Singaporeans looking to study in US can still submit visa applications: US Embassy

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.

- Aqil Hamzah and Kolette Lim

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.