Screening and Vetting for Visa Applicants

On June 18, 2025 the U.S. Department of State has announced that U.S. Embassies and Consulates will soon resume scheduling visa interviews for F, M, and J visa applicants. This is a welcome update for many of our students and scholars awaiting appointments.

What You Need to Know:

• Stricter Vetting Measures: Under new guidance, all F-1 and J-1 visa applicants will undergo enhanced screening. This includes a review of online presence and public social media accounts. Applicants will be expected to adjust the privacy settings on all social media profiles to “public” to support this review.
• Visa Interview Scheduling: While scheduling is expected to resume soon, availability will vary by location. We strongly recommend monitoring the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply for the most up-to-date appointment information.
• Security & Eligibility: Please remember that visa issuance is a national security process. All applicants must credibly demonstrate that they are eligible for the visa category requested and that they intend to participate in the activities (study, exchange, research) permitted under that visa type.

We understand this may raise questions. If your plans are affected or you anticipate delays, please visit our Adjusting Your Arrival Plans webpage for guidance on your options.