US Announces New Rules For Student Visa Appointment

The United States has officially updated its student visa appointment rules for international applicants, including students from Pakistan, ahead of the Fall 2025 academic session. These changes are designed to streamline the application process, reduce fraud, and prioritize genuine students pursuing education in the U.S.

• New rules for F-1, M-1, and J-1 student visa appointments announced

• Aim: Prevent misuse of slots and reduce fraudulent bookings

• More visa interview slots to be released gradually

• Special focus on high-volume countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh

• Mandatory documentation changes and appointment policy updates

• Strict penalties for no-shows and duplicate bookings

• Students can only book one appointment per passport number

• Duplicate bookings will now be automatically cancelled

• Applicants who don’t attend their interviews without cancellation:

  • Will be barred for 6 months from rebooking

  • Could face longer processing delays in future applications

• Visa interview slots will now be released in phases

• Helps to prevent bots and agents from mass-booking

To avoid delays or denials, ensure you bring:

• Valid Passport (6 months minimum validity)

• I-20 Form (signed and issued by a U.S. institution)

• SEVIS Fee Receipt

• Academic Records (transcripts, certificates)

• Proof of Finances (bank statements, scholarships, sponsors)

• Ties to Pakistan (land, family, job offers post-graduation)

Some agencies and individuals have been mass-reserving appointments, often reselling them at high prices — this new policy aims to end that.

Stricter verification ensures only genuine students proceed.

U.S. embassies face an increasing volume of student applications. The new rules improve efficiency and fairness.

“We want to ensure every qualified Pakistani student gets a fair opportunity. These changes will help improve access and transparency.”

I had to wait months for an appointment in 2024. These new rules seem fair if they reduce delays.”
 Areeba, admitted to Purdue University

I almost lost my visa chance due to a fake agent. Happy the embassy is now more strict.”
 Fahad, accepted at Arizona State University

The new student visa appointment rules by the U.S. are a positive step toward fairness, transparency, and security. While stricter, they also ensure that genuine students have better access and faster processing.