On 18 June, the US State Department issued a directive to all American diplomatic posts abroad to resume scheduling interviews for F, M, and J visa applicants—those applying for student and exchange visitor visas. This decision ends a nearly four-week suspension in visa processing that began on 27 May.

The pause had raised growing concerns as it overlapped with the critical May-to-August period, when the majority of US student visas are typically issued. In 2024, for instance, 70% of all student visas were granted during these four months.

With processing now back underway, the State Department’s cable outlines new instructions requiring visa officers to conduct thorough online and social media reviews of all student visa applicants. Officers are directed to look for any signs of hostility toward American citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles. They are also to be alert for signs of support for foreign terrorist organizations, threats to national security, or advocacy of unlawful antisemitic harassment or violence. Applicants with a history of political activism are to be flagged, and officers are instructed to assess the likelihood that such activity might continue while the applicant is in the US.

The resumption of visa processing comes with added challenges, as consular posts will now need to manage a growing backlog of applications while also implementing more rigorous screening procedures. The cable acknowledges this, stating that consular posts should resume regular scheduling of FMJ visa interviews once the new vetting processes are in place. However, it cautions that the added workload may require a reduction in the number of cases processed compared to previous years.

The enhanced screening is not limited to social media platforms; it extends to any form of online presence, including publications or entries in online databases. Applicants are expected to set all social media accounts to public to facilitate the review process. Visa officers are required to retain screenshots of any concerning content as part of the applicant’s record. These new screening measures will apply to both first-time and returning applicants.

Importantly, the discovery of questionable online content does not automatically disqualify an applicant from receiving a visa. However, consular officers are instructed to evaluate whether the applicant is likely to comply with US laws and engage only in activities permitted under their nonimmigrant visa status.