Suspension on F-1/J-1 Visa Interviews Lifted
On June 19, 2025, the U.S. Department of State has announced appointments for F-1 and J-1 student and exchange visitor visa applicants will resume at embassies/consulates soon. This update follows the temporary pause in visa interview scheduling that was announced at the end of May as the Department of State implemented screening and vetting processes.
What This Means for Students and Scholars
- F-1 and J-1 visa interview appointments may now be scheduled again, though availability may vary by location depending on local conditions and operational capacity as new vetting procedures are implemented.
- Students and scholars with upcoming program start dates are advised to monitor their local U.S. embassy or consulate websitefor specific guidance on appointment availability and procedures.
ISSS will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information becomes available. We encourage students and scholars to check this webpage regularly and contact ISSS if they have urgent concerns regarding visa processing or arrival timelines.
Resources:
- U.S. Department of State – June 19, 2025 Announcement
- U.S. Embassy and Consulate Directory
- NAFSA: Student and Exchange Visitor Visa Appointment Capacity and DOS Guidance on Expanded Social Media Screening
For questions or support, please contact ISSS at international@utah.edu.
Disclaimer
This news is not a substitute for legal advice nor international student advisors are immigration lawyers. For complex situations, we encourage individuals to discuss with an immigration attorney. The International Student and Scholar Services provides a list of immigration attorneys as a resource. The University of Utah does not recommend or endorse any particular immigration attorney(s). Individuals are responsible for selecting and vetting the attorney of their choice for their particular legal needs.