US pauses immigrant visa appointments worldwide

The United States has temporarily paused immigrant visa appointments at its embassies and consulates worldwide as consular officers undergo a new training programme.

The US State Department said on Tuesday that it had launched a global training initiative at all its embassies and consulates. Visa appointments are being adjusted to accommodate the training, although the department has not specified how long the process will take. 

The training is aimed at helping consular officers assess applicants more thoroughly and consistently, particularly whether they are likely to become dependent on US public benefits.

Immigrant visa applicants who already had interview appointments have received emails informing them that their appointments will be rescheduled. New dates will be communicated later, according to reports. 

The move comes as President Donald Trump’s administration continues its broader immigration crackdown during his second term, including tighter scrutiny of visa and green card applicants.

The administration has also faced legal challenges over some of its immigration policies. Earlier this month, a federal judge struck down a policy that had suspended immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, ruling that it exceeded the authority of the secretary of state. 

The latest pause is expected to cause delays for immigrant visa applicants worldwide, while the State Department has not announced when regular appointment scheduling will resume.

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