In response to urgent developments from the U.S. State Department, MMG hosted a special webinar to address the impact of new visa restrictions on international medical students and graduates (IMGs).

Led by Dr. Firas Harb, the session provided timely insights into the suspension of J-1 visa processing, the expanding vetting process, and what it means for matched and unmatched applicants preparing for U.S. residency.

The Suspension

The Trump administration has ordered US embassies worldwide to immediately stop scheduling visa interviews for foreign students. State Department cable instructs consular sections to pause adding “any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued”

Why?

To implement comprehensive social media screening for all international applicants. “The department is conducting a review of existing operations and processes for screening and vetting of student and exchange visitor visa applicants,” the cable reads. Officials plan to issue guidance on “expanded social media vetting for all such applicants”

The Vetting Process & Consequences

The new social media vetting will apply to all student visa applicants. Under the screening process, consular officers would examine applicants’ posts, shares, and comments across platforms such as Instagram, X and TikTok for content they deem to be threatening to national security. Marc Rubio told senators last week that his department has revoked visas numbering “probably in the thousands at this point”.

Foreign Students and Their Impact on the US Economy

There are more than one million foreign students in the US, contributing nearly $43.8bn to the economy and supporting more than 378,000 jobs in 2023 to 2024, according to NAFSA.

Importance of J1 Visa

  • The J-1 visa program is crucial for the training of IMGs in the United States.
  • IMGs fill essential roles in hospitals and clinics nationwide and in underserved areas, where they are most needed.
  • In 2025 more than 58% of Non-US IMGs matched into PGY1.

Impact of the Suspension on J1 Medical

  • Uncertainty and challenges on IMGs who matched and set to begin residency programs in July 2025.
  • Staff shortage in Hospitals and clinics
  • Rural and Underserved areas will be highly affected
  • Patient care and its outcome
  • Significant effect on the whole healthcare system if it remains unsolved.
  • Clinical Rotations schedule for medical students have been affected for June at least
  • Research applicants are affected too

How is MMG Navigating This Challenge?

  • Coordinating with directors of residency programs daily
  • Contacting congressmen to expedite the vetting process and allow IMGs to start July 2025
  • Contacting our applicants worldwide (Students, residents and matched IMGS) and find out ways to accommodate them.
  • Conducting weekly webinars and talks to provide guidance, support and practical solutions

Recommendations

  • DON’T CHANGE PLANS: Just wait
  • Suspension will be lifted soon
  • Keep us updated as the vetting process is active but slow
  • Will keep you looped for any development
  • For Unmatched IMGs: don’t delay the schedule of your rotations.