This could significantly impact international students' chances of studying in the US
The US State Department has resumed processing student visa applications after a temporary suspension but now requires all foreign applicants to make their social media accounts public for government review. This policy allows consular officers to examine posts for content potentially hostile to American values, institutions, or founding principles. Applicants must adjust privacy settings on all social media profiles to "public" to facilitate comprehensive vetting by consular officers.
The enhanced screening focuses on identifying potential national security threats, with support for groups like Hamas specifically listed as concerning content. The consular vetting process adds another layer to the already comprehensive vetting process for student visa applicants, including thorough vetting of all student and exchange visitor applicants. Beyond social media reviews, the process requires substantial documentation, including Form I-20 from the SEVP-approved school, a birth certificate and academic transcripts, financial records proving legally obtained funds, digital fingerprints, and health records.
The F-1 student visa application process requires careful timing to ensure a smooth transition to U.S. studies. New students can apply for visas up to 365 days before their program start date, but they cannot enter the U.S. more than 30 days before classes begin. The processing timeline varies significantly, typically taking between 15 days and 2 months, with factors such as embassy workload and seasonal application volumes affecting wait times. Experts recommend applying approximately four months before orientation to accommodate potential delays and administrative processing.
After a successful visa interview, applicants can expect an additional 5–7 working days for final processing before receiving their passport with the visa stamp. The State Department advises international students to initiate their application process as soon as they receive their Form I-20 from their university to avoid complications with program start dates.
The Trump-Vance administration implemented a sweeping travel ban on June 9, 2025, affecting nationals from 19 countries with varying levels of restrictions. Twelve countries face a "full" travel ban, while seven others are under "partial" suspension. Reports indicate the administration may expand these restrictions to 36 additional countries within a 60-day evaluation period if they fail to meet certain benchmarks.
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Jenny, the tech wiz behind Jenny's Online Blog, loves diving deep into the latest technology trends, uncovering hidden gems in the gaming world, and analyzing the newest movies. When she's not glued to her screen, you might find her tinkering with gadgets or obsessing over the latest sci-fi release.What do you think of this blog? Write down at the COMMENT section below.
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