J1 Weekly Brief: June 3–9, 2025
This week, the J1 Exchange Visitor Program community navigated a landscape marked by significant policy shifts and continued advocacy for cultural exchange. New U.S. travel restrictions and evolving visa processing procedures were prominent, alongside celebrations of the program’s enduring value and the emergence of technological advancements designed to support international students and scholars. This brief aims to keep the community informed on the most impactful news and resources from June 3rd to June 9th, 2025.
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New Presidential Proclamation on Travel Restrictions Takes Effect
A Presidential Proclamation introducing new travel restrictions for certain foreign nationals became effective on June 9, 2025, at 12:01 AM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). This executive action, issued on June 4, 2025, aims to protect U.S. national security and public safety, building upon Executive Order 14161 from January 20, 2025, which mandated enhanced immigration screening. The proclamation fully suspends visa issuance for nationals of twelve countries and partially suspends it for seven, specifically including J1 (exchange visitor) visas for nationals of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. This introduces complexity for future J1 applicants from affected nations, as those outside the U.S. without a valid visa as of June 9, 2025, will face immediate challenges in obtaining new J1 visas or entering the country. The rapid implementation created an urgent operational challenge for international student and scholar services at institutions, necessitating swift communication and adaptation.
Published: June 9, 2025
Suspension of Visa Issuance to Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and other National Security and Public Safety Threats -
Department of State Pauses New F, M, and J Visa Interview Scheduling
The U.S. Department of State temporarily paused the scheduling of new F-1, M-1, and J-1 visa appointments, a decision initially reported on May 27, 2025, and confirmed to be ongoing into the first week of June. This pause is directly linked to a review of social media screening procedures for visa applicants, stemming from Executive Order 14161, which mandates enhanced vetting. While not a complete ban, this measure has introduced considerable disruption and uncertainty for prospective exchange visitors across all J-1 program categories. The duration of this pause remains uncertain, with experts anticipating prolonged delays due to the time required for new vetting criteria and existing staffing shortages at consulates. This situation highlights a broader trend toward more rigorous background checks, which could increase anxiety among applicants and impact the operational efficiency of host organizations.
Published: June 3, 2025
Department of State Pauses Visa Interview for J, F, and M visitors -
Alliance for International Exchange Celebrates “Exchange Day 2025”
The Alliance for International Exchange announced the celebration of “Exchange Day 2025,” scheduled for Monday, August 4, 2025. This announcement, made on June 9, 2025, emphasizes the critical role of international exchange programs as an “American superpower” that stimulates the economy, cultivates future leaders, and reinforces U.S. foreign policy objectives. Exchange Day is an annual initiative designed to raise public awareness about the multifaceted benefits of people-to-people diplomacy. Organizations like the Alliance consistently advocate for these programs, highlighting their substantial economic contributions, such as the over $1.2 billion injected into the U.S. economy annually by BridgeUSA participants. This celebration stands as a powerful counter-narrative to recent restrictive immigration policies, underscoring the critical need for continued advocacy to highlight the positive impact these programs have on American communities and national interests.
Published: June 9, 2025
Celebrating an American Superpower: Exchange Day 2025 | Alliance for International Exchange -
New Ed-Tech Platform Launched to Enhance International Student Support
Terra Dotta introduced a new version of its International Student and Scholars Services (ISSS Next Gen) on May 27, 2025, with news coverage appearing on June 5 and June 9, 2025. This platform is specifically designed to assist institutions in managing compliance and providing more effective support for international student enrollment and their entire visa lifecycle. ISSS Next Gen streamlines administrative tasks by automating reports, tracking student lifecycles, and processing essential documents like DS-2019 forms for J1 scholars. The platform’s goal is to alleviate the technological and administrative burden on international officers, enabling them to provide continuous support to students from their initial admission through post-graduation visa processes. This trend towards technological solutions is becoming indispensable for effective program management in the evolving regulatory landscape.
Published: June 5, 2025
New Ed-Tech Tools for International Student Support
Tools & Tips
- Terra Dotta’s ISSS Next Gen Platform:
In response to the increasing complexity of international student and scholar services, Terra Dotta has launched its new ISSS Next Generation platform. This tool offers comprehensive visa lifecycle support, from admissions to post-graduation routes, including processing DS-2019 forms for J-1 scholars. It aims to automate reports, track student progress, and provide institutions with robust compliance management, freeing up international officers to offer more personalized guidance. For J1 program sponsors and university international offices, exploring tools like Terra Dotta’s ISSS Next Gen could significantly enhance operational efficiency and compliance, especially given the current climate of increased visa scrutiny and regulatory changes.
New Ed-Tech Tools for International Student Support
Fun Fact
Did you know that the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, which facilitates cultural and educational exchanges, has a rich history dating back to 1961? It was established under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act, championed by Senator J. William Fulbright, with the foundational purpose of increasing mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries. This enduring mission continues to shape global diplomacy and foster international connections.
The J-1 Exchange Program: A Short Look at a Long History | ISE
We’d love to hear from you!
Have you participated in any J1 exchange events or utilized new J1 tools recently? Share your experiences or insights with us—we’re featuring selected community voices in next week’s edition.