Washington DC: The United States has paused visa appointments at its embassies and consulates worldwide as the Trump administration intensifies its crackdown on immigration.
The US State Department said it has launched a global training initiative for consular officers and that visa appointments will be adjusted to accommodate the training. The department did not provide a timeline for when regular appointments would resume.
The development was first reported by the Financial Times, which said applicants with scheduled interviews at US diplomatic missions had received emails informing them that their appointments were being rescheduled. Applicants were told they would receive further communication with a new date and time.
According to the State Department, the training is aimed at ensuring consular officers can evaluate visa applicants “comprehensively and consistently,” including identifying applicants who may be likely to rely on US public benefits.
The move comes a day after the Department of Homeland Security proposed increasing the H-1B visa fee to $103,265. The H-1B programme allows US employers to hire skilled foreign workers, particularly for specialised and professional roles.
The proposed fee is significantly higher than the current cost of the visa and follows Trump’s earlier push for a $100,000 H-1B fee. The latest proposal is subject to a 30-day public comment period before the administration can move toward implementation.
Since returning to office in 2025, Trump has pursued an aggressive immigration agenda targeting both illegal and legal immigration. His administration has stepped up deportations, expanded Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations and moved to revoke visas and green cards while rejecting applications on a range of grounds.
The administration has also faced criticism over measures affecting foreign nationals linked to political activity, including participation in pro-Palestinian protests at US universities.
The latest visa move follows a legal setback for the administration. A US federal judge last week struck down a policy that had suspended immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, ruling that the measure exceeded Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s statutory authority.
Human rights groups have condemned the broader immigration crackdown, accusing the administration of discriminatory practices and violations of free speech and due process. Rights advocates have also raised concerns that increased immigration enforcement could disproportionately affect ethnic minorities and contribute to racial profiling.
The worldwide pause adds another layer of uncertainty for visa applicants as the Trump administration moves to impose tighter scrutiny and higher costs on those seeking to enter or work in the United States.
