Temporary suspension of international student visa interviews at U.S. consulates abroad
According to a cable obtained by the media in late May, the federal government ordered U.S. embassies and consular posts to temporarily pause scheduling new visa appointments for F and J visas until the Department of State issued guidance on vetting social media of visa applicants. On June 18, 2025 the Department of State announced that it has issued the guidance on social media vetting and that consular posts worldwide will resume scheduling visa appointments for F and J applicants "soon". It is important to note that the State Department announcement states that applicants will be instructed to adjust privacy settings on all social media accounts to "public".
Students should submit appointment requests as soon as you are able, and regularly check the specific consular post website for any updates. We encourage students to communicate with OVIS regarding any delays or other issues they experience in scheduling appointments.
OVIS is closely monitoring this situation and will provide updates. It is too early to know how this change in policy will impact visa appointment availability and visa processing times. Current students and J-1 exchange visitors who are planning international travel and need to renew their visa should consider the risk that they may not be able to secure a visa appointment in time to return for scheduled Dartmouth activities.