May 30, 2025

DOS Suspends F M and J Student Visa Interviews to Expand Social Media Vetting Process

The United States Department of State (“DOS”) has ordered all Embassies and Consulates to stop scheduling new appointments for applicants applying for F, M, and J student visas.

In a released cable, DOS Secretary Marco Rubio said that the suspension is in place because DOS plans to expand the screening process of applicants’ social media.

“The Department is conducting a review of existing operations and processes for screening and vetting of student and exchange visitor (F, M, J) visa applicants, and based on that review, plans to issue guidance on expanded social media vetting for all such applicants,” commented Rubio on a signed cable.

“Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consulate sections should not add any extra student or exchange visitor visa appointment capacity,” Rubio continued.

According to the Associated Press, a DOS official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that the halt is temporary and it does not apply to those who already have their interviews scheduled. It is unclear on how long the hold will last as well as if there will be any exemptions such as those applying for F, M, or J visa renewals as well as those who are eligible for interview waivers.

Affected applicants are encouraged to stay informed and proactive including the following:

Check Embassy and Consulate websites for regular updates on interview scheduling;
Remain in communication with your international student office. These offices can help affected applicants with guidance and documentation. Many schools offer late arrival support letters that may help if your F, M, or J visa is delayed. Some colleges and universities also allow students to defer their enrollment to a later term without penalty.
Be cautious on social media. While social media vetting has been ongoing since 2019, the U.S. government as a whole has been taking a much aggressive approach such as screening for antisemitism.
Document everything. Save communication records with your school and Embassy or Consulate in the event that delays impact your program start date or immigration status.

For more information and to consult with a U.S. immigration attorney contact us at info@enterlinepartners.com.

ENTERLINE & PARTNERS CONSULTING  

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Office  

146C7 Nguyen Van Huong St, Thao Dien Ward,  
District 2, Thu Duc City  
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam  

Tel: +84 933 301 488  
Email: info@enterlinepartners.com  
Facebook: Enterline & Partners – Dịch vụ Thị thực và Định cư Hoa Kỳ  
YouTube: @EnterlineAndPartnersConsulting  
Website: http://enterlinepartners.com  

Manila, Philippines Office  

LKG Tower 37th Floor 
6801 Ayala Avenue  
Makati City, Philippines 1226  

Tel: +63 917 543 7926  
Email: info@enterlinepartners.com  
Facebook: Enterline and Partners Philippines  
Website: https://enterlinepartners.com/language/en/welcome/  

Copyright 2025. This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This article may be changed with or without notice. The opinions expressed in this article are those of Enterline & Partners only. 

Categories: DOS, social media, Student Visa, U.S. Department of State

Tags: f visa, J visa, m visa, social media, student visa

What is a Form I-130A Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary?

Congratulations to David Enterline – 30 years since becoming an American Immigration Lawyers Association (“AILA”) member

Enterline and Partners Successfully Expedites I-130 Petition with Direct Consular Filing at the U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City

Supreme Court Hands the Trump Administration a Partial Victory in Ongoing Birthright Citizenship Litigation

our services

Over 18,000 successful customers with Enterline &
Partners, realizing the dream of immigration

Latest News

How Can My Relatives and Dependents Help Me Meet the Income Requirements for the Affidavit of Support?

For individuals seeking lawful permanent residency while remaining in the United States, the Adjustment of Status (AOS) process offers a pathway to obtain a Green Card without leaving the country. In family-based immigration scenarios, a pivotal element of this process is the Form I-864, Affidavit of Support (“Form I-864”). This document creates a legal obligation between the Sponsor and the U.S. The Sponsor agrees to provide financial support to the immigrant (“Beneficiary”), ensuring they will not become reliant on government assistance. By submitting this affidavit, the Sponsor is contractually bound to undertake financial responsibility to ensure that the Beneficiary does not become a public charge. If Sponsor’s income falls short of the U.S. government’s minimum financial requirements for the Beneficiary, the Sponsor may be able to include the income of certain household members or dependents — but only if they meet specific criteria and agree to share legal responsibility. Income

What is a Form I-130A Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary?

A Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary (“Form I-130A”) is a supplemental form that is submitted with a Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative and supplemental documentation to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). A Form I-130A is only required when a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (“Green Card Holder”) is petitioning his or her foreign spouse. A Form I-130A is not required for all other Form I-130 filings, for example, for parents and children. The Form I-130A asks for specific information related to the foreign spouse. This includes the names, place of birth, and birth dates of his or her parents; previous and current addresses, previous marriages (if any); and other questions which the foreign spouse must answer truthfully. Once completed and submitted with the accompanying Form I-130 Petition, USCIS will commence processing. If USCIS determines that any additional information is needed, it will send

Congratulations to David Enterline – 30 years since becoming an American Immigration Lawyers Association (“AILA”) member

Congratulations to Enterline and Partners’ David Enterline who has reached a 30 year anniversary of first becoming an American Immigration Lawyers Association (“AILA”) member. AILA is the 16,000+ association of U.S. and international lawyers who practice U.S. immigration law. During his membership, David has been active as a member in the Asia-Pacific Chapter serving in various roles of leadership in the Chapter. Both David and partner Ryan Barshop are active members and often speak at regional and national AILA events on various immigration topics. If you have question about U.S. visas and immigration, please contact us at info@enterlinepartners.com. ENTERLINE & PARTNERS CONSULTING Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Office 146C7 Nguyen Van Huong St, Thao Dien Ward,District 2, Thu Duc CityHo Chi Minh City, Vietnam Tel: +84 933 301 488Email: info@enterlinepartners.comFacebook: Enterline & Partners – Dịch vụ Thị thực và Định cư Hoa KỳYouTube: @EnterlineAndPartnersConsultingWebsite: http://enterlinepartners.com Manila, Philippines Office LKG Tower 37th Floor 6801 Ayala

DOS Suspends F M and J Student Visa Interviews to Expand Social Media Vetting Process

CATEGORY

Over 18,000 successful customers with Enterline &Partners, realizing the dream of immigration

Latest News

Over 18,000 successful customers with Enterline &
Partners, realizing the dream of immigration