You may have seen in recent news that the Trump administration has ordered US embassies around the world to stop scheduling appointments for student and exchange visitor visas, until they issue further guidance.
We understand that this announcement may cause some concern and uncertainty. This article provides some further guidance for students due to go to the US for study or work abroad.
Important: Please note that for study abroad, it is not possible to change to another partner institution in another country at this stage.
How is King’s responding?
If you are due to be travelling to the US on a period of study or work abroad, please know that we are both actively working across King’s and reaching out to our partners in the US to understand the full implications.
At this stage, we remain hopeful that the appointment freeze will be reversed in time for you to obtain your visa if you have not done so already, travel to the US and begin your studies there as planned.
What are my options?
If you are due to travel to the US for study abroad, the Global Mobility team will have sent you a brief survey to understand where you are in the visa application process. In order to support you, please complete the form as soon as possible if you have not already done so. The Global Mobility team will send you further information.
You will have different options depending on a number of factors, such as whether you’re due to study or work in the US and how long you are due to be there. These options are explained in the form.
What should I consider when deciding how to proceed?
As you are considering how you would like to proceed, please bear in mind the following points:
- It is not yet clear how long the visa appointment freeze will last. Depending on when it ends, you may or may not have enough time to obtain your visa if you have not done so already.
- If you decide to proceed with your period of work or study in the US this academic year, please be aware that your social media accounts may be vetted by US authorities. In April, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that it would consider "antisemitic activity on social media and the physical harassment of Jewish individuals as grounds for denying immigration benefit requests".
- For study abroad, it is not possible to change to another partner institution in another country at this stage.
- If you decide not to proceed with your period of work or study in the US, but US visa appointments become available later, it may not be possible to reverse your decision.
Where can I get more information?
Please regularly check the US State Department’s webpage on visas and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) webpage on travelling to the US for updates.
Where can I get support?
If you are feeling anxious, please make use of the range of support services available to you at King’s. You may also like to speak to your personal tutor, a Faculty Wellbeing Adviser or our Counselling & Mental Health Support team.
More information on the support services available to you can be found in the following article: What support services are available at King’s?