F-1 Student Visa Interviews Conditions June 2025: Are They Back On?

Quick Answer:

Yes, F-1 student visas are back on in 2025, but with new conditions. The F-1 is a nonimmigrant visa and a visa category specifically for academic study. Interviews have resumed at most U.S. consulates, though certain countries face suspensions or stricter vetting. Enhanced security procedures under the Trump administration include required social media screening, proof of ties to home countries, and tracking of student activities.

What’s the Current Status of F-1 Student Visas in 2025?

Are interviews being scheduled at U.S. consulates?

Visa appointment scheduling has resumed at overseas posts following a brief pause in May-June 2025.
New visa appointments may be limited due to increased vetting procedures and processing capacity constraints.
Expect longer wait times due to new vetting procedures.
Overseas posts are gradually resume scheduling for F-1 interviews.
Check appointment availability at U.S. State Department Visa Wait Times.

Which countries still face visa suspensions?

Travel bans affect 12 countries fully and 7 partially (e.g., Cuba, Venezuela, Iran, Libya).
Students from these countries may not be able to obtain F-1 visas unless they qualify for a waiver.

Students should check the relevant embassy or consulate website for the latest updates on visa application procedures and appointment availability.

Waivers: Possible for undue hardship or national interest, but difficult to obtain.

Note: Media reports may provide additional details on country-specific suspensions.

Are J-1 visas affected too?

Yes, the same vetting standards apply to J visa and exchange visitor applicants, including comprehensive background checks and social media screening.
Partial bans include J visas and J nonimmigrant visas, affecting both students and exchange visitors.
Security and ideological concerns also apply to J visa applicants, and exchange visitor applicants are subject to expanded vetting procedures.
J visa applicants should check for updates on their specific visa category.

What Are the New Conditions or Restrictions for Getting an F-1 Visa?

Key Requirements:

These requirements apply to all nonimmigrant visa applicants, including those in student and exchange visitor categories such as F, M, and J nonimmigrant classifications.

Proof of Intent to Return: Must show ties to home country (property, family, job offers).
Political Activism Review: Consulates ask about activism, especially if it appears on social media.
Social Media Disclosure: Mandatory listing of handles; private accounts may raise suspicion.
Biometric & AI Vetting: Biometric and AI vetting procedures are now standard for nonimmigrant visas. Nonimmigrant visa applications in the F, M, and J nonimmigrant classifications, including student and exchange visitor categories, are subject to these expanded checks, which may flag applicants after issuance under new “Catch and Revoke” systems.

Tip: Keep online content clean and consistent with your application.

What If My F-1 Visa Was Suspended or Revoked?

Reinstatement Options for SEVIS-Terminated Students

Steps:

Contact your DSO.
Obtain a new I-20.
Ensure you are enrolled at an accredited academic institution.
File Form I-539 with USCIS.
Submit documentation and fee.
Maintain full-time study during process.

Note: If you are seeking work authorization, you must obtain an employment authorization document (EAD) from USCIS.

Risks:

Denial can lead to unlawful presence and a possible 3- or 10-year reentry bar.

Legal Help and Waivers

An immigration attorney can help with:

Preparing reinstatement packets.
Travel ban waiver applications.
Visa revocation challenges.
Complex interview preparation.
Assisting with visa interview waiver requests, including guidance on administrative processing and case reactivation steps.
Interpreting further guidance from the Department of State regarding changes in visa processing or waiver eligibility.

How Is the Trump Administration Changing Student Visa Policy?

Increased Surveillance

ICE monitors students more actively through SEVIS, with increased involvement from customs enforcement and border protection agencies.
Site visits, SEVP checks, and visa revocation cases have increased. Homeland security agencies are also involved in enforcing student visa compliance.

Activism Risks

Students involved in protests may face revocations or denial.
Avoid controversial online content and campus demonstrations.

EO 14161: Social Media and Security Checks

Expanded vetting of all applicants.
Ideological tests and anti-American content flagged.

For applicants seeking detailed information about the new social media and security check procedures, please refer to the official government resources or consult with a qualified immigration attorney.

What Can Students Do Now?

Tips for Success:

Monitor Embassy Status: Check consulate updates frequently, as student visa appointments may be limited due to visa appointment capacity. Additional student appointments may not be available at all locations.
Apply Early & Accurately: Include social media, employment, and educational history.
Stay in Status: Maintain full course load and comply with DSO rules.
Travel Wisely: Travel only if necessary; expired visas can delay reentry.
Update Social Media: Ensure accounts are accurate and appropriate.

Resources for Students and Legal Help

USCIS – I-539 Form & Reinstatement Guide
ICE/SEVP – SEVIS Termination Information
DHS – Study in the States
State Department – Student Visa Page
Find an AILA Immigration Lawyer
Herman Legal Group Consultations
For help with your status, visa applications, or other immigration processes, contact USCIS immigration services for official guidance.
For questions about visa appointments, social media vetting, or the visa issuance process, reach out to the consular sections of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will apply.

Frequently Asked Questions About Resumption of F-1 Student Visa Interviews

What changed in June 2025 regarding F-1 student visa interviews?After a temporary pause in May 2025, the U.S. State Department reinstated in-person F-1 student visa interviews in mid-June. New security screening and social media vetting protocols are now in place, resulting in longer wait times and more scrutiny during the interview process.

Are all U.S. embassies and consulates offering F-1 visa interviews again?Most consulates resumed scheduling F-1 interviews in late June 2025, but availability depends on local staffing, country-specific restrictions, and backlogs. Some locations may prioritize renewals or students with prior cancellations.

Do I need a new visa interview if my appointment was canceled during the May-June pause?If your appointment was canceled, you typically need to reschedule. Some consulates are giving priority rescheduling access to affected applicants, but you must check your consulate’s website for specific procedures.

What additional questions should I expect during my interview now?Consular officers may ask detailed questions about your social media activity, political views, sources of funding, ties to your home country, and post-graduation plans. Questions may focus on intent to return home, past activism, or possible violations of prior U.S. stays.

Is my social media now a formal part of the visa vetting process?Yes. Visa applicants are required to list all social media handles from the last five years. Officers now use automated tools and manual review to evaluate online behavior. Content suggesting extremist views, political violence, or intent to immigrate can result in denial.

Can I be denied a visa because of what I post online?Yes. Public posts that appear to support violence, extremist ideology, or anti-U.S. sentiment may be grounds for refusal. Even private or sarcastic content could trigger delays or administrative processing if misinterpreted.

What if I don’t use social media or leave that section blank?Leaving the social media section blank may raise suspicion unless you truly have no online presence. A complete lack of digital footprint can trigger secondary checks or a request for additional documentation.

How long are F-1 visa interview wait times now?Wait times vary by country and consulate. Some posts report delays of 6–12 weeks due to backlog, enhanced vetting, and reduced staffing. Summer 2025 is a high-demand season, so early scheduling is strongly recommended.

Can students from countries under visa bans apply for F-1 visas?Generally, no. Students from countries subject to full or partial suspensions under the June 2025 proclamation are ineligible unless they qualify for a national interest or hardship waiver, which is rarely granted.

What are common reasons for F-1 visa denial in 2025?

Failure to demonstrate nonimmigrant intent under INA 214(b)
Inadequate financial documentation
Red flags in social media or activism history
Lack of academic preparation or clarity of study plan
Country-specific security concerns
Incomplete or inaccurate visa applications can also lead to refusal

Can the consulate waive the interview requirement for returning students?In most cases, no. As of June 2025, interview waivers are very limited. Most returning students and renewals must appear for in-person interviews due to national security directives.

Will my past participation in political protests impact my visa application?Possibly. Students who have participated in certain types of activism—especially involving violent or anti-American rhetoric—may face delays, additional questioning, or outright denial. Peaceful advocacy could still be flagged if seen as politically sensitive.

Is the “Catch and Revoke” system still in effect?Yes. This system monitors social media and other digital activity even after a visa has been issued. If new derogatory information is found, the State Department may revoke your visa—even while you are still in the U.S.

Can I reapply immediately after a visa denial under the new policies?You may reapply, but unless you address the reason for denial, a second application is unlikely to succeed. You must provide stronger evidence or clarification in your new interview.

Do reinstated interviews mean that policy has returned to normal?No. Interviews are back, but with more stringent screening, additional questions, and longer processing times. The current policy is more restrictive than it was before May 2025.

Can I still qualify for F-1 if I’ve previously overstayed or had SEVIS issues?Possibly, but such history will be scrutinized. You’ll need to explain the violation, show rehabilitation or eligibility for reinstatement, and demonstrate strong compliance moving forward.

Are there new biometric requirements in 2025?Fingerprinting remains standard. There is discussion of expanding biometric screening (e.g., facial recognition, AI tracking), but no widespread rollout beyond standard collection as of June 2025.

What happens if I don’t receive a decision right after my interview?You may be placed in administrative processing. This is common under the 2025 rules if further background checks are needed. Processing can take weeks or months depending on the flags raised.

Does enrolling at a U.S. university guarantee I’ll get a visa?No. Admission to an accredited academic institution is only the first step. You must still pass the consular interview and meet all eligibility requirements, including showing nonimmigrant intent and sufficient funding.

Should I hire an immigration lawyer to help with my visa application?If your case is complex—such as a prior overstay, political concerns, visa revocation, or denial—it is wise to consult an immigration attorney. A lawyer can help strengthen your application and guide you through waivers or reinstatement if needed.

Can I still get an F-1 visa if my country is under a visa ban?Possibly, with a waiver, but it is very difficult.

What if my SEVIS record was terminated while in the U.S.?You must leave or apply for reinstatement quickly.

Can I travel abroad and return with an expired F-1 visa?No, you must obtain a valid visa to re-enter the U.S.

Are interviews being waived for renewals?Mostly no. Personal interviews are required under 2025 policy.

Are social media accounts being reviewed?Yes. Public and private activity is examined.

Will OPT be eliminated?No, but applications are under increased scrutiny.

Can visas be revoked after issuance?Yes, under “Catch and Revoke” programs or if risky behavior is detected.

Can I work during my studies?Yes, within F-1 rules: on-campus jobs, CPT, and post-graduation OPT.

Schedule a Consultation with Attorney Richard Herman

If you’re concerned about visa delays, SEVIS termination, or policy changes, it’s best to get legal advice. Attorney Richard Herman and the Herman Legal Group have helped thousands of international students, families, and schools navigate complex visa issues.

Book a personalized consultation:
www.lawfirm4immigrants.com/book-consultation