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 adding new appointments for F, M, and J visa categories. Posts have also been instructed to remove any unfilled student and exchange visitor appointments from their calendars. However, interviews that have already been scheduled will proceed as planned.

This pause will remain in effect until further guidance is issued in the coming days.

The directive is part of preparations for a broader expansion of mandatory social media vetting, which, once implemented, would apply to all student visa applicants. The cable notes that the enhanced screening process is expected to have “significant operational implications” for U.S. embassies and consulates, prompting the need for this temporary suspension of new scheduling.