On September 6, 2025, the Department of State updated its instructions for all nonimmigrant visa applicants scheduling visa interview appointments:
- Applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas, which include F & J visas, should schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence.
- Nationals of countries where the U.S. government is not conducting routine nonimmigrant visa operations must apply at the designated embassy or consulate, unless their residence is elsewhere.
Learn more on the Department of State website.
After a pause in visa issuance, the U.S. Department of State directed U.S. embassies and consulates to resume visa appointments.
The resumption comes with new guidelines for enhanced screening of applicants’ online and social media presence, including for F-1 and J-1 student visas. These new vetting procedures are expected to be fully implemented on June 25, 2025.
The Department of State has released guidance to consular officials regarding the enhanced screening, instructing them to review content for:
- Expressions of hostility toward U.S. citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles.
- Any advocacy of, aid to, or support for foreign terrorist organizations or threats to U.S. national security.
- Support for unlawful antisemitic harassment or violence.
Additionally, visa applicants may be required to set their social media accounts to “public” and ensure their online presence is accessible during the visa review process.
U.S. Visa Application Tips:
- Apply for your visa and schedule your F-1/J-1 visa appointment as early as possible.
- Prepare for possible visa processing delays.
- You may be eligible to request an expedited appointment after you have submitted your visa application and (if applicable) received an interview date.
- Enroll in full-time coursework for the fall semester to confirm your intention to maintain your F-1/J-1 student status.
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more official information becomes available.