U.S. Clarifies Rules for Foreign Students: Visas Reopened—But Study & No Campus Vandalism
The U.S. State Department resumes processing F, M, J student visas with enhanced measures: applicants must study as intended, refrain from protest or vandalism, and may face social-media screening as part of national-security vetting
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The U.S. State Department has resumed issuing F, M, and J student visas—but with clearer guardrails. Deputy spokesperson Mignon Houston emphasized that holders must use visas solely for academic purposes: “not to obstruct students from studying… not to vandalize campuses.” Every visa decision now ties directly to national-security assessments.
In June, visa processing was halted temporarily to expand social-media scrutiny for applicants. Now reopened, students are expected to make their profiles public to facilitate vetting. Those refusing may be viewed as evasive and face denial.
This move follows broader bipartisan efforts: under the Trump administration, new policies link the Harvard Student and Exchange Visitor Program’s suspension to campus security concerns. A directive led by Secretary Rubio introduced social-media screenings for Harvard-linked visa applicants, potentially paving the way for similar measures across universities.
With over 1.12 million international students in the U.S. for 2023–24, advocates warn these measures may deter global scholars and delay admissions. Still, officials insist the measures are essential to counter threats and uphold national safety.
