The US State Department has temporarily reduced or suspended visa appointment scheduling at embassies and consulates worldwide while consular officers complete a department-wide training programme. No date has been announced for the full resumption of normal appointment services.

Some immigrant visa applicants with previously scheduled interviews have received rescheduling notices and will be informed of new dates later. The disruption affects appointment scheduling and does not represent a worldwide suspension of US visa issuance.

Stricter applicant screening

The new training is intended to standardise case assessments and strengthen security and immigration screening. Officers will also receive additional training to identify applicants who may become dependent on US government public assistance.

As part of these measures, the State Department introduced the Public Charge Bond pilot programme on August 5, 2026, which may require applicants in certain immigration cases to provide a financial guarantee.

Under new regulations, non-immigrant visa applicants must generally be interviewed in their country of nationality or residence. Those applying from their country of residence must provide proof of residency. A similar policy also applies to immigrant visas.

Other visa changes in 2026

Since March 30, online activity and social media screening has been expanded to additional categories of applicants, including certain employment, student and exchange visa applicants.

An expedited appointment pilot programme also began at selected diplomatic missions on August 18. Subject to availability, some B visa applicants may secure an interview within 10 business days by paying $750 in addition to the standard $185 fee.

Impact of court ruling

The changes come after a federal judge on August 21 overturned a policy suspending the issuance of immigrant visas to nationals of 75 countries.

Applicants with scheduled interviews should monitor official messages and notices from the embassy or consulate handling their case, as the duration of the disruption may vary by location.