SHRM Shares Update on Paused Student and Exchange Visa Interviews

The U.S. Department of State’s temporary pause on scheduling new visa interview appointments for foreign students and exchange visitors may be lifted within days, though the resumption will vary by consulate, according to immigration attorney Leon Fresco, a partner at Holland & Knight, speaking during a SHRM webinar on June 4.

Fresco noted that some U.S. embassies and consulates could begin offering new appointments as early as June 12, while others may take longer due to additional training required to implement new screening procedures. “It’s going to happen in drips and drabs,” he said. Countries with more robust security screening processes — primarily in Latin America — are expected to resume scheduling first, with greater delays likely in regions such as the Middle East and Africa.

Background on the Pause

On May 27, the State Department paused new visa interview scheduling for:

• F visas (foreign students).
• J visas (exchange visitors, including interns, trainees, and seasonal workers).
• M visas (vocational program participants).

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This action was taken to allow U.S. embassies and consulates to implement updated social media and political screening protocols. Interviews already scheduled before May 27 are continuing as planned. No firm timeline has been provided for a full resumption.

What This Means for Employers

Fresco urged employers to evaluate J and F visa applicants whose programs are expected to start in the next 90 days and begin identifying consulates more likely to resume services sooner. He also recommended sharing information internally and developing contingency plans in case of continued delays.

“You’ll see that some consulates will process visas and others will not,” Fresco said. “Be prepared to advocate for an expedited appointment if your case is time sensitive.”

Experts advised visa applicants not to delete social media accounts — which can raise red flags — but to carefully review content that could be misinterpreted during the vetting process.

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Impact on SHRM’s J-1 Visa Program

The pause has also affected SHRM’s J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. Since 2023, SHRM has sponsored nearly 2,000 interns, trainees, and research scholars through its Department of State-designated program.

“While we await the resumption of visa appointments, our J-1 team continues to process applications and evaluate visa eligibility,” said Judit Markarian, SHRM’s lead for J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Programs. “To support participants facing program delays, SHRM is offering one free amendment to help reduce the financial impact of the pause.”

Participants and host employers are encouraged to remain flexible with program dates and to stay in close contact with the SHRM J-1 team regarding appointment availability.

SHRM has also submitted a letter to Congress advocating greater transparency around the pause and more flexibility in processing urgent visa cases.

For questions or assistance, please contact the SHRM J-1 Visa Team at EVP@shrm.org