The US Department of State announced this policy change last week, effective 6/9. Non-immigrant visa applicants, including students, must schedule interviews at their home country's US embassy or consulate. Applying through a third country will increase the likelihood of rejection.

This aims to stop international students from seeking visa interviews in countries with faster processing times.

However, experts worry this could increase wait times, disadvantaging students in countries already facing delays. According to August data from the Department of State, visa interview wait times in some countries, such as Abuja, Nigeria, and Accra, Pakistan, reach 10 to 14 months.

The University of Pennsylvania campus. Photo: *University of Pennsylvania Fanpage*

Over 1.1 million international students from over 200 countries and territories are studying in the US, contributing approximately USD 50 billion to the economy. Vietnamese students, numbering over 22,000, represent the sixth largest group.

US education costs are among the highest globally, exceeding USD 100,000 at some institutions, with university tuition rising 3-9% annually.

Over the past 20 years, university costs have increased by about 40%, according to data collected from 324 universities last year by US News. Public university tuition has risen 127-158%, varying for in-state and out-of-state students. Meanwhile, private universities, which don't differentiate tuition based on residency, have seen a 132% increase.

Doan Hung (*US Department of State, The Pie*)