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 association and colleagues at peer institutions across the U.S.
Expansion of Social Media Vetting
Embassies and consulates worldwide have been instructed to conduct comprehensive reviews of an F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrant visa applicant’s online information in the visa screening process. According to details from the copy of the cable sent to consulates, this process includes:
- Asking applicants to make all social media accounts public during the visa process.
- Reviewing publicly available information on social media, search engine results, and open-source content.
- Temporarily refusing a visa if further social media review is needed.
Consular officers may view applicants who don’t provide public access to their accounts as withholding information. Visa issuance will proceed after the review is complete.
Visa Interview Appointments Resume
The press release by the Department of State stated F and J nonimmigrant visa scheduling would resume soon. The statement also indicated that applicants should “check the relevant embassy or consulate website for appointment availability.” Based on a variety of sources and details from the copy of the cable sent to consulates, embassies and consulates were instructed to implement the new vetting procedures “within 5 business days” and to “resume regular scheduling of FMJ visa applications once these actions requests are implemented.”
We are seeing reports from various regions around the world that visa interview scheduling is starting to appear online for dates in July and August. The new vetting process will likely reduce scheduling capacity and the number of visa appointments due to the resource-intensive nature of the expanded screening requirements. Longer appointment wait and visa processing times could result. Check the individual embassy or consulate website for the most up to date visa information and consult the Global Visa Wait Times for an estimated wait time of specific visa categories.
Interviews and Administrative Processing
The expanded social media vetting process applies to all F and J visa applicants, new and returning. According to reports, visa officers will conduct a standard intake and interview for initial visa eligibility. This is the pre-existing standard process that involves a consular officer examining the applicant’s visa application (Form DS-160), supporting evidence (if requested), and information gathered during the visa interview.
The consular officer can make the determination for visa eligibility if there is sufficient evidence. If the officer needs more time to complete a social media or online presence review—even when the applicant otherwise qualifies—they may issue a 221(g) refusal, placing the application under Administrative Processing. This temporary hold allows consular officers to conduct further review before a final decision.
As part of this process, applicants may be asked to make their social media accounts public. According to the cable sent to consulates, “limited access to, or visibility of, online presence could be construed as an effort to evade or hide certain activity.” Once applicants make their accounts public, the consular officer can complete the review and issue the visa decision.
Visa Denials & Reminders
Many students and departments have asked whether there has been an increase in visa denials or noticeable trends in refusals. Although students do not need to report visa denials to ISS or any UW office, we have gathered some information over the last few months. At this time, we are not seeing a rise in denials or any consistent patterns.
If the consular officer refuses your visa, they should provide a written explanation. A list of common visa denial reasons, codes, and ineligibilities is available on the U.S. Department of State website. ISS encourages new students whose visas are denied to notify their admissions unit or academic program. They may be able to help assess your situation, offer next steps, and coordinate with ISS or other campus offices if needed. Sharing your experience can also help the university better understand trends.
There has been significant media attention on student visa processing this year, which we know can lead to increased stress and anxiety, especially during the busy summer months. Our advice: always be truthful during your visa application and interview.
- Don’t try to guess what the consular officer wants to hear.
- Don’t rely on advice from others or copy answers from someone else’s interview.
- Visa interviews are often brief and may include unexpected questions. The best answer is always your honest answer.
Remember that autumn classes at UW begin on September 24, giving new and returning students time to secure a visa. You have through at least mid-September to schedule a visa appointment. We understand the process can feel stressful, but continue to check appointment availability frequently, and remember: you still have time. If you are currently in the U.S. and considering traveling home to renew your visa this summer, we strongly recommend you meet with an ISS advisor to discuss the risks before making travel plans.