Consular Posts to Resume F, J, and M Visa Appointments with Expanded Screening

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) recently announced that U.S. consular posts soon will resume scheduling visa appointments for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visa applicants. The resumption comes alongside the implementation of expanded screening and vetting procedures that will include comprehensive review of applicants’ online presence and require all social media profiles to be set to “public” status.

Social Media Review Requirement

Under the new guidance, the DOS will conduct additional vetting of all F, M, and J visa applicants, including review of their online presence. To facilitate this expanded screening process, all applicants for student and exchange visitor visas will be required to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to public status.

Visa Appointment Scheduling to Resume

The State Department confirmed that overseas posts will resume scheduling F, M, and J nonimmigrant visa appointments “soon.” Applicants are advised to check their relevant embassy or consulate website for appointment availability as scheduling resumes. This resumption of appointment scheduling is expected to provide relief to thousands of prospective students and exchange visitors who have been waiting to schedule their visa interviews.

Conclusion

While the expanded screening requirements may cause privacy concerns for applicants, the resumption of visa appointment scheduling offers hope for those who have been waiting to begin or continue the visa application process. Prospective applicants should prepare to comply with the social media disclosure requirements and monitor their local embassy or consulate for appointment availability updates.

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