AIT reviewing student visa policy, may resume interviews soon

Taipei, June 19 (CNA) The de facto U.S. embassy in Taiwan confirmed Thursday that it is reviewing updated guidelines for student visa appointments and could resume interviews soon.

"AIT Consular Services is currently reviewing updated 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 told CNA.

AIT represents U.S. interests in Taiwan in the absence of official diplomatic ties.

AIT's confirmation followed Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung's statement in the Legislature earlier Thursday that AIT had informed MOFA it could resume accepting new student visa appointments "in the coming days."

According to a State Department cable obtained by The Washington Post, the U.S. is restarting student visa interviews and implementing stricter social media rules -- including requiring applicants to make their accounts public so they can be reviewed for any signs of hostility toward the United States.

The move follows last month's suspension of student visa appointments, which U.S. officials described as part of a broader effort targeting universities allegedly linked to antisemitism and other national security concerns, according to The Washington Post.

Speaking at a legislative session in Taipei on Thursday morning, Lin told lawmakers that the visa interview suspension applies only to new applicants.

He added that AIT is still conducting student visa interviews for applicants who scheduled appointments before the suspension was announced.

Lin also said that around 10,000 Taiwanese students apply for U.S. student visas each year, and that MOFA is in ongoing discussions with AIT and officials in Washington to defend Taiwanese nationals' right to education.