The US State Department has halted the scheduling of new visa interviews for foreign students hoping to study in the US while it prepares to expand the screening of their activity on social media, officials said. A US official said on Tuesday (local time) the suspension is intended to be temporary and does not apply to applicants who already had scheduled their visa interviews.

A cable signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the State Department plans to issue guidance on expanded social media vetting. “Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consulate sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor visa appointment capacity until the guidance is issued,” the cable says.

Last week, the Trump administration revoked Harvard University’s ability to enrol international students, removing the college from the programme that allows schools to sponsor foreign students for visas. That effort was quickly challenged in court and for now is blocked by a federal judge.