US Student Visa Interview Pause Lifted
Visa Interview Scheduling Is Back to Normal
We’re happy to share that the US has officially ended its temporary pause on new student visa interviews. The pause, which started on May 27, 2025, was lifted on June 18, 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 Situation
- The US paused F-1 and J-1 visa interview scheduling starting May 27, 2025.
- The pause affected international students and exchange visitors worldwide.
- Officials stated the pause was temporary and lifted it on June 18, 2025.
- As of June 18, 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 are back, students should still expect possible delays due to added 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 Fall 2025.
Officials explained the pause was used to roll out 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 involving violence, terrorism, or antisemitism.
- A pilot program focusing on Harvard University applicants, with plans to possibly include other schools later on.
These updates are now in place, and student visa interview booking is back on.
What This Means Now
If you already had an interview booked before May 27, your appointment was not affected. As of June 18:
- New student visa appointments can be scheduled again.
- Interview slots might fill quickly due to demand and stricter screening.
- Social media accounts must be public, or the application could be delayed or denied.
There’s still some impact for students planning to begin their studies in Summer or Fall 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, specializing in helping international student-athletes secure sport scholarships to study and compete in the US. With years of experience working closely with NCAA programs, 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 around the globe 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 touch with US embassies and NCAA partners to stay on top of the latest updates 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 new extra screenings and fewer appointment spots. That’s why Keystone Sports stays connected and ready to help 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 your other preparations 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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About the author
Paulina Romo
Paulina Romo, SEO Manager at Keystone Sports, holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and has a background in equestrian sports, specializing in dressage. Shaped by international experience gained from work and studies in Sweden, South Korea, Germany, and Spain, Paulina brings a diverse blend of marketing skills and perspectives to her role.
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