International Students And Faculty Feel Impact As New F-1, M-1, and J-1 Visa Interviews Are Suspended: Here’s What Schools Should Do Now

In a sudden move last week, the State Department stopped scheduling new visa interviews for international students and exchange visitors while it rolls out enhanced social media screening procedures. The suspension, which began May 27, affects anyone seeking F (academic student), M (vocational student), and J (exchange visitor) visas, and throws a wrench in the plans of many international students, as well as faculty participating in an exchange visitor program. Here’s what this means for your school and what administrators should consider doing now.

Good News First

International students and faculty who already have visa interviews scheduled don't have to worry at this point. Their appointments are still good to go. The State Department confirmed that they will honor existing appointments.

Practical Pointer: Ensure they are aware of any updates from the State Department and have all required documentation ready for their appointment.

The Tough Part

Students and faculty who haven’t yet booked their visa interview will be stuck waiting, and it’s unclear for how long. As a result, this could seriously affect people who had planned to start a program in Summer or Fall 2025.

Practical Pointer: We recommend staying in close contact with your affected students and faculty as they will need support during this time.

Summer Travel Warning

While current visa holders are not affected, they should think twice before traveling abroad, especially if their visas are expired. Since there is no way to schedule new visa appointments, they could get stuck overseas longer than planned.

Practical Pointer: If they do decide to travel, ensure they know exactly what documents they should bring with them while traveling: Current passport Valid visa (F-1, J-1, or M-1) Form I-20 or DS-2019 SEVIS fee receipt Enrollment/employment letter Financial documents

The Social Media Factor

Here's what's driving the change: The federal government is taking a much closer look at visa applicants' social media presence. The State Department has been collecting this information for a while, but now it’s being used in the decision-making process – and sometimes visas are revoked without warning based on what is found online.

People may not know their visas have been revoked until they travel and try to reenter the US or try to renew their visas abroad. As noted above, those who are in the US with a valid I-94 are not affected, but if their visa is revoked, it can cause major headaches for future travel and visa applications.

Practical Pointer: Schools may want to consider hosting information sessions to help their international students and staff understand these risks and manage their social media presence wisely. Click here for what employers and educational institutions need to know about revocation of student visas.

Looking Ahead

While this is supposedly temporary, we could be looking at weeks or months of delays, which might affect Fall 2025 student enrollment and start dates for new international teachers.

Practical Pointer: Start making backup plans now – you will be glad you did. Stay updated by reading our Education Industry Group Insights here.

Conclusion

If you have any questions about these developments or how they may affect your workplace or your school, please contact your Fisher Phillips attorney, the authors of this Insight, or any attorney on our Education Team or Immigration Team.

Reach out to Fisher Phillips’ new Rapid Response Team (877-483-7781 or DHSRaid@fisherphillips.com) in cases of emergency. Visit our New Administration Resource Center for Employers to review all our thought leadership and practical resources, and make sure you are subscribed to Fisher Phillips’ Insight System to get the most up-to-date information.