Breaking News – August 25–26, 2026:

The U.S. Department of State has announced a worldwide pause and rescheduling of all immigrant visa interviews at U.S. embassies and consulates, including those in Vietnam.

Applicants who already had scheduled interviews received emails stating that their appointments have been cancelled or postponed. New dates will be provided later.

No specific date has been announced for the resumption of interviews.

Why Was This Done?

According to a State Department spokesperson, the pause is part of a global training initiative for consular officers. The goal is to ensure officers evaluate every visa applicant “comprehensively and consistently,” with special focus on identifying those who may become a public charge (likely to rely on U.S. public benefits).

The training program began in early August 2026 and is being implemented at all U.S. diplomatic posts worldwide. Visa appointments are being adjusted to accommodate this in-depth training.

This is one of the latest measures in the Trump administration’s broader immigration enforcement efforts.

Who Is Affected?

• All applicants for immigrant visas (family-based, employment-based, EB-5, etc.) waiting for consular interviews.
• Cases currently at the National Visa Center (NVC) or already scheduled for interview.
• Particularly significant for applicants who must complete processing outside the United States, including in Vietnam.

Note: Current information primarily concerns immigrant visas. Non-immigrant visas (tourist, student, temporary work) may be less affected or adjusted on a post-by-post basis.

When Will Interviews Resume?

The State Department has not provided a specific timeline.
They have only stated that new appointment dates will be issued after the training is completed.

This uncertainty is causing significant anxiety for families who had already prepared documents, booked flights, taken time off work, or made other life arrangements.

What Should You Do Right Now?

1. 1. Monitor your email and CEAC account daily for new appointment notices.
   2. Do not wait passively – strengthen your public charge evidence now (tax records, income, health insurance, assets, etc.), as officers will scrutinize this more carefully when interviews resume.
   3. Contact an immigration attorney immediately to:
      • Assess your public charge risk
      • Prepare strong supporting documentation and explanations
      • Track official updates from NVC and the consulate
      • Receive guidance on how to respond to delays

Do not sit in uncertainty. Many cases may face additional weeks or months of delay without proactive preparation.

Truong Legal is closely monitoring the situation and is ready to help clients navigate this period of disruption.

Contact us today for accurate updates and the best preparation before interviews are rescheduled.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. 1. Have all immigrant visa interviews been cancelled?
      Yes. Starting August 25, 2026, scheduled immigrant visa interviews at most U.S. consulates worldwide (including Vietnam) have been postponed or cancelled for training purposes.
   2. When will interviews resume?
      No specific date has been announced. The State Department will issue new dates after the training program is completed.
   3. Are tourist or student visas affected?
      Current reports focus mainly on immigrant visas. Non-immigrant categories may continue or experience only limited adjustments depending on the post.
   4. What if I already booked flights or took leave from work?
      This is an unfortunate reality for many applicants. Contact your airline regarding tickets and prepare for possible extended waiting time.
   5. How can Truong Legal help during this period?
      We monitor official updates, evaluate public charge risks, prepare additional evidence, and guide clients on the right actions at the right time.

Truong Legal – Standing with you through every policy change on the path to U.S. permanent residency.

Contact us now so you are not left waiting in uncertainty.