Overview Effective September 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of State will significantly reduce the scope of the visa interview waiver program that has been in place in an expanded form since the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, most nonimmigrant visa applicants, including those renewing F-1, F-2, J-1, and J-2 visas, will be required to attend in-person interviews at U.S. consulates and embassies abroad. This change marks the end of the broad flexibility previously available to many international students. Changes will…
Category: Government Update
Government updates and notifications
Visa Reciprocity Updates
The U.S. Department of State has made recent updates to the visa reciprocity schedule that may impact F and J visa holders from certain countries. These updates change the validity period of visas and the number of permitted entries for citizens of certain countries. What Is Visa Reciprocity? Visa reciprocity refers to the practice of the U.S. government setting visa validity periods, number of entries, and associated fees based on how other countries treat U.S. citizens seeking similar visas. When…
Alert: Possible Online I-765 Filing Fee Error for OPT and STEM OPT Applicants
We have received reports that the online I-765 application may be incorrectly calculating the filing fee. If you’re an F-1 student applying for OPT or STEM OPT, this issue could affect your application process. About the Filing Fee Error Students have reported that the online I-765 application is not charging the correct filing fee. According to the USCIS Fee Schedule, filing an I-765 online with USCIS should cost $470. However, some students have reported being charged an additional $550 for…
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…
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…
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…
Clarifying Immigration Registration Requirements
On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14159 which introduces changes to U.S. immigration enforcement policies. The executive order clarifies registration requirements and processes for non-immigrants including those under the F or J status. The changes in this Executive Order are scheduled to take effect on April 11, 2025. What does the executive order do? Executive Order 14159 clarifies that the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) requires that non-immigrants 14 years of age or older who were…
Revised Visa Interview Waiver Policy Announced
On February 18, 2025, the Department of State announced an Interview Waiver Update that changes the eligibility requirements for nonimmigrant visa applicants who may qualify for an in-person visa interview waiver. Consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis or because of local conditions. Check the U.S. embassy or consulate in your region for detailed information about visa application requirements and procedures. What is the new policy? Consular officers have the authority and discretion to waive the…
DHS Announces Special Student Relief for Students from Lebanon
Summary On October 17, 2024 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Special Student Relief (SSR) to F-1 students from Lebanon experiencing economic hardship due to the current crisis in the country. The designation suspends certain on-campus and off-campus regulations from July 26, 2024 and is set to expire on January 25, 2026. What is Special Student Relief? Special Student Relief (SSR) is the suspension of specific immigration regulations for F-1 students who face unexpected hardship due to a situation…
DHS Extends Special Student Relief for Students from Somalia
Summary On July 19, 2024 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended Special Student Relief (SSR) to F-1 students from Somalia experiencing economic hardship due to the current crisis in the country. The designation suspends certain on-campus and off-campus regulations and is set to expire on March 17, 2026. What is Special Student Relief? Special Student Relief (SSR) is the suspension of specific immigration regulations for F-1 students who face unexpected hardship due to a situation in their home country….