US Adjusts Visa Appointments to Include In-depth Training for Officers

The adjustment, which began in early August, includes in-depth training for consular officers, according to an official. The department has been working on updated guidance and training since early this year to ensure all consular officers are equipped to evaluate every visa applicant comprehensively and consistently. Applicants who already had scheduled appointments received emails informing them their appointments were canceled and that new dates and times would be communicated to them, according to the Financial Times.

Agency officials argue the step will ensure visa applicants do not become dependent on U.S. public resources. The suspension is part of a series of strategies by the Trump administration aimed at creating a more selective process for who can enter the system. This week, the administration also announced plans to revoke visas for asylum seekers who first entered the country on tourism or business purposes.