The U.S State Department has officially resumed the processing of student Visa (F‑1, M‑1) and exchange (J‑1) visas, but with new major requirement. All applicants must Public their social media profiles before appearing for Interview. This rule must be followed before scheduling visa interview. confused why this is mandotary? Read on to know why and how to apply for F-1, M-1, and J-1 Student Visa.
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What Pakistani Students Should Know Before Appying for US Visa
- F, M, and J visa interviews are now being scheduled again, ending the suspension since May 2.
- All personal social media (Facebook, Instagram, X, etc.) must be publicly accessible. Private profiles will lead to extra scrutiny or possible visa rejection.
- Consular officers will look for signs of support for extremist views, violence, or hostility toward the U.S, including anti Israel or antisemitic content.
- Those who had scheduled interviews before the freeze are now being reassessed under new rule.
Steps Pakistani Applicants Should Take
- Set all social media accounts to public
- Finish DS‑160 form, then book interview
- Gather academic docs, I‑20/DS‑2019, passport, etc.
- Monitor for consulate emails, response windows remain tight
- Stay in touch with university international office or USEFP
Tip: Expect Delays, More vetting means longer processing times.
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US Student Visa Types: F-1, M-1, and J-1
F-1 Visa: Academic Student
This is most common visa for Pakistani students.
- F-1 is for Those who are enrolled in full time academic programs (Bachelors, Masters, PhD) at U.S colleges, universities, high schools, language training programs.
- Work allowed is On-campus part-time work, OPT (Optional Practical Training) after graduation.
- Visa Duration is same as lenght of degree program, with possible extensions for OPT.
M-1 Visa: Vocational Student
For technical and non academic programs.
- M-1 is for students who are enrolled in technical, vocational, or non academic institutions (culinary schools, mechanical institutes).
- No work permitted during study. Limited OPT possible only in field of training.
- Visa duration is usually fixed and non flexible (cannot extend easily).
J-1 Visa: Exchange Visitor
This is for cultural and educational exchange programs.
- J-1 is for scholars, interns, visiting students, teachers, researchers, or anyone under an official exchange program.
- This visa is sponsored by Government agencies, universities, or international organizations.
- Visa Conditions may require return to Pakistan after program ends (under the 2 year home residency rule in some cases).
Important for Pakistanis: All 3 visa types now require public social media visibility during the DS-160 screening. Keep profiles clean and accessible if applying in 2025.
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How to Apply for U.S Student Visa (F-1, M-1, J-1) from Pakistan
1. Get Accepted by a SEVP-Approved Institution
Before applying for any student visa, you must be accepted by a school or program certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
- F-1: Apply to U.S universities, high schools, or language institutes.
- M-1: Apply to vocational or technical training centers.
- J-1: Requires sponsorship from U.S agency, university, or cultural exchange program.
2. Receive the Form You Need
Once accepted, school/program will send the correct form:
- F-1 & M-1 Applicants receive Form I-20
- J-1 Applicants get Form DS-2019
Important: Keep this form safe, it is required for visa interviews and travel.
3. Pay the SEVIS Fee (I-901 Fee)
Go to Student and Exchange Visitor Program Fee Portal and pay the SEVIS fee:
- Submit $350 for F-1 & M-1 Visa Application
- Pay $22- for J-1 Application
Note: Always Print the confirmation receipt, it is required for visa appointment.
4. Fill Out DS-160 Visa Application
Complete the DS-160 form online at US state Department Website. This form is mandatory for all three visa types.
- Make sure the details match passport and I-20/DS-2019.
- Upload recent passport size photo (as per U.S guidelines).
- Print and save the DS-160 confirmation page with barcode.
5. Pay U.S. Visa Fee
Pay the U.S student visa fee at designated U.S visa fee banks in Pakistan (like Allied Bank). The Student Visa Fee is $185 (equivalent in PKR). Get a receipt number for scheduling interview afterwards.
6. Book U.S Visa Interview
Go to US Travel Docs Website and schedule appointment for interview at the U.S Embassy (Islamabad) or U.S Consulate (Karachi).
Submit following Documents while scheduling:
- DS-160 barcode number
- Visa fee receipt number
- Passport details
- SEVIS ID
7. Attend Your Visa Interview
Take following documents to Interview:
- Passport (valid at least 6 months after planned arrival)
- Form I-20 (F-1/M-1) or DS-2019 (J-1)
- SEVIS fee receipt
- DS-160 confirmation
- Visa appointment confirmation
- Admission letter
- Financial proof (bank statements, scholarship letters)
- Academic documents (transcripts, degrees, test scores)
- Optional: Ties to Pakistan (property documents, family details, etc.)
The consular officer may ask questions about chosen program, funding, and future plans.
8. Get Your Visa and Travel to the U.S.
- If approved, you will be told when to collect passport with the visa sticker.
- Carry all original documents in hand luggage during travel.
- Travel up to 30 days before program start date (as mentioned on I-20/DS-2019).
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Quick FAQs
Yes, interviews are open but only if social media is public.
It may lead to extra checks or be seen as hiding info, Public social media profiles before as per new requirements is highly recommended to avoid confusion.
Posts perceived as supportive of terrorism, violence, or hostility toward U.S, or hate speech.
Yes, similar rules are expanding to B1/B2 (visitor) and immigrant visas under broader travel ban.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. We do not express any personal opinions, endorsements, or criticisms regarding the visa types, policies, or procedures mentioned above.
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