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We are writing to advise you about a recent development concerning international students and exchange visitors (F, M, and J visa categories). Recent reports indicate that the U.S. Department of State has temporarily paused the scheduling of new visa interview appointments at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide.

This pause is reportedly in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting for these visa applicants. While an official communication from the Department of State has not yet been publicly released, various news outlets and reputable sources have cited an internal cable detailing this directive.

The William and Robert Shuford Center for International Education is closely monitoring the situation and will provide guidance as new information becomes available. We also are including helpful information below. If you have questions, please contact Eric Brandon, director of international and special projects, at eric.brandon@lr.edu. 

Key points to note:

• Temporary Pause: This is understood to be a temporary pause on scheduling new visa appointments.
• Existing Appointments: If you already have a scheduled visa interview, it is our current understanding that these appointments should proceed as planned. However, we strongly recommend checking directly with your specific U.S. embassy or consulate for any updates or changes to your appointment.
• New Applicants: If you are an incoming or current international student or scholar who needs to apply for a new F, M, or J visa and have not yet scheduled an interview, you may experience delays. We advise you to continue to monitor the website of your local U.S. embassy or consulate frequently for updates on appointment availability.
• Social Media Vetting: The pause is linked to an anticipated expansion of social media screening. We encourage all international students to be mindful of their online presence and digital footprint.
• Duration Unknown: The duration of this temporary pause is currently unknown. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and share updates as soon as official information becomes available.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this situation. We are committed to supporting our international community and will provide further updates as they become available.