New US Immigration Directive Expands Screening: Affects Student & Exchange Visa Applicants
Affected Visa Categories F‑1 (Academic Student): Required to make all social media accounts public for vetting. Face more rigorous background checks for political activism or anti‑US sentiments. M‑1 (Vocational Student): Same public social media requirement and intense screening applied. J‑1 (Exchange Visitor): Includes participants in work-and-study, vocational, research, medical exchange, and cultural programs. Also subject to expanded vetting. Deployment Notes & Priorities Scheduling Pause: From May 27, consular posts halted new F, M, J visa appointments pending full implementation of screening guidance. Guidance Issued June 18: Consulates must resume appointments under new rules within 5 business days, prioritizing: Medical exchange participants (e.g., foreign doctors/physicians). Students at schools with <15% international students—smaller institutions get preference. Travel Ban Extensions A separate directive bans immigrant and non-immigrant visas (including F, M, J) for nationals from specific countries with high overstay rates or security […]