FAQs: Temporary Pause on Scheduling New F, M, and J Visa Interviews

In the wake of evolving global security concerns and the growing use of social media as a communication tool, the U.S. Department of State has intensified its vetting process for non-immigrant visa applicants—including those seeking student (F-1 and J-1) visas.

Visa Interview Pause

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about the recent temporary pause on visa interviews.

What is the U.S. Department of State reportedly doing?

• The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has reportedly ordered U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide to temporarily pause adding additional visa appointment capacity for certain student and exchange visitor visas.

Which visa types are specifically affected by this temporary pause?

• The temporary pause specifically affects the F, M, and J visa categories.

• These categories cover academic programs (F), vocational programs (M), and exchange visitor programs (J).

• This includes individuals applying for the J-1 Teacher Exchange program, as it falls under the broader J visa category for exchange visitors.

What does "temporarily pause adding additional visa appointment capacity" mean? Does it affect existing appointments?

• The instruction is to not "add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa appointment capacity".

• Sources indicate that this temporary pause likely does not affect visa appointments that have already been scheduled. Applicants with existing appointments should plan to attend them as scheduled.

• It appears to primarily affect the availability of new appointment slots and capacity that would normally be added periodically to meet demand.

Why is this temporary pause happening?

• The pause is in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting for student and exchange visitor applicants.

• The cable reportedly stated that this expanded screening would have "significant implications" for the operations of embassies and consulates, making a pause on new appointments necessary.

• The move is reportedly part of a broader strategy to tighten immigration controls, linked to national security concerns and combating antisemitism.

What is the expected timeframe of this pause and when will new interviews resume?

• The pause is effective immediately.

• It will last "until further guidance is issued" by the Department of State.

• This further guidance is anticipated "in the coming days". The term "septel" used in the cable indicates this guidance will come via a separate telegram soon.

• While described as temporary, an extended pause may result in processing delays that could affect students' ability to enroll for upcoming terms.

What is "social media screening and vetting"?

• Social media vetting essentially involves the examination of visa applicants’ social media profiles, posts, and online activity to assess their eligibility and potential risks before granting entry into the United States.

• The use of social media screening in visa adjudications is not new; since 2019, most visa applicants have been required to disclose social media identifiers on Form DS-160.

• The current shift signals a wider and more structured vetting process for all new applicants.

• While the specific details of the "expansion of required social media screening and vetting" are not public, recent reports suggest that DOS is relying more heavily on this data, potentially leading to visa revocations based on online activity.

• The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has also stated that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will consider applicants' antisemitic activity on social media and physical harassment of Jewish individuals as grounds for denying immigration benefits.

What has the State Department said publicly about this?

• State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce has stated that they do not discuss leaked material like the cable.

• However, they have emphasized that they use "every tool" in their tool chest to vet anyone coming into the country, and every sovereign country has a right to know who is trying to come in and why.

• A State Department official confirmed the cable's accuracy to CBS News.

• Officials state that every visa adjudication is a national security decision.

• The State Department has declined to elaborate on the specific nature of the additional vetting measures, citing concerns that disclosing the methods could be "counterproductive".

What should applicants who need a new visa appointment do?

• If you are an incoming or current F or J student or scholar and need to schedule a visa interview, you should complete and submit the DS-160 as soon as possible.

• After submitting the DS-160, you should check the U.S. Embassy/Consulate’s website and/or social media accounts regularly for updates on interview scheduling.

• If there is no current visa interview availability, continue to check regularly as new capacity may be added once guidance is issued.

Does this affect scholars applying for other visa types like H-1B, O-1, or E-3?

• It is currently unclear whether scholars applying for other types of visas, including but not limited to H-1B, O-1, and E-3, will be affected by this development.

• It is recommended that scholars applying for these other visa types proceed with their visa applications as planned and contact their adviser if they encounter issues.

What about applicants eligible for a visa interview waiver?

• It is not yet known how this news will affect visa processing for students and scholars who are eligible for a visa interview waiver and need to apply by dropping off documents.

• If you have been granted a visa interview waiver and received instructions on dropping off your documents, please proceed as instructed.

How can applicants prepare for potential social media scrutiny?

• Applicants should be aware that their social media presence can be scrutinized during visa applications.

• You should evaluate your risk regarding your social media presence and digital footprint to determine what, if any, action you should take before applying for a visa or traveling.

• Schools can help educate students by providing information on the possible impact of politically sensitive content and advising on managing online presence.

• Connecting students to government guidance on data access and reliable resources from organizations like AILA is also helpful.

• If you are seriously concerned about your social media or internet presence, you should speak to an experienced immigration attorney to help you consider your plans. Given the increased scrutiny and potential for revocations, consulting immigration counsel before travel or new applications is advised.

Could this lead to processing delays?

• Yes, while the suspension is described as temporary, an extended pause may result in processing delays that could affect international students’ ability to enroll for upcoming terms.

Key Implications for Schools

The temporary pause in scheduling new F, M, and J visa interviews directly impacts schools hiring J-1 teachers.

Here's what this pause means for them:

1. Included in the Pause: The directive to temporarily pause adding additional visa appointment capacity for F, M, and J visas explicitly includes the J-1 program categories, which cover individuals like teachers.

   
   

2. Impact on New Appointments: The pause means that U.S. embassies and consulates are instructed not to add new F, M, and J visa appointment slots to their calendars. This effectively prevents new J-1 teacher applicants who do not already have an appointment from scheduling one until further guidance is issued.

   
   

3. Uncertainty and Potential Delays: This action creates uncertainty for districts that hire teachers from outside the country. Even though the pause is described as temporary and further guidance is anticipated "in the coming days", any kind of delay in setting up new J-1 visa appointments could impact some districts’ ability to get teachers in the classroom on time for the beginning of the new school year.

   
   

4. Specific Concerns for Relying Districts: For districts that rely heavily on hiring J-1 teachers, especially those in rural areas facing recruitment and retention challenges, this pause is particularly "nerve-wracking". A superintendent shared concerns that new J-1 visa teachers who have been extended offer letters might not be approved in time or could arrive after the first day of school, potentially leading to larger class sizes. Schools are currently putting together their staffing contracts for the upcoming school year, making the timing of this delay critical.

   
   

5. Reason for the Pause: The pause is in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting for student and exchange visitor applicants, including J-1 teachers. This expanded screening is anticipated to have "significant implications" for consular operations, making the temporary pause necessary.

   
   

6. Current Situation for Applicants:

   • Applicants who already have a visa interview scheduled should plan to attend it as expected, as sources indicate existing appointments are not affected by this pause.

   • Applicants who need to schedule a new appointment are currently unable to add new capacity and should monitor the U.S. Embassy/Consulate's website for updates on scheduling availability. They should also submit their DS-160 and request their DS-2019 as soon as possible.

     
     

7. Potential for Longer Delays: While officials describe the pause as temporary and short, experience with changes in consular guidance suggests that delays could be longer due to factors such as the time needed to develop procedures and criteria for the new social media vetting, train staff, and existing staffing cuts at consulates.

In essence, the pause means that schools hoping to bring in new J-1 teachers who haven't yet scheduled their visa interviews face an indefinite waiting period, which could jeopardize their ability to fill teaching positions by the start of the school year.

Editorial

Reliance on temporary hires may fill immediate vacancies, but it often undermines student achievement, disrupts classroom continuity, and strains school culture as educators rotate in and out each year. When schools depend too heavily on short-term staffing solutions—whether through guest teachers, year-long contracts, or exchange visas—they sacrifice the long-term relationships, institutional knowledge, and consistent instructional quality that drive real academic growth.

To break this cycle, school leaders must shift their focus from quick fixes to sustainable strategies: developing robust recruitment pipelines, investing in comprehensive onboarding and professional development, and partnering with organizations dedicated to placing committed educators who will grow alongside their communities. By thinking long-term, administrators can transform temporary staffing challenges into lasting opportunities for stability and excellence.

The H-1B Solution

By allowing U.S. schools to sponsor qualified international educators for multi-year work authorization with a clear path to permanent residency, the H-1B visa addresses staffing shortages sustainably. Unlike short-term exchange programs, H-1B teachers commit to at least three years of employment, often extending to six years or more. This stability fosters stronger classroom relationships and community ties.

H-1B candidates undergo rigorous credential evaluations and English proficiency screenings, ensuring schools hire highly qualified professionals. With the opportunity to transition to green card status, H-1B educators are motivated to invest in their careers, take on leadership roles, and mentor new teachers.

This continuity enhances student outcomes and reduces recruitment costs while fostering a dedicated workforce. By strategically leveraging H-1B sponsorship and providing strong retention and onboarding support, schools can transform staffing challenges into a stable, high-quality teaching force.

During these unpredictable times, schools must remain proactive by closely following updates from the State Department, maintaining clear communication with consular posts, and exploring alternative options, such as H-1B sponsorship, to ensure a continuous flow of qualified educators. By combining strong long-term recruitment strategies with adaptable contingency plans, districts can mitigate the risks linked to temporary interruptions and evolving vetting requirements. Ultimately, institutions that brace for policy changes, invest in sustainable staffing partnerships, and support their international teachers throughout the visa process will be best positioned to guarantee instructional continuity and foster lasting academic success.

References:

Government scrutiny of digital footprint and social media. (2025, June 4). NAFSA. https://www.nafsa.org/regulatory-information/government-scrutiny-digital-footprint-and-social-media

Ogsadvising. (2025, June 5). U.S. Department of State pauses new visa issuance - Office of Global Services. Office of Global Services. https://international.northeastern.edu/ogs/u-s-department-of-state-pauses-new-visa-issuance/

University of Wisconsin–Madison. (2025, May 28). U.S. Department of State reportedly suspends visa appointments. WISC International Student Services International Division. https://iss.wisc.edu/u-s-department-of-state-reportedly-suspends-visa-appointments/

Visa delays | International Services. (n.d.). https://international.globallearning.cornell.edu/getting-started/visa-delays

International student visa interviews halted for expanded social media screening. (n.d.). https://www.hollandhart.com/international-student-visa-interviews-halted-for-expanded-social-media-screening