Washington, August 25: A group of 30 U.S. senators has appealed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio to address delays in the processing of student and exchange visitor visas. They warn that if the situation does not improve, many students may not arrive in the U.S. before the start of the new academic session.
Led by Independent Senator Angus King from Maine, the lawmakers demanded timely processing of F, M, and J visa applications and raised concerns over the lack of available visa appointments at several U.S. embassies and consulates.
In their letter, the senators expressed their worry about the unavailability of visa appointments for students and researchers who wish to arrive in the U.S. before classes begin and the new academic year starts. They noted that some U.S. missions are not providing timely appointments, increasing anxiety among students about whether they will receive their visas in time for the start of their studies.
The letter urged the State Department to prioritize interviews and processing for student visa applications. It also called for an increase in interview waivers for verified returning students, ensuring proper staffing, and providing greater transparency to applicants and educational institutions.
The senators stated, “These issues are arising at a time when major educational institutions need talented students and experts from around the world for the new session. If not resolved, the entire education and skilled talent ecosystem could be affected.”
They highlighted that international students contribute approximately $43 billion to the local economy each year and supported over 355,000 American jobs during the 2024-25 academic year.
According to the letter, international students make up only about 6 percent of the total student population in the U.S., but their enrollment generates significant revenue for universities and creates additional opportunities for American students.
The senators emphasized that international students strengthen U.S. national security by promoting global relations, understanding of diverse cultures, and long-lasting diplomatic ties. They warned that continued delays in visa processing could jeopardize these benefits.
Lawmakers also inquired about the resources allocated to reduce pending visa cases and whether there have been any changes in visa processing priorities after the summer of 2025. Additionally, they requested information on the guidelines sent to embassies and consulates, the distribution of interview slots, and the average processing times for F, M, and J visas at the five largest visa processing centers.
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