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International students and scholars: Watch this video for information about the F/J visa application process. It explains what happens during the visa interview so you will know what to expect and are prepared for this process.

On July 25, 2025, the Department of State announced that, effective September 2, 2025, all applicants for a nonimmigrant visa, regardless of their age, will generally need to attend an in-person interview with a consular officer. Visa interview waivers will remain available in limited circumstances, as described in the Department of State announcement. 

In most cases, international students and scholars have been able to enter the U.S. Port of Entry (POE) without delay after a primary (or basic) inspection. However, if the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the POE cannot quickly verify your eligibility for admission to the United States, you may be directed to an interview area known as “secondary inspection.”

It is now possible at most US embassies and consulates to make an appointment for an interview for an F or J visa. However, the expanded screening that is now required will lengthen the time between the visa interview and the issuance of the visa.

Dear Colleagues and Students,

The University of Michigan is one of this country’s great research universities. For decades, our scholars and scientists have served society by advancing our understanding of the world and enhancing the quality of life.

The Department of State has announced that scheduling of F and J visa application appointments will resume soon. Applicants should check the relevant embassy or consulate website for appointment availability.

On June 4, 2025, President Trump issued a Presidential Proclamation titled: Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.

On May 28, the Department of State announced plans to revoke visas for some Chinese students, including those with "connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields." "Critical fields" were not identified in the announcement.

For many years, institutions that host J-1 Exchange Visitors have been required to report serious situations involving J-1/J-2 exchange visitors to the Department of State. J-1 Exchange Visitors at U-M include both J-1 students and J-1 scholars.

Media outlets are reporting that the U.S. Department of State has temporarily paused making new visa appointments available for F and J students and scholars until it issues further guidance on an expansion of social media screening and vetting of student and scholar visa applicants. Reports say this pause does not affect those who have already scheduled interviews.

The University of Michigan has not received an official announcement about this from the State Department.