The Trump administration has temporarily suspended the scheduling of visa interviews at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide as part of a new global training initiative for consular officers.

According to a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, the training program is being rolled out across diplomatic missions worldwide and will require adjustments to visa service operations, including interview scheduling.

The move comes amid President Donald Trump’s broader immigration enforcement agenda during his second term, which has included stricter visa reviews, increased scrutiny of immigration applications, and expanded efforts aimed at strengthening national security.

While officials did not disclose the duration of the training program, they said its purpose is to help consular officers better identify applicants who may become dependent on government assistance in the future and to ensure visa applications are reviewed under consistent standards worldwide.

Reports indicate that some immigrant visa applicants have already received notifications informing them that previously scheduled interview appointments are being rescheduled, with new dates to be announced later.

The development follows a recent legal setback for the administration. Last week, a federal judge struck down a policy that had suspended immigrant visa issuance for applicants from 75 countries, ruling that the measure exceeded the legal authority granted to the Secretary of State.

The administration maintains that its immigration policies are designed to enhance border security and protect national interests. However, civil rights and immigrant advocacy organizations have criticized the measures, arguing that they risk creating barriers for lawful applicants and could lead to discriminatory outcomes.

Since returning to office, Trump has pursued a wide-ranging immigration agenda, fulfilling campaign promises to tighten immigration controls. Critics say the policies have made both legal and illegal immigration pathways more difficult, while supporters argue they are necessary to preserve security and manage migration flows.