On May 27, 2025, POLITICO reported that the Trump administration has temporarily halted new student and exchange visitor visa interviews at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide. This move is in preparation for a potential policy change that would mandate an expansion of social media screening for all foreign students applying to study in the United States.

According to a diplomatic cable signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the State Department has instructed embassies and consulates to pause scheduling new interviews for F, M and J visa applicants. Appointments already scheduled may continue under the current guidelines, but any remaining available appointments will be removed. This directive marks a significant escalation in immigration screening procedures, building upon previous vetting practices that focused more narrowly on certain individuals. 

The administration is reportedly considering this broader screening as part of its efforts to bolster national security and prevent the entry of individuals deemed a potential threat. However, the exact parameters for evaluating social media content have not been disclosed.

A temporary halt on scheduling new visa interviews for F M, and J applicants may cause significant delays in processing times, particularly during peak academic admission periods. This disruption may lead to a growing backlog of unprocessed applications, making it difficult for students to secure visas in time for the start of their academic programs in the United States. Further, universities, many of which rely significantly on international enrollment, may be increasingly concerned about the potential impact on future institutional planning. 

What This Means for Visa Applicants

If you are planning to apply for a U.S. visa (F, M or J) or are already in the process, this potential policy change may affect your timeline and required documentation. Our immigration law team at Reddy Neumann Brown PC is closely monitoring this development. If you have concerns about how this might impact your visa application, you can schedule a consultation with one of our experience immigration attorneys.

By: Krystal Alanis

Krystal Alanis is a Partner at Reddy Neumann Brown PC and manages the firm’s PERM Labor Certification Department, where she oversees all EB-2 and EB-3 employment-based green card matters. Krystal guides clients from a variety of industries through the maze of the PERM Labor certification process and has handled thousands of PERM applications throughout her career with Reddy Neumann Brown PC. Krystal also guides employers and individuals through the I-140 and Adjustment of Status process, and assists clients with temporary work visa petitions (e.g., H-1B, TN, L-1, E-2). With over 13 years of immigration experience, Krystal is able to advise her clients with confidence and recognize any potential pitfalls that may arise.