to allow for sufficient time to vet cases before them."
It did not disclose if it has received an influx of queries from applicants since news about the internal cable was published, although it said that social media vetting has been a longstanding part of the US visa application process.
The spokesperson said: "Since 2019, the Department of State has required visa applicants to provide social media identifiers on visa application forms, and we use all available information in our visa screening and vetting."
Recounting her own experience, a Singaporean student, speaking on condition of anonymity, said she had to submit her social media account handles when she applied for a student visa in 2022.
The 22-year-old, who is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in history at a liberal arts college, said she thought it was better to play safe then and disclose information about all her accounts, even though she doubted that any checks would be conducted.
In recent times, however, she has become more cautious about what she says or does, both online and in person.
This follows news of US President Donald Trump's recent campaign against elite US colleges, which he is trying to pressure into making a wide range of policy changes such as removing diversity, equity and inclusivity initiatives.
On May 22, the Trump administration terminated Harvard University's right to host and enrol foreign students and scholars, leaving nearly 6,800 international students there in limbo. This follows its cancellation of billions of dollars in grants and funds for the school as well as other elite institutions such as Columbia University.
"I used to be more involved in political activism on campus, but now I'm just trying to stay unnoticed," the Singaporean student said, citing how clampdowns on international students, coupled with the looming thought that her social media account information remains in the US authorities' hands, have made her fearful.
Originally drawn to the US because of its ideals in areas such as freedom of speech, she said that at present, "the hypocrisy is just so striking".
Although she initially planned to commence postgraduate studies in the US immediately after receiving her bachelor's, recent developments have made her reconsider.
"With all the twists and turns, I think I'm likely to return to Singapore afterwards instead, which wasn't my plan at all, even six months ago."
Another Singaporean student pursuing his postgraduate studies in the US said his devices and social media accounts were not screened whenever he passed through US Customs.
However, he noted that there has been an increase in questioning by border agents, including about his career and family situation.
While the 27-year-old does not plan to cut back on travelling, he has stopped posting or sharing content related to the US and its politics on his social media accounts.
He said: "I am also extra careful with whatever I text friends if it concerns US politics."
A 26-year-old Singaporean, who is heading to University College London for a master's degree, had contemplated pursuing one in public health either at Columbia University or the University of California, Berkeley.
Having witnessed the uncertainty in the US and taken other things like costs into consideration, the analyst at a market research firm said she was relieved to have pivoted to Britain instead.
The current US administration, as well as Mr Trump's stance on immigration as outlined in Project 2025, further cemented her decision.
Describing applying to the US for her studies as a "huge gamble", she said she had considered waiting for things to settle, but upon reflection, she realised her options did not necessarily have to be limited to American institutions.
University admission consultancy Crimson Education has been sharing the variety of available options with students keen to study abroad.
Ms Joanne Gao, its regional manager for Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Myanmar, said it will continue to encourage students to "explore a wide range of university options around the world - not just in the US".
She added: "This way, students avoid putting all their eggs in one basket and have more chances to find the right university for them."
So far, four families have contacted Crimson Education as a result of the latest developments in the US, but she said that students already accepted into top US universities are planning to proceed with their plans.
Ms Gao said the consultancy has also contacted the US Embassy to clarify the situation, which would enable it to "properly support" its students. The Straits Times also contacted two other educational consultancies, but they were unable to comment.