May 27, 2025, Washington, D.C.: Secretary of State Marco Rubio has directed
consulate officials to stop scheduling appointments for F-1, M-1 and J-1 student visa
applicants, as the Department of State prepares to implement a more comprehensive
social media vetting process.
According to reports published in news site Politico.com, the Trump Administration’s
cable to instructs U.S. Consulates as follows: “Effective immediately, in preparation for
an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should
not add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa appointment
capacity until further guidance is issued septel, which we anticipate in the coming days.”
(“Septel” is State Department shorthand for “separate telegram.”)
We note the following details for F-1 applicants:
- U.S. Consulate have not cancelled appointments for previously scheduled F-1,
M-1 and J-1 applicants. - Previously scheduled F-1, M-1 and J-1 visa applicants were required to undergo
social media screening by reporting social media accounts in Form DS-160. - Future applicants in those categories will have to undergo more detailed social
media screening. The scope of such vetting is not yet known at this time. - Additional screening and suspension of new appointments will inevitably cause
delays in visa appointments and visa approvals.
Donoso & Partners will continue to update its reports on this evolving new trend.