US Embassies and Consulates Cancel All Visa Appointments Worldwide Until September 1

US embassies and consulates worldwide have cancelled all non-immigrant visa appointments until September 1, citing a State Department directive for consular officers to undergo training on a new, more restrictive visa policy. This policy aims to deny visas to applicants expected to rely on US government aid. Thousands of applicants, including those seeking student, work, and tourism visas, received cancellation emails, sparking panic given the recent history of chaotic rescheduling and backlogs, notably after December 2025’s social media vetting policy for H-1B visas.

The New York Times reports this move is part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration, which also plans to revoke visas from approximately 200,000 foreign nationals who entered the US for tourism or business but later applied for asylum to gain permanent residency. The State Department confirmed the training initiative, stating it would adjust visa appointment schedules accordingly.

The sudden cancellations and policy shifts have caused widespread concern among applicants, highlighting the significant impact of US visa policy changes on global mobility and international relations.