- US temporarily paused immigrant-visa appointments worldwide, beginning in early August 2026, and it is not expected to extend beyond early to mid-September.
- The pause affects people applying for immigrant visas from outside the United States, particularly family-based applicants such as parents, spouses, children and siblings of US citizens.
- Affected August interviews were not permanently cancelled and were expected to be rescheduled for September, October or November.
- The pause is linked to new 'public charge' guidance, a long-standing immigration-law concept used to assess whether an applicant is likely to become dependent on certain public assistance.
- The administration is also preparing to revoke B1 and B2 business and tourism visas held by foreigners who have sought or are currently seeking asylum in the US, potentially affecting up to 200,000 visas.
- Julia Gelatt, associate director of the US immigration policy programme at the Migration Policy Institute, said the moves reflect a broader administration philosophy aimed at reducing immigration.
- The plan remains subject to revision or legal challenge, and Gelatt warned that litigation could follow if the pause lasted longer than expected.
The Trump administration's recent pause on global immigrant visa appointments has raised concerns among family-based applicants, including parents and spouses of U.S. citizens.
Beginning in early August, the pause is linked to new 'public charge' guidance, which assesses whether applicants may rely on public assistance.7
A State Department official indicated that this pause is not a permanent cancellation of cases, with affected interviews expected to be rescheduled for September, October, and November.
Julia Gelatt, associate director at the Migration Policy Institute, noted that the administration's actions reflect a broader philosophy aimed at reducing immigration.10
The pause is part of a larger trend, as the administration also prepares to revoke B1 and B2 visas for asylum seekers, potentially affecting up to 200,000 visas.
This could lead to the largest mass revocation of visas in U.S. history, facing potential legal challenges.
Gelatt warned that while the pause seems temporary, litigation could arise if it extends beyond expectations.
“The pause, which began in early August, is expected to last until early to mid-September, with affected August interviews rescheduled for September, October or November. Separately, the administration is preparing to revoke B1 and B2 visas for asylum seekers, potentially affecting up to 200,000 visas.”
The Indian Express
