The State Department has announced new guidance regarding the visa process for student and exchange visitor applicants under the F, M, and J classifications. The department is implementing enhanced vetting procedures, including a review of online presence, which will require more processing time. As a result, the capacity to offer expedited appointments in these categories has been significantly reduced.
Expedited appointments are now generally available only for applicants facing humanitarian emergencies. An appointment cannot be expedited solely because a program start date precedes a scheduled appointment.
The department routinely reviews its appointment capacity and adds slots as resources permit. Applicants are encouraged to frequently check the appointment website for earlier openings, though it is noted that demand exceeds current capacity.
For interview preparation, applicants must ensure their program start date on the I-20 form (for F or M visas) or DS-2019 form (for J visas) is valid. If necessary, they should request an updated form from their program sponsor if the start date has passed.
Additionally, all F, M, and J visa applicants are requested to adjust privacy settings on social media profiles to "public" to facilitate the vetting process. Failure to comply may lead to processing delays or refusal of applications.
The State Department acknowledges the challenges posed by these requirements and appreciates cooperation in maintaining visa process integrity.