Trump administration pauses US visa appointments worldwide

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has temporarily paused visa appointments for applicants worldwide as part of a new training initiative for consular officers, the U.S. State Department said.

A State Department spokesperson said the training is being conducted at all U.S. embassies and consulates globally, and that visa appointment schedules will be adjusted to accommodate the program.

The department did not provide details about the content of the training or its duration, but said it is intended to help consular officers identify applicants who are likely to become dependent on U.S. public benefits and to ensure that visa applications are evaluated “comprehensively and consistently.”

The Financial Times previously reported that some immigrant visa applicants with scheduled interviews had received emails informing them that their appointments were being rescheduled and that new interview dates would be provided later.

The move comes as Trump’s administration continues a broad immigration crackdown during his second term, including the revocation of visas and green cards, as well as the rejection of some applications over issues ranging from political opinions to participation in pro-Palestinian protests against Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Trump has said the measures are aimed at strengthening U.S. domestic security.

The administration’s immigration policies have faced legal challenges. Last week, a U.S. judge blocked a Trump administration policy suspending the issuance of immigrant visas to applicants from 75 countries, ruling that the measure exceeded the statutory authority of Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Human rights organisations have criticised the administration’s immigration crackdown, arguing that it is discriminatory and violates free speech and due process rights. Rights groups have also warned that the policies have created an unsafe environment in the United States, particularly for ethnic minorities concerned about racial profiling.

Although Trump campaigned in 2024 on a pledge to curb illegal immigration, his administration has also tightened legal immigration, including by introducing new and more expensive fees for certain work visa applicants.

By Tamilla Hasanova