The US has paused immigrant visa appointments worldwide as the Trump administration intensifies scrutiny of applicants’ finances and benefit eligibility
The United States has paused immigrant visa appointments at embassies and consulates worldwide as the Donald Trump administration intensifies scrutiny of applicants who could potentially depend on government benefits. Applicants with scheduled interviews were reportedly informed by email that their appointments had been postponed, with new dates to be announced later.
The US State Department has launched a global training programme for consular officers to ensure closer and more consistent assessment of visa applicants, particularly under the “public charge” provision of US immigration law.
The provision allows authorities to assess whether an immigrant is likely to become primarily dependent on government financial assistance. Factors including an applicant’s finances, age, health, skills and family circumstances can be considered.
The move comes amid broader immigration restrictions under Trump, including tighter scrutiny of green-card applicants and measures targeting illegal immigration.
The reported pause follows the administration’s proposal for a USD 103,265 fee for H-1B visa applications, a move that could significantly affect skilled foreign workers, including Indian professionals.
The administration had previously introduced similar public-charge measures affecting applicants from dozens of countries. However, a federal judge recently struck down an earlier policy covering 75 countries, ruling it was “contrary to law”.
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