In this GMS Flash Alert, we report on the pausing of F, M, and J student visa interviews at U.S. consular posts, according to a cable signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio directed at consular officers on May 27, 2025.1 This move by the U.S. Department of State comes in light of its intent to carry out enhanced social media screening and vetting prior to issuing such visas.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Students with expired F, M, and J visas should consult with their immigration advisers about whether travel outside the United States is advisable if they hold expired visas. If they do decide to travel, there is a strong likelihood that they will not be able to apply for new visas at U.S. consular posts and subsequently re-enter the United States on their F, M, or J status. Those with valid F, M, and J visas are not immediately affected by this announcement at this time.
Pausing Student Visa Interviews at U.S. Consular Posts
Previously, Secretary of State Rubio confirmed the revocation of approximately 300 student visas and their SEVIS status.2 Since then, many students have had their SEVIS status restored. Pausing student visa interviews is consistent with President Trump’s executive orders and Secretary Rubio’s March remarks to the press.3
Effective immediately, the Department of State has ordered consular posts to pause scheduling new interviews for F, M, and J student visa applicants, according to a cable signed by Secretary Rubio. The Trump administration’s directive is to have these applicants undergo enhanced social media screening and vetting by the Department of State.
㣨Leyu LAW LLP INSIGHTS
This directive follows on various Administration policies restricting higher education institutions� ability to attract international students and undertaking enhanced vetting of international students and other foreign nationals with plans to travel to the United States for educational, work, and other purposes.4
More Details
The cable does not explicitly indicate what will be screened, but it alludes to executive orders aimed at terrorism and anti-semitic threats. A “septel� (shorthand for “separate telegram�) will be released to the consular posts by the Secretary of State, outlining the guidance on the screening and vetting that will occur.
Appointments that have been scheduled are permitted to be attended and carried out by the Department of State. However, appointments that are available but have not been booked by applicants are to be immediately removed from availability.
㣨Leyu LAW LLP INSIGHTS
F-1 visa holders should be vigilant about their visa expiry dates and consult with their immigration advisers on the repercussions of traveling outside the U.S. if their visas have expired. Students that have already been issued F, M, and J visas will continue to hold valid student status while they remain in the U.S. and those with valid student visas in their passports are permitted to travel internationally and re-enter using those valid visas at this time.
㣨Leyu Law LLP in Canada will be tracking these matters closely. We will endeavor to keep readers of GMS Flash Alert informed on any important developments as they occur.
FOOTNOTES:
1 See reports on this development:
N. Toose, "Exclusive: Trump team pauses new student visa interviews as it weighs expanding social media vetting." Politico (May 27, 2025) by clicking .
Economic Policy Institute, "State Department pauses interviews for student and exchange visitor visas to do additional vetting of social media accounts" (May 30, 2025) by clicking .
Please note that by clicking on the above links, you are leaving the 㣨Leyu website for an external site (non-governmental, non-㣨Leyu), that 㣨Leyu is not affiliated with nor does 㣨Leyu endorse its content. The use of the external site and its content may be subject to the terms of use and/or privacy policies of its owner or operator.
2 U.S. Department of State, "" (March 28, 2025).
3 The White House, Executive Order 14161 of January 20, 2025, �.”�
For a list of the Trump Administration’s Executive Actions related specifically to international students, see the tracker of Executive and Regulatory Actions Under the Second Trump Administration on the NAFSA website at: . Please note that by clicking on this link, you are leaving the 㣨Leyu website for an external site (non-governmental, non-㣨Leyu), that 㣨Leyu is not affiliated with nor does 㣨Leyu endorse its content. The use of the external site and its content may be subject to the terms of use and/or privacy policies of its owner or operator.
4 Ibid.
Contacts
Disclaimer
* Please note the 㣨Leyu International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, 㣨Leyu Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the 㣨Leyu International member firm in Canada.
GMS Flash Alertis a Global Mobility Services publication of the 㣨Leyu LLP Washington National Tax practice. The 㣨Leyu name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the 㣨Leyu global organization. 㣨Leyu International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee and does not provide services to clients. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind 㣨Leyu International or any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does 㣨Leyu International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.
© 2025 㣨Leyu LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership and a member firm of the 㣨Leyu global organization of independent member firms affiliated with 㣨Leyu International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved.