The Trump administration is pausing the scheduling of interview appointments for student and exchange visitors applying for F, M, and J visas, according to a memo released Tuesday by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The memo, which was first reported by Politico, noted that the pause only applies to new visa interview appointments. “Appointments already scheduled can proceed under current guidelines,” the memo read.
“Appointments that are available, but not taken as of the release of this (communication) should be immediately removed from availability,” the memo read. The pause in visa appointments comes “in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting,” according to the Department of State (DOS), and is expected to last until further guidance is issued in the “coming days.”
The attorneys at Garfinkel Immigration Law Firm recommend that students in the United States in F, M, or J status do NOT travel at this time and until further guidance is released. They otherwise risk their ability to re-enter the country, particularly if they do not already have a valid visa stamp.
Student visa holders as well as colleges and universities appear to be a target of President Donald Trump’s enhanced immigration enforcement. In mid-April, thousands of students’ visas were terminated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) via the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS), a move that has been overturned and blocked by the court system.
Further, the Trump administration has sought to rescind Harvard University’s ability to enroll foreign students, which has also been blocked by the court system, and sent a letter to 60 universities “warning them of potential enforcement actions if they do not fulfill their obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.”
Partner William Hummel and Associate Attorney William Crotty, attorneys in Garfinkel Immigration’s Education Specialty Practice Group, will hold a webinar focused on issues affecting international students and universities on Thursday, June 5 at 2 p.m.
Hummel and Crotty will discuss the latest Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of State (DOS) guidance, other key updates that could affect F-1 and J-1 students, as well as hold a question-and-answer session following their presentation. Learn more about the webinar and register here.
The attorneys in Garfinkel Immigration Law Firm’s Healthcare and Education Specialty Practice Groups continue to monitor the situation closely and will alert clients as circumstances evolve. The current pause, and any accompanying expanded social media screening and vetting, could face challenges in federal court.
Upcoming Webinar
Updated Travel Guidelines for F-1, J-1 Students: Summer 2025 and Visa Policy Changes (Thursday, June 5 at 2 p.m.)