The move, confirmed by the State Department, is part of a broader initiative to expand social media vetting, prompting concerns about possible delays and increased surveillance.

The US plans to start “aggressively” revoking visas for Chinese students, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, escalating the Trump administration’s push for greater scrutiny of foreigners attending American universities.

The uncertainty raised by the suspension of visa appointments will do further damage to the U.S. reputation as a destination country, said Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, an association that represents inter...