Key Takeaways
• Hong Kong students cannot book US visa appointments due to May 27, 2025 interview pause.
• Trump’s June 4 proclamation blocks new Harvard student visas and may revoke current visas.
• New July 1 rule requires complete documents at Hong Kong immigrant visa interviews.
Hong Kong Students Struggle to Book US Visa Appointments as Policy Changes Cause Uncertainty
Hong Kong students hoping to study in the United States 🇺🇸 are facing serious problems booking US visa appointments at the US consulate in Hong Kong. Even as some students in other places, like Beijing, have managed to get appointments, many in Hong Kong are still unable to secure a slot. This comes at a time when US immigration policies are changing quickly, making the process even more confusing and stressful for students and their families.
Visa Appointment Problems in Hong Kong
As of June 9, 2025, several education consultancy firms in Hong Kong report that their student clients cannot book US visa appointments at the local consulate. Samuel Chan Sze-ming, who runs Britannia StudyLink, says he has not been able to get any appointments for his Hong Kong clients. However, his teams in Thailand and Vietnam have been able to book appointments for students at US embassies in those countries.
Kitty Wu, director of Litz USA Student Service, also says her company has not been able to book any appointments for Hong Kong students since the previous Thursday. This means that even students who have already been accepted to US universities and need to get their visas quickly are stuck waiting.
The situation is not the same everywhere. Will Kwong, managing director of AAS Education, says that one of his colleagues managed to book an appointment for a student from mainland China at the US embassy in Beijing. He describes the appointment system as “unstable,” with some people able to get slots while others cannot. This inconsistency adds to the stress for students and their families, who do not know when or if they will be able to get a visa appointment.
Why Are US Visa Appointments Hard to Get?
Temporary Pause on Visa Interviews
On May 27, 2025, the US State Department sent a message to all US embassies and consulates around the world. The message told them to stop scheduling new interviews for certain types of visas, including:
- F visas (for students)
- M visas (for vocational students)
- J visas (for exchange visitors)
This pause was ordered so the US government could prepare to expand its social media screening and background checks for visa applicants. Secretary of State Marco Rubio gave this order, which affected US consulates everywhere, including Hong Kong.
At a press briefing on June 3, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said that an update about the pause would come “before the end of the week.” She also said the pause was not permanent and that once appointments restarted, the process would “go pretty quickly.” However, she did not say how long the backlog of waiting students would be.
New Presidential Proclamation Targets Harvard University
On June 4, 2025, President Trump signed a Presidential Proclamation that restricts the issuing of student visas for anyone planning to study at Harvard University. This order:
- Stops any new Harvard student from entering the United States 🇺🇸 on an F, M, or J visa
- Tells the Secretary of State to consider revoking visas for current Harvard students
- Allows exceptions for people whose entry is in the national interest
- Is effective immediately and will last for 6 months, unless extended
This move has made the situation even more confusing for international students, especially those who have been accepted to Harvard. On June 6, 2025, a federal court in Massachusetts temporarily blocked the government from enforcing this order until June 20, 2025, or until the court decides whether to issue a longer-lasting block.
Broader Visa Restrictions for Some Countries
Another Presidential Proclamation took effect on June 9, 2025. This order suspends or limits entry and visa issuance for nationals of certain countries. People affected by this order can still apply for visas and attend interviews, but they may not be allowed to get a visa or enter the United States 🇺🇸 even if they complete the process.
How Are Hong Kong and Chinese Students Affected?
Recent US policy changes have made it even harder for students from Hong Kong and China to get US visas. The Department of State has announced that it will make the rules stricter for all future visa applications from the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong. Secretary Rubio also said the United States 🇺🇸 will start to “aggressively” revoke visas held by Chinese students.
The groups most affected include:
- Current Chinese F visa holders with ties to the Chinese Communist Party
- Chinese F visa holders studying in sensitive fields
- Any Chinese or Hong Kong passport holders applying for new visa stamps at US embassies or consulates
This means that even students who already have visas or have studied in the United States 🇺🇸 before may face new problems if they are connected to certain groups or fields of study.
Impact on Students and Education Plans
The Presidents’ Alliance, a group that supports international students, says that more than half of students who have accepted offers from US colleges still cannot book a visa interview. The group expects that even when the pause is lifted, there will be a long wait because of the backlog.
Zuzana Cepla Wootson, deputy director of federal policy at the Alliance, explains: “This is one of the busiest times of year for international students trying to secure appointments … so even if things restart soon, we’re likely looking at a ripple effect of delays and disruptions.” This means that students who need to start their studies in the summer or fall of 2025 may not be able to get their visas in time.
The uncertainty has already made some students less interested in studying in the United States 🇺🇸. According to Edwin van Rest, CEO of Studyportals, after the May 27 announcement, the share of students interested in the United States 🇺🇸 as a destination dropped by more than 20%.
Changes to Immigrant Visa Processing in Hong Kong
Starting July 1, 2025, there will be a new rule for people applying for immigrant visas at the US Consulate General in Hong Kong and Macau. If applicants do not bring all the required documents to their interview and have not uploaded all necessary documents to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC), they will be turned away and asked to reschedule their interview.
This change is meant to make the process more efficient, but it also means that applicants need to be extra careful to have everything ready before their interview. For more information about the required documents and the CEAC system, applicants can visit the US Department of State’s official immigrant visa page.
The Role of Consultancy Firms
Education consultancy firms in Hong Kong play a big part in helping students apply for US visas. These firms guide students through the application process, help them prepare documents, and try to book visa appointments. However, even the most experienced consultancy firms are struggling with the current situation.
Samuel Chan Sze-ming from Britannia StudyLink says his firm has not been able to book any appointments for Hong Kong students, even though his teams in Thailand and Vietnam have had better luck. Kitty Wu from Litz USA Student Service reports the same problem. These firms are now advising students to:
- Stay updated on the latest policy changes
- Keep in close contact with their US schools for advice
- Try to book appointments at US embassies in other countries if possible
- Prepare for possible delays and have backup plans
Consultancy firms are also warning students that the situation could change quickly, so they need to be flexible and ready to act when appointments become available.
What Should Hong Kong Students Do Now?
For Hong Kong students who want to study in the United States 🇺🇸, the current situation is very stressful. Here are some steps students can take to improve their chances:
1. Stay Informed
Check official US government websites regularly for updates about visa policies and appointment availability. The US Department of State’s visa page is a good place to start.
2. Communicate with Your School
Keep in touch with your US college or university. Schools often have international student offices that can provide advice and may be able to help with documentation or letters of support.
3. Consider Other Locations for Visa Interviews
If you cannot get an appointment in Hong Kong, ask your school or consultancy firm if you can try booking an appointment at a US embassy or consulate in another country. Some students have had success in places like Thailand, Vietnam, or Beijing.
4. Prepare All Documents Carefully
Make sure you have all the required documents ready before your interview. This includes your passport, acceptance letter, financial documents, and any other paperwork required for your visa type. For F, M, or J visas, you will need to fill out the DS-160 form online and bring the confirmation page to your interview.
5. Have a Backup Plan
Because of the uncertainty, it is wise to have a backup plan in case you cannot get your visa in time. This might mean deferring your admission, considering online classes, or looking at other countries for study options.
Broader Implications for International Education
The current problems with US visa appointments are not just affecting Hong Kong students. International students from many countries are facing similar challenges. The United States 🇺🇸 has long been a top destination for students from around the world, but these recent policy changes and delays could make students choose other countries instead.
Universities in the United States 🇺🇸 depend on international students for both cultural diversity and financial support. If fewer students are able to get visas, this could hurt both the schools and the students who miss out on educational opportunities.
What Happens Next?
The situation is changing quickly. The US State Department has said it will provide updates soon about when visa appointments will restart. However, with new policies being announced and legal challenges in the courts, it is hard to predict exactly what will happen.
International education experts say it is important for students, families, and schools to stay flexible and keep looking for new information. As reported by VisaVerge.com, many stakeholders are cautious about celebrating any positive news until they see real improvements in the visa process.
Key Takeaways for Hong Kong Students
- Visa appointments at the US consulate in Hong Kong are still very hard to get
- Recent US policy changes have made the process even more uncertain
- Students should stay informed, communicate with their schools, and consider other options for visa interviews
- Having all documents ready and a backup plan is more important than ever
- The situation may change quickly, so students need to be ready to act when opportunities arise
For the latest updates and official guidance, students should visit the US Department of State’s visa information page.
Conclusion
Hong Kong students hoping to study in the United States 🇺🇸 are facing one of the toughest visa seasons in recent memory. With policy changes, appointment freezes, and new restrictions, the process has become more complicated and stressful. Consultancy firms are doing their best to help, but even they are struggling with the current system.
Students and families should focus on staying informed, preparing carefully, and keeping their options open. While the situation is difficult, being proactive and flexible can help students make the best of a challenging time. As the US government continues to update its policies, students should check official sources often and be ready to act quickly when new opportunities appear.
Learn Today
F visa → US student visa category for academic studies, requiring interview for entry permission.
J visa → Nonimmigrant visa for exchange visitors participating in approved programs in the US.
Presidential Proclamation → Official directive from the US President affecting visa rules or entry permissions.
Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) → US State Department system for submitting and managing visa application documents online.
Visa interview pause → Temporary halt on scheduling new visa interviews to update security and screening procedures.
This Article in a Nutshell
Hong Kong students face unprecedented struggles securing US visa appointments amid policy changes. Visa interview pauses, Harvard restrictions, and stricter checks create uncertainty. Consultancy firms advise students to stay informed, consider alternative embassies, and prepare backup plans, highlighting the growing challenges for aspiring international students aiming to study in the US.
— By VisaVerge.com
