On June 18, 2025 the Department of State (DoS) announced that it has issued the expected “new guidance” on social media vetting, and that consulates will resume scheduling F, M, and J nonimmigrant visa appointments soon. See the Announcement of Expanded Screening and Vetting for Visa Applicant, U.S. Department of State press release, June 18, 2025.
Executive Order: Travel Ban Impacting 19 countries
President Trump’s Presidential Proclamation of June 4, 2025: Restricting The Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats establishes a “full” travel ban on 12 countries (Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen) and a “partial” travel ban on 7 countries (Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela), effective 12:01 am eastern daylight time on June 9, 2025.You can read more by going to: Proclamation on whitehouse.gov and White House Fact Sheet on the Proclamation. For a summary and details, see NAFSA’s page.
International students and scholars from the affected countries, particularly those seeking F, M, or J visas, will be unable to apply for a new visa, and may face challenges in entering the U.S. Because the current situation is very fluid, we recommend against travel outside the U.S. for individuals from the 19 countries. We also urge impacted individuals with valid visas to consider entering the U.S. prior to the travel ban effective date of 12:01am EST on Monday, June 9, 2025. ISSS will continue to send updates as we learn more.
Temporary Delay in Scheduling New Visa Appointments for F, M, and J visa Applicants
On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced that it will temporarily pause new visa F, M, and J appointments as it expands its social media screenings. You can read more here. Based on a DOS press briefing that took place on May 29, 2025, DOS expects the pause to be brief. They are encouraging applicants to continue submitting applications and to check regularly for the resumption of appointment availability.
This change may impact visa appointment availability and processing times at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide. At this time, we are not aware of the timeline for when new appointments will be scheduled. We recommend checking the U.S. Department of State website and the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country for the latest updates. In addition, please be aware that the U.S. visa application process continues to include vetting of applicants’ social media activity. As always, we advise being mindful of all online activity.
We understand that these changes may raise questions or concerns. International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is here to support you. We will continue to communicate as we learn more. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions about your visa status, travel plans, or documentation.
Welcome our newest ISSS Advisor, Ranali!!
We would like to welcome our newest addition to the International Student Advisor team at our office! Ranali has joined the Advising team this April and is very excited to meet with all of our international students. Meet the rest of our team here. We hope to see you at our office!
Ranali Dewaraja
International Student Advisor
Hometown: I am originally from Sri Lanka- I have lived in San Jose for over 8 years
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy hiking and taking long walks.
Fun Facts: I love the beach because I grew up on an island and it reminds me of home
Studying abroad is a challenging yet rewarding journey and I am excited to support students during these pivotal years. I hope your time here at SJSU is enriching, memorable and filled with meaningful connections which last well beyond your studies.
Global Spartan Photo Contest 2025 Winners!
One of the many activities that happens during Global Spartan Month is our Global Spartan Photo Contest. This year we had 49 amazing photo and narrative submissions from students who have experience in one of our study abroad programs and our international students. The Global Spartan Month Planning Committee selects the winner of the Most Impactful Narrative prize and also determines our set of finalists. Finalists then have their photographs and narratives posted on our Instagram pages, at the Global Spartan Fair and at the Global Games event. Thank you to everyone who submitted a photo entry and to all those who voted. Congratulations to all our finalists and a special congratulations to our winners.
First Place
Sharat Hiremath
Nature’s Teddy Bear with Tusks 
This photo is special to me because I personally love Lord Ganesha, who symbolizes wisdom and new beginnings. Seeing this elephant reminds me of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, where we welcome and honor Him with devotion. I admire elephants for their intelligence and gentle nature, and this image takes me back to childhood visits to temples where I watched them being worshipped and cared for.
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Second Place
Hitomi Tassone
Mitama Matsuri 
I took this photo during a spontaneous late-night outing with friends near the end of my semester abroad. It was from one of the summer festivals, or “matsuri,” that I had attended while living in Tokyo, reminiscent of the matsuri from my childhood. The lanterns illuminate the path to the torii, the umbrellas reflect the summer’s rainy season, and the people gather to enjoy a cultural celebration.
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Third Place
Brittany Ngo
Jiufen A-Mei Teahouse 
This photo is taken in front of A-Mei Teahouse in Jiufen, Taiwan. Jiufen is a town located in northeastern Taiwan and is known for its looming mountains, narrow alleyways, and teahouses. Tea is deeply ingrained in Taiwanese culture, and I had the opportunity to visit A-Mei Teahouse and experience a traditional tea ritual while learning about how tea is farmed in the high mountain regions.
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Best Narrative
Rutuja Nemane
Miles Away, Yet Home Within 
This photo depicts devotion, connection and pride. The beautifully adorned Ganesh idol, symbolizing wisdom and new beginnings, stands at the heart of our celebration. Ganesh Visarjan at SJSU turned a farewell into a homecoming. The dhol beats echoed our cultural roots, and every step carried unity. It reminds me that culture knows no boundaries, it lives wherever hearts unite to celebrate it.