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

When Do Sponsor Obligations End Under Form I-864?

United States Announces New Visa Policies Targeting Chinese Nationals

U.S. Consulate in Hong Kong Announces New Policy for Immigrant Visa Applicants

our services

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

Latest News

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

The United States Supreme Court has given President Donald Trump’s Executive Order (“EO”) curbing birthright citizenship a partial victory. The ruling does not impact “Birthright Citizenship” but rather restricts district court judges from issuing nation-wide (or “universal”) injunctions against Executive Orders. In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court held that lower federal court judges who issued nationwide injunctions against the EO went too far and granted the Trump Administration’s request to narrow the injunctions issued in Maryland, Washington and Massachusetts. While the Supreme Court’s ruling was a dramatic shift in how lower federal court judges have operated for years, the decision left enough room for challengers to the EO to prevent it from taking effect while litigation works its way through the federal court system. Specifically, the EO, which also suffered a setback by the Federal Court of Appeals will remain blocked for an additional thirty (30) days) allowing the

When Do Sponsor Obligations End Under Form I-864?

For immigrants to the United States, the Form I-864, Affidavit of Support (“Form I-864”), is a critical part of the family-based immigration process. It is a legally enforceable contract in which a sponsor agrees to financially support the intended immigrant, helping ensure that the immigrant does not rely on certain U.S. government benefits after becoming a permanent resident. By signing Form I-864, the sponsor takes on long-term financial responsibility, but this obligation is not indefinite. The U.S. government outlines specific situations under which the sponsor’s duties come to an end. When Will These Obligations End? A sponsors obligations under a Form I-864 end when the sponsored immigrant: A sponsor’s obligations under a Form I-864 also end if the sponsor dies. As such, the sponsor’s estate is not required to take responsibility for the sponsored immigrant following the sponsor’s death. Divorce does not terminate the responsibility, and if the sponsor dies,

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