Originally published on June 23, 2025, Updated 4/17/2026

On June 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of State issued a press release announcing that under newly released official guidance, consular officers will conduct a “comprehensive and thorough vetting” of all student and exchange visitor applicants, and that all applicants for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas will be required to adjust the privacy settings on all their social media profiles to “public.” F and J visa applications now undergo a two-step process involving standard eligibility review following by enhanced vetting under INA 221(g) administration processing. 

We encourage all students and scholars to: 

• Frequently review the ISSS Immigration Updates webpage to stay alert to potential policy changes.   
• Read about the recent U.S. entry restrictions for citizens of certain countries. 
• Refer to our International Travel Worksheet for important guidance. 

We will share updates as soon as more information becomes available.