Thirty US senators have now sought an urgent explanation from the State Department over delays in processing F, M, and J visas. At a time when students are heading to US universities for the fall 2026 intake, reported delays in securing timely student visa appointments are causing concern among international students, including those from India.
The senators also raised questions about enhanced vetting procedures introduced for student and exchange visitor visa applicants. The State Department had announced additional vetting, including online presence reviews, for applicants in the F, M, and J nonimmigrant visa categories. They have sought clarification from the State Department on how visa interview appointments are being allocated, where student and exchange visitor visas rank among the department’s priorities, and whether applicants for F, M, and J visas have been deprioritised.
“We urge the State Department to ensure timely processing of F, M, and J student and exchange visitor nonimmigrant visas, consistent with the approach taken by administrations of both parties in the past, and to implement other measures to avoid diminishing US competitiveness,” the senators wrote.
