Temporary Pause of Scheduling New Visa Interviews for F & J Visa Applicants
Updated 06/11/2025
We understand that visa interview guidance will soon be released to all U.S. embassies and consulates at the same time. Due to the recent pause in processing, some locations may face a backlog in scheduling visa interviews. Larger consulates may be better equipped to handle these delays than smaller ones.
Students and scholars are allowed to schedule their visa interviews at any U.S. consulate, provided they are able to travel to a location with earlier availability.
To avoid further delays, students and scholars are strongly encouraged to complete and submit the DS-160 application as soon as possible, rather than waiting for interview appointments to become available.
Date 06/09/2025
Dear international students and scholars,
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has announced a worldwide temporary pause on new or unscheduled F-1 and J-1 visa appointments. According to the DOS, the pause will last "until further guidance is issued in the next few days.”
Please be advised the suspension is intended to be temporary and scheduled visa appointments will proceed as planned and unscheduled visa appointments are currently paused until further notice.
This pause could lead to potential delays in start dates for international students and scholars who have not scheduled their visa appointments at US Consulates/Embassies.
If you receive any communication from the U.S. Consulate/Embassy regarding canceling or changing your existing visa interview, please contact and notify your designated OIA advisor at Email.
Travel Outside of the United States
Current students and scholars: If you are planning to travel internationally, please be aware that you may encounter more thorough inspections upon re-entry to the U.S. at the Port of Entry (POE). These inspections may include referral to secondary inspection, where Customs and Border Protection officers may conduct a detailed review of your documentation and personal belongings.
Given this possibility, you may want to consider limiting non-essential international travel at this time, particularly in light of the upcoming summer break.
Resources Available to Support You
The Office of Legal Affairs represents UT Southwestern Medical Center. They are not able to give legal advice to scholars or student trainees regarding personal matters such as immigration matters. The State Bar of Texas offers a referral service which includes a referral to a lawyer who can help with your issue and a 30-minute consultation for $20.
Additionally, there are wellness and counseling support resources available to you at the following link: https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/employees/hr-resources/eap/.
We’re Here to Support You
UTSW and the Office of International Affairs are committed to sharing important updates as new guidance becomes available.
If you have questions or need assistance, please reach out to us via Email.