United States – The U.S. Department of State has issued a directive to all U.S. embassies and consulates to resume scheduling student visa interviews (F, M, and J categories) effective 18 June 2025, formally ending a processing pause that began on 27 May and extended nearly four weeks into the peak visa season.

• The pause, which impacted both first-time and returning applicants for U.S. student and exchange visitor visas, came during a critical application window—May to August—when the majority of U.S. student visas are typically issued.

• In 2024, 70% of all U.S. student visas were issued during this four-month period, underlining the importance of timely processing for incoming international students

• Along with the resumption of interview scheduling, the State Department has implemented new screening guidelines requiring consular officers to assess applicants’ social media and online presence.

• Student visa applicants are also advised to ensure their social media accounts are set to “public” to allow proper review by visa authorities.

Source: US Department of State