The administration of US President Donald Trump has decided to cancel visa interview appointments worldwide, and this measure has already taken effect at all embassies and consulates.
The State Department has stated that this decision is driven by the launch of a global training program for consular staff, during which visa service intake hours will be reviewed and adjusted.
The agency did not detail exactly what the training entails or how long it will last, but noted that the goal is to teach consular officers to better identify applicants who may later become dependent on US state benefits, as well as to ensure a uniform and consistent evaluation of all visa recipients.
This decision directly affects thousands of people awaiting the opportunity to travel to the US, whether for work, study, or family reasons. In effect, the State Department has effectively shut down the main visa process without specifying a clear timeline, meaning an indefinite wait for many.
The question arises as to why such extensive training is being conducted simultaneously in all countries, and whether this marks the beginning of deeper policy changes to entry rules. So far, there is no answer regarding either the duration or the new criteria, so it is worth following in the coming days for any additional clarifications the State Department may provide.
