Colleges in the Fargo-Moorhead area are closely monitoring a sudden federal policy change that has suspended in-person visa interviews for international students — a move that could delay enrollment for many planning to arrive this fall.
Last month, the U.S. Department of State, under the Trump administration, halted new visa interviews for international student applicants, while preparing to expand social media screening measures to detect potential security risks.
Tom Reburn, director of admissions at Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM), said the policy appears aimed at increasing federal oversight before allowing student entry.
Enrollment Holds Steady — for Now
Despite the freeze, universities are reporting stable or growing international enrollment figures.
North Dakota State University (NDSU), which hosts the region’s largest population of international students, reported 823 international enrollees in fall 2024 — up from 774 in 2023 and 762 in 2022. A university spokesperson acknowledged that delays may occur.
She added that many international students are still attending previously scheduled appointments and receiving visas, based on updates from the university’s global networks.
MSUM also saw growth, with 172 international students expected in fall 2024, up from 153 in 2023. Reburn said the university is expanding offerings for international students who are already in the U.S. with valid visas, such as those transferring from two-year colleges or other universities.
MSUM is focusing particularly on graduate programs in STEM fields, like business analytics and cybersecurity, and high-demand undergraduate majors such as nursing.
Concordia Prepares for Disruption
Concordia College in Moorhead is likewise adjusting to the situation. According to communications director Candace Harmon, only about one-third of the admitted international students for fall have received visas so far. Another third have scheduled appointments, while the remaining third are waiting for slots to open.
At least one incoming student may be blocked entirely due to their home country appearing on the federal government’s updated travel ban list.
As of June 9, citizens from 12 nations — including Iran, Somalia, Sudan, and Myanmar — are barred from entering the United States under an executive order citing national security concerns.
Concordia expects to enroll 110 international students from 62 countries this fall, slightly down from 114 in 2023 and 124 in 2022.
Admissions Continue Without Interviews
Most international students enter the U.S. under the F-1 visa program, which allows them to study at accredited American institutions. Although universities do not control the visa process, they play a key role in issuing I-20 forms required for interview scheduling.
Reburn explained that MSUM uses a federal system to verify academic and financial credentials before releasing the I-20 form.
Even with the interview pause in place, Reburn said he remains optimistic that MSUM’s international enrollment will continue to grow.
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