US pauses immigrant visa appointments worldwide amid H-1B row, immigration crackdown: Report

The United States has reportedly paused visa applications and appointments worldwide as the Trump administration intensifies its immigration crackdown.

The Financial Times, citing a State Department official, reported that the move was aimed at tightening restrictions and limiting access for applicants deemed likely to rely on US government assistance.

However, Reuters reported that a State Department spokesperson said Tuesday that a global training programme had been launched at US embassies and consulates and that visa appointments would be adjusted to accommodate the training.

The reported pause came to light after applicants with scheduled interviews received emails informing them that their appointments were being rescheduled and that they would be notified of new dates later.

H-1B Visa Fee Row

The development comes a day after the Trump administration proposed a $103,265 application fee for H-1B visas, which allow US companies to employ skilled foreign workers.

The Department of Homeland Security proposal follows Trump’s earlier announcement that he planned to raise the H-1B fee to $100,000. His proclamation was halted by a court in June this year.

The latest DHS proposal is expected to take effect after a 30-day public comment period.

Trump Administration’s Immigration Crackdown

Since returning to office in 2025, Trump has pursued an aggressive immigration crackdown, including visa and green card revocations, application rejections, mass deportations and immigration raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The administration’s policies have drawn criticism from human rights groups, which have accused it of discriminatory practices and violations of free speech and due process.

Rights groups have also raised concerns that the crackdown could create an unsafe environment for ethnic minorities and increase the risk of racial profiling.