On May 27, 2025, a diplomatic cable signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered all U.S. embassies and consular posts to cease scheduling new visa interviews for international students and exchange visitors seeking F, M and/or J visas. The cable states “Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued . . ., which we anticipate in the coming days.”
Individuals in F, M or J status who are currently in the US and would need a valid visa stamp in order to return to the US should consider deferring international travel until further information is available. Currently, specifics of the updated additional screening measures are unknown. However, per the Executive Orders 14161 Protecting the US from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats and 14188 Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism, certain F, M and J visa applicants must be referred to the Fraud Prevention Unit for a mandatory social media screening before a visa may be issued. Other communications from the Department of Homeland Security reference inter-agency mandates for “social media vetting for anti-Americanism to consider social media content that indicates an alien endorsing, espousing, promoting, or supporting antisemitic terrorism, antisemitic terrorist organizations, or other antisemitic or anti-American activity as a negative factor.”
At the time of this writing it appears that visa appointments booked prior to the announcement on May 27 will be honored. However, it is advisable to review information on consular websites for changes.
F-1 visas are for international students attending a full-time academic program at an accredited US college or university. M-1 visas are for international students pursuing vocational or technical training at a nonacademic institution in the US. J-1 exchange visitor visas have many subcategories, ranging from au pairs and camp counselors to post-doctoral research scholars and physicians/ international medical graduates.
The suspension of visa interviews in the above categories is likely to significantly slow student visa processing and may make it difficult for students to receive visas in time for the commencement of classes. It is also likely to impact the onboarding and/or resumption of employment in the US of postdoctoral researchers and physicians. Employers should consider the potential impact of international travel of any F, M or J visa holder, as this may impact their ability to return from international conferences and other business-related travel.
Student and exchange visitor applicants should consult with an attorney prior to international travel. LAC will continue to monitor the situation and update clients as changes occur.
This update was prepared by Fausta M. Albi, Partner, Larrabee Albi Coker LLP.
Legal Disclaimer: This post is provided for informational purposes only and does not substitute for legal advice based on the circumstances of a specific matter. Immigration laws and policies change frequently, often without notice. It is therefore important to seek direct legal counsel based upon individual circumstances.