In a sudden move last week, the State Department stopped scheduling new visa interviews for international students and exchange visitors while it rolls out enhanced social media screening procedures. The suspension, which began May 27, affects anyone seeking F (academic student), M (vocational student), and J (exchange visitor) visas, and throws a wrench in the plans of many international students, as well as faculty participating in an exchange visitor program. Here’s what this means for your school and what administrators should consider doing now.
Good News First
International students and faculty who already have visa interviews scheduled don't have to worry at this point. Their appointments are still good to go. The State Department confirmed that they will honor existing appointments.
The Tough Part
Students and faculty who haven’t yet booked their visa interview will be stuck waiting, and it’s unclear for how long. As a result, this could seriously affect people who had planned to start a program in Summer or Fall 2025.
Summer Travel Warning
While current visa holders are not affected, they should think twice before traveling abroad, especially if their visas are expired. Since there is no way to schedule new visa appointments, they could get stuck overseas longer than planned.
The Social Media Factor
Here's what's driving the change: The federal government is taking a much closer look at visa applicants' social media presence. The State Department has been collecting this information for a while, but now it’s being used in the decision-making process – and sometimes visas are revoked without warning based on what is found online.
People may not know their visas have been revoked until they travel and try to reenter the US or try to renew their visas abroad. As noted above, those who are in the US with a valid I-94 are not affected, but if their visa is revoked, it can cause major headaches for future travel and visa applications.
Looking Ahead
While this is supposedly temporary, we could be looking at weeks or months of delays, which might affect Fall 2025 student enrollment and start dates for new international teachers.
