US suspends all immigrant visa interviews worldwide
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
The Trump administration has suspended all immigrant visa interviews at US embassies and consulates worldwide. The State Department confirmed the measure began in early August to retrain consular staff and tighten screening of applicants. The suspension has already led to cancellations of scheduled interviews, with no new dates announced.
Key Facts
- The State Department launched the suspension in early August at all US embassies and consulates.
- Applicants with scheduled interviews received emails saying their appointments were cancelled and a new date would be provided later.
- The administration also plans to revoke up to 200,000 B1/B2 visas held by foreigners who applied for asylum after entering the US.
- The State Department has not said when visa processing or cancelled interviews will resume.
- The administration is considering a fee of more than $100,000 for new H-1B visas for highly skilled foreign workers.
The Suspension
The State Department confirmed the suspension of all immigrant visa applications in a statement on Tuesday. The measure began in early August at all US embassies and consulates. The department said it is reviewing procedures and providing additional training to consular staff so they can more thoroughly evaluate each applicant. The training aims to help consular officers screen out applicants who authorities believe could become dependent on US public benefits. The State Department has not given a timeline for the training or said when visa services will return to normal.
Impact on Applicants
Applicants with already scheduled interviews received emails notifying them that their appointments were cancelled and that they would be informed of a new date and time later. No new interview dates have been set. Immigration attorney Brian Simmons of Fragomen said some applicants may have spent thousands of dollars preparing for interviews and changed their plans, only to face last-minute cancellations. The suspension is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to restrict both legal and undocumented immigration.
Broader Visa Restrictions
The administration also plans to revoke visas held by some foreigners who applied for asylum after entering the US on tourist or business visas. The measure could affect up to 200,000 people, according to estimates. The State Department is coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security to identify foreigners who filed asylum claims after entering on short-term visas. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said the number of revocations will change continuously as the process is ongoing. The administration is also considering a fee of more than $100,000 for new H-1B visas for highly skilled foreign workers, despite a previous court block on such a fee.
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US suspends all immigrant visa interviews worldwide
