By Saidu Jalloh, D.S. Reporter
WASHINGTON — The U.S. State Department has temporarily suspended immigrant visa interviews at all embassies and consulates worldwide as consular officers undergo new training on public charge guidance.
Applicants who had scheduled appointments are already receiving notices that their interviews have been cancelled and will be rescheduled. The Department has not stated how long the pause will last or when interviews will resume.
According to available information, the suspension does not affect nonimmigrant visas such as tourist, student and business visas. Processing of immigrant visa applications before the interview stage is expected to continue.
It remains unclear whether the pause also impacts applicants who have already attended interviews but are still awaiting visa issuance. The State Department has also not provided details on how quickly postponed appointments will be rescheduled.
The move comes as the Department rolls out updated guidance for officers assessing whether visa applicants are likely to become a public charge. Officials said the training is intended to ensure consistent application of the policy across all posts.
Prospective immigrants have been advised to monitor communications from U.S. embassies and consulates for updates on new interview dates.
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