{"id":15056,"date":"2025-08-20T10:53:11","date_gmt":"2025-08-20T20:53:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/issmanoa\/?p=15056"},"modified":"2025-09-11T14:05:04","modified_gmt":"2025-09-12T00:05:04","slug":"visa-updates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/issmanoa\/?p=15056","title":{"rendered":"Visa Updates – Reciprocity and Interviews"},"content":{"rendered":"

The U.S. Department of State has recently announced two significant policy changes that will impact international students traveling outside the U.S. These updates affect both visa validity and interview requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n

New Visa Validity and Entry Limits<\/span><\/h2>\n

Effective July 8, 2025, the U.S. updated its visa reciprocity agreements with numerous countries. This means many F (student) and J (exchange visitor) visas may now be limited to a three-month validity and a single entry. This new policy means you may need to apply for a new visa each time you want to travel home and re-enter the U.S. For a detailed list of affected countries and a full explanation of this policy, please visit the ISS webpage for more information: <\/span>Changes to Visa Reciprocity<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

New In-Person Visa Interview Requirements<\/span><\/h2>\n

Effective September 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of State will require most F-1 and J-1 visa applicants to attend an in-person interview. This policy reverses previous interview waiver programs, including those for “dropbox” mail-in renewals and age-based exemptions. Additionally, most students, even those renewing a visa, will now be required to attend an <\/span>in-person visa interview<\/b>. This policy reverses previous interview waiver programs and may cause longer wait times for visa appointments at U.S. consulates and embassies. For more information visit ISS webpage: <\/span>In-Person Visa Interview Requirements for F-1 & J-1 Students<\/b><\/a>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Contact ISS for Guidance<\/span><\/h2>\n

We are here to help you navigate these new requirements. Please schedule an appointment with an International Student Services (ISS) advisor to discuss your specific situation before making any travel plans.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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