Washington, August 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A bipartisan group of 30 US senators has urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to address delays in processing student and exchange visitor visas, warning that applicants could struggle to reach the United States before the new academic year begins.
Led by Independent Senator Angus King of Maine, the lawmakers called for timely processing of F, M and J visas and sought an explanation for the shortage of appointment slots at some US embassies and consulates.
“We urge the State Department to ensure timely processing of F, M, and J student and exchange visitor nonimmigrant visas,” the senators wrote, according to the letter.
They asked the State Department to restore priority processing for student applicants, extend interview waivers for vetted returning students, ensure adequate staffing and improve transparency for applicants and educational institutions. They also sought details on resources allocated to clear backlogs, processing priorities, consular guidance and average processing times at the five largest processing locations.
The lawmakers said international students contribute nearly $43 billion annually to US communities and supported more than 355,000 American jobs during the 2024-25 academic year. They account for about six per cent of the US higher-education population, while their presence also strengthens academic institutions, the workforce and international partnerships.
The senators warned that prolonged visa delays could hurt the US academic and skilled-technical talent pipeline. They also criticised the case-by-case availability of expedited appointments and National Interest Exception requests as inefficient and unsustainable.
The lawmakers requested a written response from the State Department within 30 days.
The F visa generally covers academic students, M visas vocational or other non-academic programmes, and J visas approved exchange programmes involving students, scholars and other participants.
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