STATE DEPARTMENT INSTRUCTS EMBASSIES TO PAUSE NEW VISA INTERVIEWS
U.S. embassies and consulates have been instructed to pause scheduling new visa interviews for student and exchange visitor applicants, according to a recent State Department cable. The move comes in preparation for a potential expansion of social media screening requirements for all foreign students applying to study in the United States. As the cable states, “Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued septel, which we anticipate in the coming days.”
The Office of Government Relations will continue to monitor this issue and will share any updates as further guidance and clarifications come out.
