Global US immigrant visa pause: the fallout across China, Asia and Hong Kong

NEWThis Week in Asia SeriesOn August 26, the US State Department announced a temporary pause on immigrant visa interview appointments at all embassies and consulates globally. Explore our complete coverage of the sweeping ripple effects across China, Hong Kong, and the rest of Asia. Updated: 27 Aug, 2026

Officials revealed that the move is part of a “planned global training initiative” that will allow closer screening and vetting of applicants.

The pause, which applies to every US embassy and consulate globally, only involves immigrant visas, not those issued for tourism, study, business travel or temporary work. US President Donald Trump, since he returned to office last year, has cracked down on immigration and has been heavily restricting entry to the US.

The pause, which applies to every US embassy and consulate globally, only involves immigrant visas, not those issued for tourism, study, business travel or temporary work. US President Donald Trump, since he returned to office last year, has cracked down on immigration and has been heavily restricting entry to the US.

Those seeking permanent residency in the US from the home countries are caught up in the latest State Department visa pause.

The Trump administration has paused immigrant visa appointments worldwide to carry out “in-depth training” for consular officers to screen out foreign applicants at risk of taking advantage of U.S. public assistance.  The guidance from the State Department comes after a federal judge last week vacated President Trump’s

All US immigrant visa applications halted to tighten restrictions and limit access. Plus tributes pour in for Dolly Parton, who has died aged 80 Good morning. All US immigrant visa applications have been paused by the Trump administration as the state department moves to tighten restrictions and limit access to applica

Trump Admin Issues Pause On Immigrant Visa Appointments For Applicants Worldwide  HuffPost

A U.S. State ​Department spokesperson said on Tuesday that it launched a global training initiative at ​all U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide

President Donald Trump’s administration has issued a pause on immigrant visa appointments for applicants around the world during an ongoing immigration crackdown by the US government in the Republican leader’s second term in the White House. A US State Department spokesperson said on Tuesday that it launch