Amid reports that the United States has suspended new visa interviews for international students, Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed hope that the process for Vietnamese students applying for U.S. study visas will proceed smoothly.

At the Ministry's regular press briefing this afternoon, journalists raised concerns about reports that former U.S. President Donald Trump had ordered all U.S. embassies worldwide to suspend new visa interviews for foreign students - a decision that could impact Vietnamese students planning to study in the United States.

Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang acknowledged the issue as a major concern for many students and parents. She stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with Vietnamese diplomatic missions in the U.S., is working with American counterparts to verify the information.

“This is a peak time when students from various countries, including Vietnam, are preparing to apply for study visas, whether on scholarships or for self-funded education programs.

We hope the visa interview and issuance process for Vietnamese students will be conducted smoothly, as education remains a key pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and the United States,” the spokesperson stated.

In response to former President Trump’s earlier directive to prevent Harvard University from enrolling international students - and to force currently enrolled foreign students to either transfer or lose their legal status - Pham Thu Hang reiterated Vietnam’s wish for the U.S. to continue facilitating access for Vietnamese students, teachers, scholars, and professionals to participate in educational and training programs in the U.S., particularly at prestigious institutions.

On May 27, the U.S. State Department issued a directive to its consular offices at embassies worldwide, instructing them to temporarily stop scheduling new visa interviews for categories F, M, and J (student and exchange visitor visas) until further guidance is issued in the coming days.

Additionally, the U.S. rescinded Harvard University's authorization to enroll international students, removing the institution from the list of those allowed to sponsor foreign student visas. However, this decision has faced legal challenges and has been suspended by a federal judge.

The temporary halt in visa interviews could result in significant delays, affecting summer and fall enrollment plans for international students and exchange participants. It may also financially impact many universities that rely on tuition from international students.

Tran Thuong