State Department Lifts Pause on Visa Processing

The State Department issued guidance instructing most international consulate offices to resume processing F, M and J student visas after a three-week pause. The guidance would not apply to the 19 countries affected by the travel ban to the U.S., and students from those countries remain barred from student visa processing.

The guidance requires comprehensive vetting by the U.S. government of all student visa applicants, including all social media accounts, to ensure they bear no ill will toward the U.S., its citizens, culture and government. Additionally, applicants must not have participated in any antisemitic harassment or violence, or have any involvement in terrorist activities. Further, a visa application can be stalled if an applicant does not have all social media accounts designated as “public” for inspection. Applications will be in limbo until the completion of the social media vetting.

The State Department will also closely monitor approved visas for international students who “overstay” their visa expirations. The guidance references FBI data reports of incidents of international students who come to the U.S. to steal technical information and exploit U.S. research and development.

While the visa processing just resumed earlier this week, campuses and students are already reporting that interviews are being scheduled at many consulates. The guidance also indicates that expedited visa applications should resume with priority status.

For more information, please contact:
Karin Johns