Summer break is the perfect time for many international students to travel home, reconnect with loved ones, and take care of important matters including renewing a U.S. visa. If you’re an F-1 or J-1 student planning to leave the country this summer, and your visa has expired or will expire before your return, you will want to understand the visa renewal process and plan ahead. About the Visa Renewal Process To renew your visa, you’ll need to apply at a…
Author: Justin Mellish
Update from the ISS Director: F & J Visa Appointments
As posted on our Government Updates page, the U.S. Department of State issued updated guidance that expands screening and vetting procedures for all nonimmigrant visa applicants, including F-1 and J-1 categories, and resumed visa appointments. While the official June 18, 2025 press release did not include full details, a cable sent to U.S. consulates outlines key changes. Below is a summary of the changes affecting F & J visa applicants, based on the information ISS has gathered from our international…
Screening and Vetting for Visa Applicants
On June 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of State issued updated guidance implementing expanded screening and vetting procedures for nonimmigrant visa applicants, including F-1 and J-1 student categories. These changes are part of broader efforts to enhance national security and ensure thorough review of applicants’ backgrounds prior to visa issuance. What is the new guidance? Expanded Online Presence Screening and Vetting Consular officers will begin conducting a comprehensive review of applicants’ publicly available online presence. This includes using all available…
Update from the ISS Director: Travel Restrictions
On June 4, 2025, a Presidential Proclamation was issued that restricts the entry of nationals from certain countries into the U.S. This entry ban went into effect at 12:01 am eastern daylight time on June 9, 2025 (9:01 pm Seattle time on June 08). These travel restrictions should not affect students already in the U.S. or who have a valid F-1 or J-1 visa on the effective date of the proclamation. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide…
Presidential Proclamation: Restricting Entry of Foreign Nationals
On June 04, 2025 U.S. President Donald Trump signed a presidential proclamation titled, “Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.” This proclamation establishes a full or partial entry ban on nationals from 19 countries with limited exceptions and goes into effect at 12:01 am eastern daylight time on June 9, 2025. Full Suspension of Entry Nationals, including all immigrant and nonimmigrant visa categories, from the…
Update from the ISS Director: F & J Visa News
ISS continues to carefully monitor any changes to federal F-1 and J-1 regulations. Although there have been recent announcements in the media about student visas, there have been no official changes to F or J federal immigration policies. If there are any official changes to the federal regulations, ISS will post it to our Government Updates page. We will also notify any impacted students directly by email if there are any official changes. Below are a few updates regarding recent…
Planning for Summer as an International Student
Please read the Update from the ISS Director for additional guidance regarding recent news related to student visas. The end of spring quarter is quickly approaching! We know many students are starting to make plans for the summer—whether that involves taking a break from school, working, traveling home, going somewhere new, or taking classes during summer quarter. Here are important updates and reminders to help you make informed decisions about your summer plans. ISS Continues to Monitor F-1 & J-1…
DHS to Screen Social Media Activity
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on April 9, 2025, that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) would begin considering social media activity of foreign nationals-including F and J visa holders—when evaluating immigration benefit applications. This could include applications for work authorization, change of status, or reinstatement. According to the DHS announcement, social media content that shows support for “antisemitic terrorism, violent antisemitic ideologies and antisemitic terrorist organizations” can be used as a negative factor in determining whether to approve…
Alert! Fake Embassy and Police Scam
A sophisticated phone scam involving individuals who falsely claim to represent the Chinese Embassy or police authorities continues to target international students. While this scam is not new, it continues to evolve and exploit fears about immigration, legal trouble, and international travel. Awareness is key to staying safe. What Happens: You get a call from someone claiming to be from the Chinese Embassy or police in China. They claim that you are under investigation for a crime. They pressure you…
What You Need to Know About REAL IDs
If you’re an F or J visa holder studying or working in the U.S., you may have heard about Real IDs. Starting May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card to fly within the United States. Here’s what you need to know as an international student to be prepared. What is REAL ID? Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 to enhance security standards for…