US Resumes Student Visa Interviews with Enhanced Screening.

On June 18, the US State Department issued a directive to all US embassies and consulates to resume scheduling interviews for F, M, and J visa applicants—primarily student visa categories. This marks the end of a nearly four-week pause in processing that began on May 27.

The suspension had raised concerns globally, especially as May to August is the peak period for US student visa issuance. In 2024 alone, 70% of student visas were granted during these months.

Along with the resumption, the State Department introduced enhanced screening protocols, requiring visa officers to review each applicant’s social media and online presence for signs of:

• Hostility toward US society, culture, government, or institutions

• Support for terrorism or threats to national security

• Unlawful antisemitic behavior or violence

• A pattern of political activism that may continue in the US

Applicants are now required to set their social media accounts to “public”, and officers must save screenshots of any concerning content. This extended scrutiny applies to both new and returning applicants.

While such findings won’t automatically lead to visa denial, officers are instructed to assess whether the applicant is likely to follow US laws and comply with the conditions of their visa status.

The directive acknowledges that processing capacity may be affected due to these new vetting requirements. As a result, some consular posts may handle fewer student visa applications than in previous years.

According to the State Department, these measures are intended to ensure all applicants are thoroughly vetted before entry into the United States.