Lehigh University remains fully committed to supporting our international students and scholars. Below, we’ve provided answers to common questions about recent U.S. federal actions that may impact international students. If you have questions that are not answered here, please contact the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) at intnl@lehigh.edu. (Last updated June 20, 2025)
- Are U.S. student visa interviews being scheduled again?
- Will my social media accounts be reviewed as part of my visa application?
- In light of this additional screening process, what should I do before my visa interview?
- Will everyone experience delays in getting an appointment?
- What if I can’t get my visa in time to start classes at Lehigh?
- Will I still be able to apply for OPT after graduation?
- Is it true that visas are being revoked for Chinese students?
- Am I affected by the new travel bans and visa restrictions?
Q: Are U.S. student visa interviews being scheduled again?
Yes. After a temporary pause in late May 2025, U.S. consulates resumed scheduling interviews for F, M, and J visas as of mid-June. This followed the rollout of new guidance for enhanced social media screening.
Please be sure to complete your Pre-Arrival Checklist in iHome so we can issue your I-20 or DS-2019. Additionally, it is very important that you keep OISS informed about the status of your visa, which can be done via this form. Additional information about applying for your visa can be found here.
Q: Will my social media accounts be reviewed as part of my visa application?
Yes. Visa officers are now required to review all public social media profiles of applicants and flag any content showing support for terrorism, antisemitism, violent political activism, or hostility toward the U.S. The visa officers will be expected to maintain screenshots and written notes from applicants’ social media profiles. Applicants are now expected to make their social media accounts publicly viewable during the visa application process so that consular officers can conduct required vetting. More information can be found here.
Q: In light of this additional screening process, what should I do before my visa interview?
Lehigh recommends that you:
- Audit your social media: Make accounts public and remove or hide any potentially concerning posts.
- Prepare explanations for any political or activist content, emphasizing peaceful intent.
- Gather documents showing your academic purpose and ties to your home country (e.g., family, finances, career plans).
Q: Will everyone experience delays in getting an appointment?
Possibly. Consulates are managing capacity due to the additional time required for social media review. Students from institutions with fewer than 15% international enrollment may be prioritized. (International students at Lehigh are less than 15% of total enrollment.) If you are having trouble getting an appointment, we urge that you check the consulate website daily - slots may open up unexpectedly. If you have an urgent deadline, such as a program start date, notify the consulate, the Office of International Students and Scholars, and your program advisor.
Q: What if I can’t get my visa in time to start classes at Lehigh?
Lehigh University is committed to helping students begin and complete their academic programs, even in the event of visa delays. Some flexibility is possible, including late arrivals or remote participation, depending on your academic program. Stay in close contact with OISS and report any delays to them via this form.
Q: Will I still be able to apply for OPT after graduation?
Yes. Despite media reports about threats to OPT, there have been no changes to the program at this time. Lehigh continues to advise students on applying for OPT and working in the U.S. after graduation. Visit our website and as well as the OISS Post-Completion OPT Guide for more information.
Q: Is it true that visas are being revoked for Chinese students?
As part of recent trade negotiations held in London (ending on June 11), the U.S. has agreed to issue visas for Chinese students applying to American universities. This “framework deal” was reported publicly by President Trump on June 11 via social media. President Trump publicly stated, “Chinese students … HAS ALWAYS BEEN GOOD WITH ME!”
Chinese students in STEM fields may face additional visa screening or “administrative processing,” which can take 4-12 weeks, though processing time varies for each applicant.
Lehigh has a strong and vibrant community of Chinese students and scholars, and we remain committed to fully supporting them through these processes.
Q: Am I affected by the new travel bans and visa restrictions?
President Trump’s June 2025 Executive Order bans or restricts visas from certain countries. The ban only applies to those outside the United States who do not already have a valid visa. If you already hold a valid visa or are inside the U.S., this does not apply to you. Lehigh will contact students from affected countries directly to provide support.
- Travel Ban Countries (no entry): Afghanistan, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen
- Visa Restrictions (select visas limited): Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela
The Department of State has indicated that an additional 36 countries may be added to the list of countries banned for travel to the U.S. This is not final, and at this time, travel from these countries to the U.S. is not restricted.
For further questions or assistance, please contact the Office of International Students and Scholars at intnl@lehigh.edu. We are here for you.