Breaking: U.S. Pauses Worldwide Immigrant Visa Processing!

The U.S. Department of State has temporarily paused immigrant visa processing and interview appointments at U.S. embassies and consulates globally. The pause was implemented to conduct mandatory, in-depth training for consular officers, specifically regarding updated guidelines under the federal “public-charge” screening rule.

Applicants with previously scheduled interviews have begun receiving cancellation notices via email, stating that their appointments will be rescheduled at a later date.

Key Takeaways: What Is and Isn’t Affected

• IMMIGRANT VISAS (Paused): The hold applies strictly to visas meant for permanent residency (Green Cards).
  • Family-Based: Spouses, children, parents, and siblings of U.S. citizens/LPRs.
  • Employment-Based: EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4, and EB-5 categories.
  • Diversity Visas: DV Lottery cases.
  • Special Immigrants: Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) categories.
• NONIMMIGRANT VISAS (Unaffected): Temporary nonimmigrant visa processing continues normally.
  • Students: F-1, M-1, and J-1 categories.
  • Temporary Workers: H-1B, H-4, L-1, O-1, and P visas.
  • Visitors & Business: B-1/B-2 tourist and business visas.

This initiative aims to align consular evaluations worldwide under stricter immigration enforcement guidelines. The focus on public-charge screening ensures that officers evaluate whether an applicant is likely to become primarily dependent on the government for subsistence.

The administrative pause affects thousands of applicants globally, including a substantial number of Indian professionals and families awaiting family-based and employment-based Green Card processing. Applicants are advised to check their registered emails and monitor official embassy communications for rescheduling updates.