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June 19, 2025: Resumption of F and J visa appointments

Updated: 6/27/2025

On June 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of State issued announcing that under newly released official guidance, consular officers will conduct a “comprehensive and thorough vetting” of all student and exchange visitor applicants, and that all applicants for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas will be required to adjust the privacy settings on all their social media profiles to “public.” The U.S. Department of State also stated that they have directed U.S. embassies and consulates to resume conducting student visas (F-1 and J-1) and Exchange Visitor (J-1) visa interviews and to reopen the scheduling of new visa appointments.

Due to this new guidance from the U.S. Department of State, U.S. embassies and consulates are required to conduct extensive social media vetting for all F, M, and J visa applicants. As a result, many visa applications may be initially refused under section 221(g) of the Immigration & Nationality Act (INA) and subject to “administrative processing” so that the consular officer may do the additional mandatory screening.Unfortunately, there’s no set timeline for how long the screening will take. ISSS knows the uncertainty can be frustrating, and we’re here to support students as best we can. In the meantime, a student subject to a 221(g) refusal should monitor their closely and respond to any requests from the embassy or consulate. Students can review the information on theISSS administrative processing website for general information on what a refusal under 221(g) of the INA means.

ISSS is closely monitoring the situation. Even with this updated information, given the fast-changing nature of current immigration policies, we strongly advise current 鶹ѰBoulder international students and scholars in F-1 or J-1 status toreconsider any international travel plans.

We encourage all students and scholars to:

ISSS will share updates as soon as more information becomes available.