ieExplains: Trump is pausing new student visa appointments. What does this mean for the J1?

Under the screening process, consular officers would examine applicants’ posts, shares, and comments across platforms such as Instagram, X, and TikTok for content they deem to be 'threatening' to national security. Picture: Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images

What's happening? 

US president Donald Trump's administration has ordered its missions abroad to stop scheduling new appointments for student and exchange visitor visa applicants.