30 US senators seek end to visa delays

Washington: A 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 may be unable 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 answers about the lack of available appointments at several US embassies and consulates.

“We write to express our concerns regarding the ongoing unavailability of visa appointments during the peak visa application season for students and scholars seeking to enter the U.S. in time for the start of classes and the academic year,” the senators wrote.

They said constituents and other stakeholders had reported that timely appointments were unavailable at some diplomatic missions, creating uncertainty over whether students would receive their visas in time to begin their studies.

The letter asked the State Department to restore priority for interviewing and processing student applicants. It also urged the department to extend interview waivers for vetted returning students, ensure adequate staffing and provide applicants and educational institutions with greater transparency.

“These challenges come at a time when major academic institutions need skilled, international talent to begin their semesters,” the lawmakers wrote. “Without a fix, the repercussions will be felt across the academic and skilled-technical talent pipeline.”

The senators said international students contribute nearly $43 billion annually to local communities and supported more than 355,000 American jobs during the 2024-2025 academic year.

Although international students constitute about six per cent of the US higher-education population, their enrolment generates revenue for universities and creates additional opportunities for American students, the letter said.

“International students also improve our national security by fostering global relationships, cross cultural understanding, and long-lasting diplomatic ties,” the senators wrote. “These benefits are at risk if visa processing delays persist.”

The lawmakers asked the State Department to explain what resources it had devoted to clearing visa backlogs and whether its processing priorities had changed since the spring and summer of 2025.

They also sought details about guidance sent to embassies and consulates, the allocation of interview appointments and the average processing time for F, M and J visas at the five largest processing locations.

“The case-by-case nature of availability for access to expedited appointments or National Interest Exception requests is neither efficient nor sustainable,” the senators wrote.

They requested a written response from the State Department within 30 days.

Those signing the letter included Senators Dick Durbin, Cory Booker, Tammy Duckworth, Andy Kim, Amy Klobuchar, Elizabeth Warren, Chris Van Hollen, Raphael Warnock, Jeanne Shaheen and Ron Wyden.

The F visa category generally covers academic students, while M visas are issued for vocational or other non-academic programmes. J visas are used for approved exchange programmes involving students, scholars, researchers and other participants.

International students form an important part of the US university system, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics programmes. Visa appointment availability and processing times can determine whether admitted students are able to enrol, travel and report to their institutions before classes begin.

IANS