Effective May 27, 2025, the US has temporarily paused the scheduling of new student visa interviews across the globe. While this may seem concerning, the move is only temporary and aimed at enhancing visa processing and national security.
Why is this happening?
According to the official memo released, the pause is in place because the State Department plans to improve background screening, which includes the review of social media accounts of applicants. It is unclear how long this pause will be.
Who is affected?
The pause applies to F-1, J-1, and M-1 visas.
- F-1 visa: International students pursuing academic studies
- J-1 visa: Exchange students, scholars, and interns
- M-1 visa: Students enrolled in vocational or training programmes
What about students with existing appointments?
While the pause is for new visa appointments, the US embassy has confirmed that existing appointments will proceed as scheduled, without any delay.
What can students do about this?
For students who haven’t scheduled appointments yet, here are some points to keep in mind:
- Monitor official sources frequently for updates on when the operations will resume; keep a close tab on the US Embassy website or the US Department of State’s website for information
- Review social media activity to ensure compliance and avoid potential red flags
- Prepare documents well in advance to avoid delays once the scheduling resumes
- Directly reach out to universities for guidance, as they may offer flexibility with regard to visa-related challenges
Key takeaways:
- New student visa appointments (F-1, J-1, M-1) have been temporarily paused
- This is not a cancellation but a temporary measure until protocols are put in place.
- The pause is due to enhanced background screening and additional visa processing improvements
- Existing appointments will not be affected
- Students are advised to stay informed for further updates
While this pause may cause uncertainty (especially to students applying for the Fall 2025 intake), students can use this time wisely by staying informed and getting their documents in order. Once scheduling resumes, being proactive will ensure a smooth process.
