US Pauses Immigrant Visa Interviews Worldwide for Public Charge Training

A State Department official confirmed on August 25, 2026 that US embassies and consulates were pausing immigrant visa interviews worldwide. Applicants with scheduled interviews began receiving cancellation notices, with new appointments to be set later. The stated reason is training for consular officers on public charge guidance, meaning how to judge whether an applicant is likely to depend on US public benefits.

The pause came four days after a federal court vacated the separate 75-country immigrant visa pause in CLINIC v. Rubio (see our news on the ruling), and a few weeks before the Department of Homeland Security's new public charge rule took effect on September 18, 2026.

The State Department has not announced when interviews will resume. An official was reported as saying the pause was not expected to run past early to mid-September, but as of mid-September there were only scattered reports of individual posts resuming interviews.

• All immigrant visa applicants abroad, of every nationality: spouses, parents and children of US citizens, other family preference categories, employment-based applicants, and investors processing through a consulate. See consular processing.
• K-1 fiancé(e)s should check with their consulate, since K visas are processed by immigrant visa units at many posts.

Not affected:

• Nonimmigrant visas such as B-1/B-2, F-1, J-1, H-1B and L-1.
• Adjustment of status with USCIS inside the United States. See adjustment of status.
• Pre-interview steps. The National Visa Center and consulates can keep handling documents before the interview stage.

1. Watch your email and the consulate's website for a new appointment. Do not travel to the consulate unless you have a confirmed interview.
2. Keep documents current. Medical exams, police certificates, and financial documents can expire while you wait.
3. Prepare for a tougher public charge review. Strengthen your Affidavit of Support and evidence of income, assets, health insurance, and employment. See public charge.
4. If you are already in the US in valid status, ask a lawyer whether adjustment of status is an option for you.
5. Urgent cases: some posts may accept expedite requests for humanitarian or medical emergencies. Ask the consulate.

The situation is changing quickly. Speak with a licensed US immigration lawyer about your case.