ISSS Timely Update
VISA INTERVIEW APPOINTMENT LOCATIONS
On September 6, 2025, the U.S. Department of State announced guidance that “applicants for U.S. nonimmigrants visas should schedule their visa interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence.” Applicants who are from countries where the U.S. government does not conduct nonimmigrant visa operations can find a list of designated locations for visa processing on the announcement web page.
ISSS typically informs students and scholars that securing a visa in a third country could involve challenges and risks. With this new guidance, ISSS will now advise students and scholars to apply for a visa in their country of nationality or residence, per the updated guidance.
VISA APPOINTMENT WAIT TIMES
We encourage international students and scholars to review visa appointment wait times and requirements for specific U.S. embassy or consulate locations prior to scheduling a visa appointment. New and current international students and scholars will need to anticipate their travels and plan ahead to apply for their initial visas or renewals.
PROPOSED DURATION OF STATUS RULE
On August 28, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed a rule, Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media, that was published in the Federal Register to eliminate “duration of status” (D/S) for F, J, and other nonimmigrants. This is a proposed rule and has not gone into effect. As part of the federal rule-making process, there is a 30-day public comment period which will end on September 29, 2025. Individuals may submit comments so long as they are clear that they are not speaking on behalf of Middlebury.
Currently, there is no impact to the immigration status of F-1 and J-1 international students and scholars due to this proposed rule.
HOW TO STAY INFORMED?
ISSS continues to work closely with Middlebury’s General Counsel and Student Affairs, and professional organizations such as NAFSA: Association of International Educators and colleagues within international higher education to understand this proposed rule. When further information is available, ISSS will notify individuals specifically impacted and update the Timely Updates.
We continue to remind F-1 and J-1 international students and scholars to maintain their immigration status by following current regulations and contacting ISSS with any questions. The ISSS team is available to respond to email inquiries sent to isss@middlebury.edu or to meet via appointments (virtual or in-person). International students and scholars may schedule an appointment with their ISSS advisor through our Calendly scheduling tool.
TIMELY UPDATES
While we await legal developments and further clarity, we will continue to communicate with you as we receive and review new information. We will post immigration-related Timely Updates on the ISSS website only once we have confirmed information to share or if we have updates to provide. Our priority is to assist those most directly affected by any changes or who need timely assistance from ISSS, and any affected international community members to address individual circumstances.