On May 27, the Department of State instructed U.S. Embassies to pause scheduling additional J-1, F and M visas until new vetting procedure for social media could be implemented. This pause ended on June 19 and scheduling resumed at most U.S. posts in the following days though in some countries a considerable backlog had developed. Since then, we’ve received questions from many hosts as to what this pause, this additional scrutiny and a few other federal developments mean, so we we’ve pull them together to share with everyone.
Q: What is the embassy appointment availability and processing timelines?
A: Due to the new social media vetting guidance, there are some delays in scheduling an appointment, but times are mostly back to normal for Summer Work Travel (SWT) countries. However, we are seeing that participants are put on “Admin Hold” after interviews while their social accounts are reviewed. The times vary but we have been seeing two weeks is common.
Q: Do you know of any new vetting or screening procedures (e.g., social media requirements)?
A: There are no other new procedures except for social media. Unfortunately, we are do no know what the procedures are for this other than applicants are encouraged to have their profiles public so they can be reviewed, and anyone that has posts or interactions that are perceived as “anti-American” or related to terrorist activity will be flagged and may not receive a visa.
Q: Are there any country-specific risks or restrictions?
A: A travel ban implemented in June prohibits the entry of individuals from twelve countries with few exceptions allowed: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Those partially banned are Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. There is talk in Washington of expanding these lists but no details are available yet.
Q: I saw something around an additional $250 visa processing fee? Is that for us or for the J-1 visa applicant?
A: This would be for the applicant. This is a visa fee and is technically reimbursable. The fee as included in H.R. 1, the “Big Beautiful Bill”, in an effort to offset costs from the bill. However, we are unsure when this will be implemented and how.
Q: Is there any legislation that could impact the program?
A: Not at this time. Our main concern is the federal budget. The President suggested cutting exchange program funding by 93%. While it is up to Congress to create and implement a budget, the President does have the right to suggest the budget. Thankfully, the House has already shared their proposed budget, and it was only a 5% decrease which is great news. While any reduction isn’t ideal, 5% allows for the programs to still function. The budget needs to be passed by the House and Senate by September 30 or there will be a Continuing Resolution or government shutdown.
Q: Any additional obstacles your teams have encountered or anticipate?
A: Other than the above, no. However, we remain vigilant and ask that you share updates as you have them as well.
Q: What actions can I take?
A: If you’ve already joined Americans for Cultural Exchange, then you know the most powerful action is to tell your story as a host employer or community representative. Call your Congressional representatives and tell them the economic and cultural benefits that your business and your community receive from hosting BridgeUSA participants. Congress always wants to hear from their constituents.
This information is accurate as of the date of this post but could become out of date following new developments at the federal level. Further, US embassies procedures and timelines will differ and the time that it takes to schedule a visa interview or to receive back an approved passport in one country could be very different in another.
Further questions? Don’t be afraid to pose them to your Greenheart Contact or to [email protected]