The Department of State has recently announced or implemented changes that impact how visas for international students and scholars are issued. We have additional information about these changes below. ISSS continues to encourage caution around international travel. If you have questions about how these changes impact your travel plans, please contact an advisor.
Changes to Visa Reciprocity
What is this?
Visa reciprocity determines how long your visa is valid and how many times you can use it. Many students and scholars receive visas that are valid for multiple years and can be used multiple times. The Department of State updated visa reciprocity for an unknown number of countries in mid-July and will now issue short-term, limited entry visas for citizens of approximately 54 countries. In some cases, this means that a visa can only be used once, and it must be used within 3 months of when the visa was issued. Once your visa is issued, it is important to look at the number of entries permitted (M = multiple) and the expiration date. For planning purposes, you can look up visa reciprocity for your country of citizenship on the U.S. Department of State website.
Please note that this change does not apply to visas that have already been issued. If you have a valid visa that has been issued for a longer period of time or for more entries than the new information, you can continue to use it.
Why is this important?
If you are traveling internationally and need to renew your visa, you will need to plan carefully. You may need to think carefully about the timing of your visa appointment and your return trip to the U.S. You may also need to plan for the extra time and expense of renewing your visa each time you travel internationally.
End of Interview Waivers
What is this?
The Department of State announced on July 25 that they are limiting the eligibility for visa interview waivers effective September 2. Previously, consulates and embassies could waive the in-person interview if a student or scholar was applying to renew a type of visa for which they had previously been approved if that visa had recently expired.
Why is this important?
If you are traveling internationally and need to renew your visa, you will need to plan carefully. You may need to allow extra time to attend a visa interview.
Tip: In limited circumstances, you can re-enter the U.S. with an expired visa using automatic revalidation. Please talk to an advisor before planning to travel with this option.
New “Visa Integrity” Fee
A U.S. federal budget bill was signed in July that will add a $250 Visa Integrity Fee that will go into effect after October 1, 2025. Implementation details of this new fee are not yet clear, but those applying for visas after this date may need to plan for additional costs. ISSS will share more information when we know more.
