U.S. Visa Changes 2025: What International Students Should Know

Starting May 27, 2025, the U.S. Department of State temporarily stopped new interviews for student visas (F-1, M-1) and exchange visitor visas (J-1) around the world.

The pause lasted about six weeks — until June 18, 2025 — and was connected to new background checks that now include social media activity.

What has changed

• Social media screening: From now on, U.S. embassies and consulates will check applicants’ social media profiles such as Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), TikTok, and LinkedIn as part of the visa process.

• Interview pause lifted: Visa interviews restarted in mid-June, but with stricter screening rules and longer waiting times.

• Old appointments remain valid: If your interview was already confirmed before May 27, it was still processed under the previous rules.

  
  

What it means for applicants and companies

Visa processing in the United States may now take longer because of additional background and social media checks. Even small details online — such as old posts, public comments, or personal connections — can influence the final decision of the embassy. For students and interns who planned to travel to the U.S., it is now important to prepare alternative options such as Canada, the United Kingdom, or European countries, where visa rules remain more stable and predictable.

GLW recommendations

• Review all social media accounts before applying. Remove or hide any content that could be misinterpreted.

• Always prepare a second option — another country for study or internship — in case of U.S. visa delays.

• Contact GLW for professional help: we support agencies, companies, and applicants with full document preparation and visa strategy planning.

  
  

Conclusion

The U.S. decision to pause and then restart student and exchange visa interviews shows how fast immigration policies can change. Today, digital activity plays an important role in visa approval.

For agencies and applicants, success now depends on flexibility, careful preparation, and expert support. Get Legal Work (GLW) monitors all major visa and migration updates to help partners and candidates stay compliant and ready for changes.