Visa Interviews for Students and Exchange Visitors Suspended

The State Department has temporarily suspended visa interviews for international students (F and M visas) and exchange visitors (J-1 visas) at US Consulates so that it can implement clearer guidance on expanded social media vetting of visa applicants.  While the government has not formally announced the suspension of visa interviews for international students and exchange visitors, the policy was first reported by Politico earlier this week. The news reporting organization had obtained an agency cable, instructing US Consulates to suspend visa interviews until the agency could deploy enhanced social media vetting protocols.   

Visa interviews that have already been scheduled will not be cancelled but it’s unclear how these applications will be processed and whether their approval will be delayed. 

It is also unclear how long the suspension will last. Guidance detailing the expanded social media screening procedures is expected to be released in the coming days after which US Consulates should resume scheduling visa interviews.  We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates accordingly. 

The alert is for informational purposes only. Please contact us if you would like to discuss this development further