U.S. Temporarily Halts New F & J Visa Interview Appointments as of May 29, 2025

Hold onto your passports—there’s turbulence ahead in the world of U.S. visa applications. If you’re an international student or academic preparing to study or conduct research in the United States under an F or J visa, here’s a critical update that could impact your plans significantly.

On May 27, 2025, several major media outlets reported that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a directive to all American embassies and consulates to implement a temporary suspension on scheduling new interviews for F, M, and J visa categories. The decision, which has now been confirmed through official diplomatic channels, is reportedly tied to a pending expansion in the U.S. government’s social media vetting protocols.

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What Does This Mean for Applicants?

This move introduces uncertainty for thousands of international students, scholars, and exchange visitors hoping to enter the U.S. for the 2025–2026 academic year. Here’s a breakdown of what this means based on your visa application status:

If You Already Have a Visa Interview Scheduled:

You’re in the clear for now. The State Department has indicated that previously confirmed visa appointments will continue as scheduled. Applicants are advised to:

• Reconfirm the date and time of your interview.
• Double-check that all necessary documentation is in order, including:
  • DS-160 confirmation page
  • Passport (valid at least six months beyond the intended stay)
  • I-20 or DS-2019 form
  • SEVIS payment receipt
• Monitor communications from your U.S. embassy or consulate for any potential changes.
• Contact your school’s Office of International Student Services (OISS) if you receive any cancellation notice.

If You Have Not Scheduled Your Interview Yet:

This is where the change directly impacts you. Until further notice:

• No new F, M, or J visa interview appointments will be added to embassy or consulate calendars.
• However, you can and should still submit your DS-160 application form. Submitting it early may position you favorably when interview scheduling resumes.
• Regularly check the U.S. embassy website in your country and follow their social media updates to stay informed.

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What About Interview Waiver Applicants?

Many returning students or certain low-risk applicants may qualify for the U.S. visa interview waiver program (commonly referred to as the “drop-box”). At this time:

• It remains unclear whether this pause will affect interview waiver submissions.
• If you’ve already received instructions to submit your documents for drop-box processing, follow through unless specifically told otherwise.
• If you’re planning to apply under this route, keep a close eye on embassy updates for any revised procedures.

Are Other Visa Categories Affected?

Currently, this temporary pause is exclusive to F, M, and J visa categories. Those applying for work visas such as H-1B, O-1, or E-3 are not affected. However, given how quickly immigration policies can shift, all applicants should stay informed and maintain open communication with legal or institutional advisors.

The Bigger Picture: Why the Sudden Pause?

While the U.S. State Department hasn’t released a full public statement, sources suggest the halt is part of preparations to introduce new, stricter social media screening measures for visa applicants.

Translation: the government wants to expand the depth and scope of online background checks—specifically looking into social media activity—to ensure visa applicants do not pose a security or reputational risk.

If you’re a student with active social media accounts, this could mean your Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and even Reddit posts are under the microscope. Political views, controversial commentary, and inappropriate content could all be factors in visa vetting.

How to Protect Your Online Presence

If you haven’t already done so, take this opportunity to audit your social media activity. Here are a few best practices:

• Keep it professional: Avoid sharing or engaging with posts that could be perceived as offensive or extremist.
• Review your history: Go back through older posts and remove anything questionable.
• Be honest: Your DS-160 asks for social media handles. Do not omit accounts, as this could be flagged as dishonest.
• Consult an expert: If unsure, speak to your university’s legal or international services office for advice.

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Next Steps for Affected Applicants

Navigating this uncertainty requires preparation and patience. Here’s your action checklist:

1. Already scheduled? Attend your interview and prepare all documents thoroughly.
2. No interview yet? Complete and submit your DS-160 form anyway—this keeps you in the system.
3. Monitor embassy updates daily. Changes can happen rapidly.
4. Keep social media clean and be mindful of how your digital footprint might be interpreted.
5. Stay connected to your university’s OISS team for real-time guidance.

Conclusion

The announcement of this temporary pause in F and J visa interview scheduling has understandably caused anxiety among international students and scholars. However, the U.S. government has stressed that the measure is temporary, and interviews will likely resume once the updated vetting system is fully implemented.

For now, the best course of action is to stay informed, prepare your documents, and position yourself for a quick response once scheduling reopens. International students are a vital part of the American academic ecosystem, and the expectation is that normal processing will resume shortly.

Until then, stay focused, stay organized—and don’t forget to triple-check your online presence.

For real-time updates and student visa resources, visit Travul.org. We’re here to help you navigate your journey with confidence.

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