US pauses immigrant visa appointments worldwide

The US State Department said Wednesday that it was temporarily pausing all immigrant visa appointments at every US embassy and consulate worldwide while it conducts new training for employees.

The department said the pause applies only to immigrant visas. It does not apply to visas issued for tourism, study, business travel or temporary work.

Existing immigrant visa appointments, which typically include an interview between a foreign national and a consular officer, will be adjusted to accommodate the training, a State Department spokesperson said.

The department did not give an end date. A State Department official speaking on condition of anonymity said the pause could last several weeks, depending on the location.

The spokesperson said the training relates to screening visa applicants who may become dependent on US public benefits.

The move comes as President Donald Trump's administration has tightened immigration policy since he returned to office in January 2025. On August 25, the State Department said it planned to revoke up to 200,000 tourist or business visas for foreigners who sought to stay longer by applying for asylum.

Earlier in August, the department said about 175,000 foreigners had seen their US visas revoked since Trump returned to office, on grounds ranging from criminal offences, including driving under the influence, to praising the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.

Some administration measures have been challenged and limited by US courts. On August 21, a federal judge struck down a government ban on visas for nationals of 75 countries who wished to settle in the United States indefinitely. The listed countries included Afghanistan, Brazil, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Somalia, Thailand and Yemen.