The US has introduced notable changes to how F and J visa applications are assessed, signalling a more stringent approach to student and exchange visitor admissions. US consulates have begun reviewing applicants’ online presence as part of the visa decision-making process, while proposed regulatory changes could significantly alter how long F and J visitors are permitted to remain in the country.
These developments may affect approval timelines, interview outcomes, and long-term planning for international students and exchange visitors. Understanding how the new review process works—and what changes may follow—is increasingly important for prospective applicants.
As of 20 June 2025, US consulates worldwide have begun applying new vetting standards for F and J visa applicants that include post-interview reviews of online activity and social media presence.
Under the updated process:
Although the interview may appear to be complete, the visa decision is now finalized only after this additional review stage.
Consular officers conducting online vetting focus on identifying potential concerns, including:
Even where none of these issues are apparent, officers continue to assess whether applicants meet the nonimmigrant intent requirement applicable to all F and J visas. Online activity is also reviewed for consistency with statements made during the interview and with the stated purpose of the visa.
Reports indicate that applications may be refused if an applicant’s online presence does not clearly align with the objectives of the requested F or J classification, contributing to a rise in denials.
While the core interview preparation remains largely unchanged, applicants should now be more mindful of how their online presence may be reviewed.
F visa applicants should be prepared to:
J visa applicants should be prepared to:
All applicants must be able to:
Consistency between interview responses and online content has become increasingly important.
In addition to the new screening measures, the Department of Homeland Security has proposed regulatory changes that could significantly alter how long F and J visitors may remain in the US.
Currently, most F and J visa holders are admitted for “duration of status,” allowing them to stay as long as they continue to meet program requirements. The proposed rule would replace this system with fixed admission periods, requiring applicants to request extensions if additional time is needed.
Under the proposal, the following limits would apply:
Students and exchange visitors requiring additional time for program completion, practical training, or employment would need to apply for an extension with US Citizenship and Immigration Services and complete biometric screening.
While no final implementation date has been announced, the rulemaking process began in late August and may take several months. Some provisions could change before a final regulation is issued.
These developments may affect approval timelines, interview outcomes, and long-term planning for international students and exchange visitors. Understanding how the new review process works—and what changes may follow—is increasingly important for prospective applicants.
New Social Media Reviews for F and J Visa Applicants
As of 20 June 2025, US consulates worldwide have begun applying new vetting standards for F and J visa applicants that include post-interview reviews of online activity and social media presence.
Under the updated process:
- If a consular officer determines during the interview that an application is likely approvable, the case may be placed on hold.
- The application then enters administrative processing, during which the applicant’s social media accounts and online footprint are reviewed.
- When limited solely to online presence vetting, this process may take several days before a final decision is issued.
Although the interview may appear to be complete, the visa decision is now finalized only after this additional review stage.
What Consular Officers Review Online
Consular officers conducting online vetting focus on identifying potential concerns, including:
- Hostility toward the United States: Indicators of antagonism toward US citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles.
- Security-related concerns: Evidence of advocacy, support, or involvement with terrorism or other threats to US national security, including unlawful antisemitic harassment or violence.
- Technology and misinformation risks: Signs that an applicant may misuse US research, steal technical information, or spread false or misleading information.
- Political activism: A demonstrated history of political activism and the likelihood that such activity may continue in the United States.
Even where none of these issues are apparent, officers continue to assess whether applicants meet the nonimmigrant intent requirement applicable to all F and J visas. Online activity is also reviewed for consistency with statements made during the interview and with the stated purpose of the visa.
Reports indicate that applications may be refused if an applicant’s online presence does not clearly align with the objectives of the requested F or J classification, contributing to a rise in denials.
Preparing for an F or J Visa Interview Under the New Rules
While the core interview preparation remains largely unchanged, applicants should now be more mindful of how their online presence may be reviewed.
F visa applicants should be prepared to:
- Clearly explain their reasons for enrolling in a specific course of study in the US.
- Demonstrate credible financial resources to support their stay.
J visa applicants should be prepared to:
- Explain their motivation for participating in the selected exchange program.
All applicants must be able to:
- Demonstrate intent to return to their home country at the end of the program.
- Explain how the program supports long-term personal or career goals outside the US.
- Ensure social media accounts are publicly accessible prior to the interview.
- Accurately list all social media identifiers used during the past five years on the DS-160 application.
Consistency between interview responses and online content has become increasingly important.
Proposed Changes to Length of Stay for F and J Visa Holders
In addition to the new screening measures, the Department of Homeland Security has proposed regulatory changes that could significantly alter how long F and J visitors may remain in the US.
Currently, most F and J visa holders are admitted for “duration of status,” allowing them to stay as long as they continue to meet program requirements. The proposed rule would replace this system with fixed admission periods, requiring applicants to request extensions if additional time is needed.
Who Would Be Affected by Fixed Admission Periods?
Under the proposal, the following limits would apply:
- English language program students: Maximum stay of 24 months, plus a 30-day grace period.
- Public high school students: Maximum stay of 12 months total, including breaks and vacations.
- Border commuter students: Existing fixed-duration rules would continue to apply.
- J visa holders and dependents: Admission limited to the length of the principal program, capped at four years, plus a 30-day grace period.
Students and exchange visitors requiring additional time for program completion, practical training, or employment would need to apply for an extension with US Citizenship and Immigration Services and complete biometric screening.
While no final implementation date has been announced, the rulemaking process began in late August and may take several months. Some provisions could change before a final regulation is issued.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros
- Enhanced screening may increase overall program integrity
- Clearer expectations for online conduct and visa purpose
- Fixed stay periods could provide more predictable timelines
Cons
- Social media reviews may lead to longer processing times
- Increased risk of visa refusals based on online content
- Loss of “duration of status” flexibility for students and exchange visitors
- Additional administrative burden and costs to extend stay
