A reported pause in immigrant visa interviews is creating uncertainty for applicants around the world. Some previously scheduled interviews are being moved to new dates at U.S. embassies and consulates, but the State Department has not provided a timeline for when affected appointments will resume. As of August 26, 2026, there has been no announcement of a broader suspension of non-immigrant visa processing.
What Is Behind the Pause?
The State Department says consular officers are undergoing global training concerning how visa applications are evaluated “comprehensively and consistently,” including whether applicants may be likely to become dependent on U.S. public benefits. Beyond those stated objectives, however, the department has not provided additional details about the training’s contents or how the initiative will be implemented.
What This Means for Applicants
Applicants whose cases are affected by the pause should continue to follow guidance from the U.S. embassy or consulate handling their applications and monitor official communications for changes to their appointments. If updates are issued, they should review them carefully and follow any instructions from the relevant consular post. Importantly, this does not impact applications for adjustment of status, which are filed from within the United States.
As the situation develops, we will continue to monitor State Department guidance on the duration of the pause and the rescheduling of affected interviews and update this article as new information becomes available.