Immigration Updates

Latest on the visa interview pause

We don’t have new official information, but we’re receiving reports of potentially positive movement. Multiple organizations are reporting that there may be imminent movement in appointments coming back online. Some orgs report being told directly by embassies to keep checking for appointments, as they should become available soon. Others report being told that appointments should come back

State Department Pauses New F, M, J Visa Appointments for Enhanced Vetting Rollout

The U.S. Department of State has temporarily halted the scheduling of new student and exchange visa appointments at U.S. embassies worldwide, as the administration moves to implement expanded social media screening for visa applicants.According to an internal cable dated Tuesday and obtained by CBS News, Secretary of State Marco Rubio directed all diplomatic posts to suspend a

Important Announcement: Fulbright-Hays Fellowship Programs Canceled for Fiscal Year 2025

We would like to inform you of a significant update that may impact those considering or currently pursuing U.S. government-funded research or exchange opportunities abroad. The U.S. Department of Education has officially canceled all applications for the following Fulbright-Hays fellowship programs for Fiscal Year 2025:Group Projects Abroa

Applying for an F-1 Visa in a Third Country: What You Need to Know

You may apply for an F-1 visa appointment as a third-country national (TCN); however, doingso is subject to the discretion and policies of the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you apply. Please consider the risks:First, appointment wait times are often significantly longer, as U.S. embassies and consulates in third countries tend

Delays in F-1 Student Visa Appointments and How to Track Wait Times

Foreign nationals seeking F-1 student visas are experiencing delays due to limited appointment availability at U.S. embassies and consulates. To stay informed, applicants can monitor monthly visa appointment data through the U.S. Department of State’s Global Visa Wait Times tool.Last updated on April 25, 2025, this resource provides estimated interview wait times andp

Important Announcement for F-1 Visa Students: Social Security Number (SSN) Application – Document Signature Requirements

We would like to bring to your attention an important update regarding recent experiences atlocal Social Security Administration (SSA) offices.Several students have reported that SSA officials are requiring original hard copies ofsupporting documents—including the Form I-20 with a wet (ink) signature—when applyingfor a

How to report OPT Employment Reporting to DSO office?

Please see the attached sample letter.Subject: URGENT: OPT Employment Reporting – SEVIS Update RequiredDear [DSO’s Name],I recently received a notice from SEVP indicating that my SEVIS record lacks employerinformation and that I may have exceeded the 90-day unemployment limit.I have been employed during my OPT period and would like to urgently r

Urgent Notice: Action Required to Avoid Termination of SEVIS Record Due to Unreported OPT Employment

While we are pleased to report that SEVP has reactivated the majority of the nearly 5,000 SEVISrecords previously terminated due to law enforcement encounters, SEVP is now shifting its focusto a new ground for termination.ICE has issued warning foreign student son OPT visas, failure to report employment within 90days of starting their OPT. If you do not in

New Screening Measures for J-1 Visa Holders: Social Media Activity Under Review

This includes the J-1 visa. According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, J-1 exchange visa holders are on the Trump administration’s list of student and exchange visitor visa categories of recipients who are now subject to increased screening of their activities. This new procedure states that, “effective immediately, consular officers must refer new or returning student and exchange visito

Immigration Enforcement Actions Against International Students: Understanding Termination vs. Revocation of Status and Next Steps

The Department of State (DOS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are aggressively targeting international students, including those without a history of protest, for visa revocation, termination of their status, and removal. Late last month, Secretary Rubio reported that DOS revoked more than 300 student visas and announced a new program that uses AI-assisted reviews to screen social