The Department of State Consular Affairs Visa Office has provided the following information for inquiries related to international students and scholars.
For F, M, or J Visa Inquiries
Expedited Appointments for F/M/J
DOS has committed to providing priority to F/M/J in requesting visa appointments. Consulates carve out specific blocks of appointments for different visa classifications, and can increase or decrease these blocks depending on when the busy season is for that category.
However, the online appointment system generally does not recognize the visa category nor automatically provide an expedited appointment time for an FMJ. At consulates using the online appointment system, FMJ applicants who cannot get an appointment that allows them to meet their start date should request an expedited appointment using the instructions on the specific consulate's web site.
Note: Consulates have different procedures for requesting expedited appointments, so check with the consulate web site to determine the appropriate procedure. Many consulates utilize call centers that may charge a fee for the phone call.
For F/M/J inquiries (including the status of a security clearance/Security Advisory Opinion pending more than 90 days):
E-mail the Student/Exchange Visitor Visa Center within the Public Outreach office: fmjvisas@state.gov
When submitting an inquiry about an F, M, or J visa, please submit the following information to the S/EV Visa Center:
Date of Inquiry:
Nature of Inquiry (e.g. Delays, Communication Problems, Post Procedure Response to Inquiry, Advisory Opinion):
Post Information
Consular Office Involved:
Have you contacted the consulate directly?
When:
How (e.g. Phone, Mail, Fax, E-Mail):
Name of person you contacted (if known):
Attach correspondence, if any:
Foreign National's Information
Full Name(s) (as it appears on passport):
Nationality:
Place of Birth:
Date of Birth:
Current Visa Status in U.S., if any:
Type of Visa (e.g. F, M, or J Nonimmigrant Category):
NIV Appointment Number:
DSO/RO Contact Information
Name:
Institution:
Phone:
E-mail:
Read more about the U.S. State Department (DOS) Student/Exchange Visitor Visa Center
For Inquiries For All Other Visa Types (including cap exempt H-1B)
To inquire about a specific visa case (including the status of a clearance/Security Advisory Opinion pending more than 90 days):
Contact the Public Inquiry Line by calling (202) 663-1225 or
E-mail usvisa@state.gov
* Note: Since Security Advisory Opinions are overseen by an office in Washington, DC, the Public Inquiries Line can provide the same or better information re: SAOs as the consulate. Info provided is usually whether clearance is pending or complete at certain agencies (eg: FBI, CIS, etc).
General Information
Find an embassy/consulate or see appointment wait times
General visa application information
General student visa application information
Find out about special clearances for certain citizens
Waiver of 212e
NSEERS information
Visa Regulations, Foreign Affairs Manual, and Foreign Affairs Handbook
