State Department: student visa interviews remain subject to security vetting; applicants should monitor openings

Tommy Piggott, principal deputy spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, said student visa interviews remain governed by the department’s vetting procedures and applicants should continue to apply and monitor when appointments become available.

“Every single sovereign nation has the right to secure its borders, determine who wants to come into this country, and then decide whether those people should be allowed to enter this country,” Piggott said during a department video Q&A. He said vetting “is a key part of that.”

Piggott encouraged prospective students to submit visa applications where they are able and to “monitor when appointments might open up.” He added that being in the United States does not end the vetting process: “If someone acts in a way that’s contrary to what their visa said … if they break our laws, if they support terrorist groups, they may see that visa revoked. We have zero tolerance for those that support terrorist groups or break our laws while on visas here in the United States.”

The video did not provide a date or timeline for resumption of in-person interview appointments. Piggott referenced “visa actions from Secretary Rubio pursuant to President Trump’s executive orders,” but did not identify a specific order or a schedule for reopening interview slots.

The remarks clarify the department’s public guidance: applications remain possible, final interview availability depends on scheduling and security procedures, and visa status can be revoked if holders violate U.S. law or the terms of their visa.