On January 20, 2025, the president started his second term by issuing executive orders that made big changes to the immigration situation. Under the new administration, several immigration agencies announced policy changes. These changes especially affected visa appointments at US consular posts. This blog will talk about these changes and give advice on how to deal with them.
Recent Immigration Changes Affecting Visa Appointments
Enhanced Vetting
On January 20, the president signed an executive order. It said that there should be as much vetting and screening as possible for foreign people who want to enter the United States. The order also asked immigration and government agencies to give a report to the president. The report should name countries around the world where it might be needed to partly or fully stop the entry of people from those countries. This order is like the “extreme vetting” requirement from 2017.
Restriction of Nonimmigrant Interview Waiver
On February 18, the US Department of State announced changes to the interview waiver program on its official website. This program let eligible nonimmigrant visa applicants renew their visas without an interview at certain posts. Before, applicants could qualify if their visa in the same category had expired within the last 48 months. But under the new rules, only those whose previous visa is still valid or expired within the past 12 months can be eligible, along with other conditions. Applicants who don’t meet these requirements have to schedule an in – person appointment.
According to the State Department update, consular officers have the power and can decide to waive the in – person interview for the following categories as described in the Immigration and Nationality Act section 222(h):
- Applicants who can be classified under visa symbols A – 1, A – 2, C – 3 (except attendants, servants, or personal employees of accredited officials), G – 1, G – 2, G – 3, G – 4, NATO – 1 through NATO – 6, or TECRO E – 1.
- Applicants for diplomatic – or official – type visas.
- Applicants who used to have a visa in the same category that expired less than 12 months before the new application.
To be eligible for an interview waiver, applicants also have to meet certain conditions. They must:
- Apply in their country of nationality or residence.
- Have never been refused a visa (unless the refusal was fixed or waived).
- Have no obvious or potential problems that would make them ineligible.
The State Department says that consular officers may still ask for in – person interviews on a case – by – case basis or because of local situations.
Nonimmigrant visa applicants who no longer meet the stricter interview waiver rules have to schedule an in – person interview at a US consulate to apply for their visa. Reports show that some applicants who had previously scheduled interview waiver appointments have been sent away and told to book in – person interviews instead. Depending on the post, this could mean longer wait times for certain visa types when waiting for an appointment.
Reduction of US Embassies’ Staff
On February 12, the president signed an executive order. It said State Department employees must follow the policies or they could face disciplinary action, including possible job loss. This might lead to fewer staff at US consular posts.
Recommendations for Visa Appointments at US Consular Posts Abroad
Plan in Advance and Take Delays into Account
Because of the recent immigration changes, foreign people trying to get a US visa at US Consular posts should expect more problems and delays. Processing delays, more strict checks, and fewer visa appointment slots can make it harder to get a visa. The stricter policies and fewer staff at U.S. consular posts could make wait times even longer. To avoid problems, start the visa application process earlier than normal. Also, give extra time for getting your passport back. Most posts take up to 10 business days, but there could be delays.
Monitor US Consular Posts
Applicants should visit embassy and consulate websites. They can find detailed information about visa application requirements, procedures, and the operating status of each location. Geopolitical or weather – related events can make a post close. So, it’s very important to check the status before an appointment.
Ensure Documentation is Complete and Valid
Applicants should plan ahead, make sure their documents are complete, and be ready for more strict checks during the process. US Customs and Border Protection says foreign people who want to travel to the US should have a passport that’s valid for six months after their planned stay. But citizens of some countries don’t have to follow this rule. They only need a passport valid for their planned stay. It’s important to know that if an applicant’s visa stamp is still valid but their passport has expired, they can enter the US with both their new passport and the old one with the valid visa. For visa categories that need approval notices and other documents besides the visa stamp, it’s very important to make sure all the documents for entry are valid at all times.
Considerations for Individuals with Multiple Nationalities
Foreign people with multiple passports should check US visa appointment availability in all the countries where they are citizens. Because of the recent changes that have caused delays and limited appointment slots, some US consulates might have shorter wait times than others. Looking at options in different countries of citizenship can make it more likely to get an earlier visa appointment. Applicants should also check the specific consulate policies, because requirements and processing times can be different in different places.
Navigate Administrative Processing
Some visa applications might be refused and put under administrative processing for more security checks. If this happens, the post will tell the applicant during or after the interview. How long administrative processing takes depends on each case. Most cases are finished in a few weeks, but it can take months in some cases. And administrative processing can’t be sped up. Applicants should wait at least 180 days from the interview date or when they submitted extra documents (whichever is later) before asking about their case status. It’s a good idea for foreign people not to make any big travel – related arrangements, like selling a car or a house, before they get their visa.
Recommendations for Employers and Employees in the US
Employers who are sponsoring an employee or individuals on a work visa who want to extend or change their status with USCIS should know that extensions can be filed up to six months before the current status runs out. Because USCIS has processing delays, it’s best to apply as early as possible.
If travel and a visa stamp are needed, it’s also a good idea to file the extension quickly and use premium processing if it’s available.
Foreign people should think about having a strategy call with an immigration attorney. The attorney can look at possible ways to speed up their visa or status processing. A Fragomen professional can look at individual situations, find ways to speed up the process (if there are any), and make sure they follow immigration rules. Also, it’s very important to avoid gaps in employment authorization. In some cases, traveling while a petition is waiting might not be a good idea. A legal consultation can help applicants make good decisions and reduce risks.
Related topics:
