The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) is reviewing updated guidelines for student visa appointments and could resume interviews soon, it said today.
“AIT Consular Services is currently reviewing updated [US] Department of State guidance on student visa appointments, and we will open new appointment slots for student visas as soon as feasible based on the department guidance,” an AIT spokesperson said.
AIT represents US interests in Taiwan in the absence of official diplomatic ties.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) told the Legislative Yuan earlier today that AIT had informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that it might again begin to accept new student visa appointments “in the coming days.”
The Washington Post yesterday reported that it had obtained a Department of State cable saying that the US is restarting student visa interviews and implementing stricter social media rules, which would include requiring applicants to make their accounts public so that they can be reviewed for any signs of hostility toward the US.
The move follows last month’s suspension of student visa appointments.
US officials described the suspension as part of a broader effort targeting universities allegedly linked to antisemitism and other national security concerns, the Washington Post reported.
Politico yesterday also reported that US diplomats have been directed to screen the social media accounts and online presence of all foreign nationals applying for student and other education visas.
The department cable directs consular officers to flag “applicants who demonstrate a history of political activism” and directs them to “consider the likelihood they would continue such activity in the United States,” the Politico report said.
Speaking at a legislative session in Taipei this morning, Lin told lawmakers that the suspension of visa interviews only applies to new applicants.
AIT is still conducting student visa interviews for applicants who scheduled appointments before the suspension was announced, he added.
About 10,000 Taiwanese students apply for US student visas each year, and the ministry is in discussions with AIT and officials in Washington to defend Taiwanese nationals’ right to education, Lin said.
