Immigrant Visa Interview Pause Continues As Some Consulates Issue Public Charge Interview Guidance

In an August 2026 blog post, we discussed the State Department’s directive to U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide to pause and reschedule immigrant visa interviews while consular officers completed mandatory training on the public charge ground of inadmissibility. Two months later, the delays are still in place.

No Resumption Date Announced

When the pause began, a State Department official said it was not expected to last beyond early to mid-September. However, interviews remain paused at many posts, and the State Department has not announced when interviews will resume more broadly. Applicants continue to receive appointment updates through the U.S. embassies and consulates handling their specific cases.