Visa-Related News and Announcements
Department of State resumes F-1, M-1, and J-1 visa scheduling, with expanded social media screening
June 30, 2025
As of June 18, the Department of State has announced that it will resume appointment scheduling for student visas, including J-1 exchange visitor visas, and that these visa applicants will now undergo expanded social media screening. Please see the announcement for more details. It has also been reported that these changes will result in initial…
Recently-announced U.S. entry ban
June 6, 2025
On June 4, 2025, an Executive Order was issued that bans entry by nationals of certain countries into the United States. This entry ban goes into effect on Monday, June 9, 2025. Anyone who is inside the U.S. or has a valid U.S. visa stamp as of the date of the proclamation should not be…
Department of State "pause" on F-1, M-1, and J-1 visa appointment availability
May 30, 2025
The following message was sent by email to all active and incoming J-1 exchange visitors sponsored by ISO on May 30, 2025: News outlets have reported that the U.S. Department of State has temporarily paused visa appointment availability for F-1, M-1, and J-1 visa applications at U.S. consulates abroad. Because there have been no official…