On June 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) officially announced the resumption of interview appointments for F, M, and J visas, which are commonly issued to international students and exchange program participants.
However, this reopening comes with significantly stricter vetting measures, including enhanced analysis of applicants’ online activities.
According to the official statement from DOS:
“All applicants for F, M, and J visas will be required to change their social media privacy settings to ‘public’ so that their digital footprint can be thoroughly reviewed.”
U.S. consulates and embassies have been instructed to:
Conduct interviews while managing an increased workload due to expanded screening.
Analyze social media profiles for any signs of hostility toward U.S. citizens, culture, government, and core democratic values.
Identify potential support for terrorism, antisemitism, and any threats to national security.
Despite these heightened measures, priority processing will be given to:
Physicians applying for J-1 visas to participate in medical and educational exchange programs.
Students accepted to universities in the U.S. where international students make up less than 15% of the total student body.
Every visa decision is framed as a matter of national security, with the U.S. government emphasizing its responsibility to ensure that visitors pose no threat and fully intend to comply with the terms of their stay.
For students and exchange visitors, this means:
Expect longer processing times and more in-depth interviews.
Be prepared for extensive scrutiny of social media activities. Posts expressing hostility, extremist views, or content contradicting U.S. laws and values could potentially lead to visa denial.
Maintain transparency and honesty throughout the application process.
✅ Review and clean up your social media profiles to ensure they reflect your genuine intentions and values.
✅ Gather and organize all supporting documents in advance.
✅ Stay updated on additional requirements or policy changes issued by your local U.S. embassy or consulate.
✅ Consider consulting with an immigration attorney or an educational advisor if you have specific concerns about your application.
Conclusion
While these changes may add complexity to the visa application process, understanding and preparing for them in advance will help you navigate the requirements successfully. The U.S. remains an attractive destination for global talent and scholars, and with careful preparation, many students will continue to realize their academic dreams in America.
