J-1, F-1, M-1 Visa interviews resume at U.S. Embassies abroad

The State Department will resume scheduling of visa interviews for applicants seeking F-1 student, M-1 student and J-1 exchange visitor visas abroad.

On May 27, 2025, the Department of State issued a cable directing consular posts to pause scheduling of visa interviews for the F-1, M-1 and J-1 exchange visitor categories, pending the Department’s expansion and guidance of social media vetting for applicants.

On June 18, 2025, the Department of State announced it would resume scheduling of F-1/M-1 Student and J-1 exchange visitor visa interviews. The Department has directed visa applicants to make their social media accounts public. Department of State officials will review applicants’ social media for “any indications of hostility toward the citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles of the United States.”

The Department has instructed visa applicants to check the visa scheduling portals to find available visa interview dates.

For more information on the state of student visa interview scheduling or other immigration issues. Please contact Kolko & Casey, P.C.