US Student Visa Interview Pause Lifted
Visa Interview Scheduling Returns to Normal
We’re pleased to share that the US has officially ended its temporary pause on new student visa interviews. The pause, which began on 27 May 2025, was lifted on 18 June 2025, according to a State Department cable. International students and exchange visitors can now book new F-1 and J-1 visa interviews again.
Summary of the Student Visa Interview Pause
- The US paused F-1 and J-1 visa interview scheduling starting 27 May 2025.
- The pause affected international students and exchange visitors worldwide.
- Officials confirmed the pause was temporary and lifted it on 18 June 2025.
- As of 18 June 2025, applicants can now schedule F-1, J-1, and M-category visa interviews again.
- New screening rules are now in place for visa applicants.
- Even though interviews have resumed, students should still expect possible delays due to additional checks.
Why the Pause Happened
In late May 2025, the US government paused new student visa interview scheduling to update and expand national security checks. The pause affected many international students, including student-athletes preparing for the autumn 2025 intake.
Officials explained the pause was used to introduce new vetting rules, including:
- Expanded social media screening — now covering all major platforms and requiring public profiles.
- Extra checks for applicants with political activism backgrounds, especially those involving violence, terrorism, or antisemitism.
- A pilot programme focusing on Harvard University applicants, with plans to possibly include other institutions later.
These updates are now in place, and student visa interview booking has resumed.
What This Means Now
If you already had an interview booked before 27 May, your appointment was not affected. As of 18 June:
- New student visa appointments can be scheduled again.
- Interview slots may fill quickly due to demand and stricter screening.
- Social media accounts must be public, or the application could be delayed or refused.
There’s still some impact for students planning to begin their studies in summer or autumn 2025, as embassies work through backlogs. Even though interviews have resumed:
- Interview slots may be limited.
- Processing times may be longer.
- Delays are still possible, even after securing an appointment.
Who We Are & Our Support Through Visa Changes
Keystone Sports is Europe’s leading college recruiting agency, specialising in helping international student-athletes secure sports scholarships to study and compete in the US. With years of experience working closely with NCAA programmes, universities, and US embassies, we understand the ins and outs of the college sports system, visa requirements, and US paperwork. Thanks to our strong connections and expert guidance, we’re uniquely equipped to support athletes worldwide on their journey to becoming student-athletes in the US.
This temporary visa pause shows how important it is to have the right help when things suddenly change. Keystone Sports is currently in contact with US embassies and NCAA partners to stay up to date with the latest developments now that student visa interviews have resumed. We make sure our students know what’s happening and help them manage any changes or delays.
Getting through the US visa process can already be complex — and especially now, with extra screenings and fewer appointment slots. That’s why Keystone Sports stays connected and ready to support our students — so when things change, you’re never left on your own. We handle the challenges behind the scenes, so you can focus on preparing as a student-athlete in the US.
Are you an athlete wanting to study in the US? At Keystone Sports, we help you become a student-athlete by providing all the support you need. Start by filling out our free assessment — our college sports experts will evaluate your chances of getting recruited for free. Your journey to a sports scholarship in the US starts here!
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Paulina Romo
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