United States: Temporary Pause on Immigrant Visa Interviews

The U.S. Department of State has temporarily suspended immigrant visa interviews at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide while it provides additional training to consular officers on public charge assessments. Applicants with scheduled interviews are receiving cancellation notices, and appointments will be rescheduled.  At present, there is no indication that non-immigrant visa interviews are affected.

The duration of the pause remains unclear, and the State Department has not confirmed how quickly cancelled appointments will be rescheduled. Pre-interview processing of immigrant visa applications is expected to continue, although interview delays are likely to result in corresponding delays to immigrant visa issuance and lawful permanent resident entry to the United States.

According to reports, the training aims to ensure consistent application of public charge principles (whether an immigrant visa applicant is likely to become a public charge or depend on U.S. public benefits), which require consideration of an applicant’s overall circumstances, including age, health, family status, financial resources, and education or skills. The pause follows recent developments relating to public charge policies, including a federal court decision vacating a separate State Department immigrant visa restriction and the forthcoming DHS public charge guidance for adjustment of status applications, effective 18 September 2026. USCIS adjustment of status applications are not affected by the interview pause.

Impact on applicants: Individuals pursuing immigrant visas should continue completing all pre-interview requirements and monitor communications from the relevant U.S. embassy or consulate. Applicants should anticipate delays in interview scheduling, visa issuance, and travel to the United States, particularly as consular posts work through postponed cases following the resumption of interviews.

For assistance, please contact attorney Izidora Levi at [email protected].

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