Trump administration pauses visa appointments worldwide amid immigration crackdown
PTC News Desk: The United States has reportedly paused all visa appointments across the globe as part of Trump administration's move to tighten restrictions.
A US State Department spokesperson said on Tuesday that it launched a global training initiative at all US embassies and consulates worldwide and that appointments for visa services will be adjusted to accommodate training.
The suspension of visa appointments became known after applicants with already scheduled interviews at US embassies and consulates received emails informing them that their appointments had been postponed. They were told that new appointment dates would be shared later.
H-1B visa fee controversy
The decision came a day after the Trump administration proposed a new H-1B visa application fee of $103,265. The H-1B visa allows US companies to employ skilled workers from other countries.
The Department of Homeland Security made the proposal after President Donald Trump had announced plans last year to raise the H-1B visa fee to $100,000. However, a court stopped that order in June this year.
Trump's crackdown on immigrants
Since returning to office in 2025, President Donald Trump and his administration have taken several strict measures against immigrants in the US.
These include cancelling visas and green cards and rejecting immigration applications. Such actions were also reported during pro-Palestinian protests at US colleges and universities over Israel's war in Gaza.
The administration has also ordered large-scale deportations and increased raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
- With inputs from agencies
