Bipartisan group seeks urgent action on F, M and J visa appointments ahead of the Fall 2026 academic term
Thirty US senators have urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to address delays in student and exchange visitor visa appointments, warning that international students could struggle to reach the country before the Fall 2026 academic term begins.
In a letter dated August 11, California Senator Alex Padilla and 29 other senators said they had received reports from students, universities and constituents that timely appointments were unavailable at some US embassies and consulates.
The lawmakers called on the State Department to ensure prompt processing of F, M and J visas. F visas are primarily issued to academic students, M visas cover vocational programmes, while J visas are used for exchange visitors.
The senators also asked the department to consider expanding interview-waiver eligibility for vetted returning students, maintain adequate staffing at consular posts and provide greater transparency about visa processing
They have requested an explanation within 30 days outlining the reasons for the delays and the steps being taken to prevent students and exchange visitors from missing the start of their programmes.
The issue is particularly important for India, which was the largest source of international students in the US during the 2024-25 academic year. More than 363,000 Indian students were enrolled in American higher education during the period, according to figures cited in the senators’ letter.
The senators also highlighted the economic contribution of international students, saying they generated nearly $42.9 billion for the US economy and supported more than 355,000 jobs during the same academic year.
With universities preparing to begin the new semester, the lawmakers warned that continued appointment shortages could disrupt students’ academic plans and affect the ability of US institutions to attract international talent.
