Category: Government Update

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…

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 a.m. eastern daylight time on June 9, 2025. Full Suspension of Entry Nationals, including all immigrant and nonimmigrant visa categories, from the…

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…

​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…

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…