Bad news for South Africans wanting to live and work in the United States
The Trump administration has paused immigrant visa appointments worldwide and tightened scrutiny of people seeking to enter the country.
The US State Department said it has launched a global training initiative at American embassies and consulates, including South Africa, with visa appointments being adjusted to accommodate the training.
The move comes as President Donald Trump continues a broad immigration crackdown during his second term in office.
For South Africans, the disruption comes alongside a major change to where US visa applications are processed.
The US Embassy in South Africa has closed visa services in Durban, meaning applicants who need a US visa must now travel to Johannesburg or Cape Town.
The State Department said it is realigning visa operations across Africa and moving services towards regional hubs.
It described the changes as part of a longer-term effort to strengthen national security while improving the consistency and efficiency of visa processing.
“President Trump is putting America and Americans first by strengthening national security, cutting government waste, and ensuring government works in the interests of the American people,” the US Embassy in South Africa said.
The latest pause specifically affects immigrant visa appointments, which are generally used by people seeking permanent residence in the US.
This is particularly relevant to South Africans planning to relocate permanently through employment, family sponsorship, or other immigration routes. The State Department has not provided a detailed timeline for the training programme.
However, it said the initiative is intended to help consular officers identify applicants who may become dependent on US public benefits and to ensure that visa applications are assessed “comprehensively and consistently”.
Reuters reported that applicants with scheduled immigrant visa interviews had received emails informing them that their appointments were being rescheduled.
Applicants were told they would receive further notification once a new interview date became available.
No higher priority than the safety and security of Americans
The disruption forms part of a much wider immigration crackdown under Trump. His administration has pursued deportations and increased scrutiny of both legal and illegal immigration, including actions involving visas and green cards.
The administration has also made some forms of legal immigration more difficult, including introducing new and costly fees for certain work visa applicants.
Trump has argued that the measures are necessary to strengthen domestic security and protect American interests.
His administration has also taken action against some applicants for their political views and participation in protests, which has heightened concerns among people seeking to enter the country legally.
Despite this, the crackdown has encountered legal challenges at home. A US judge recently struck down a policy that suspended the issuance of immigrant visas to applicants from 75 countries.
The US Supreme Court ruled that the measure exceeded Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s legal authority.
For South Africans, the latest pause means those seeking permanent immigration or temporary work may face delays and additional scrutiny.
The US Embassy said applicants planning to apply for visas on or after 1 August 2026 must schedule appointments and pay the required fees at the designated nonimmigrant or immigrant visa locations.
It added that existing visa suspensions under Presidential Proclamation 10998, visa bond requirements and temporary pauses affecting certain nationalities would continue to apply.
The State Department said it is “continually evaluating” its overseas operations to advance US priorities as efficiently as possible.
The Embassy added that this includes maintaining high standards for security screening and vetting while aligning resources with America’s national interests.
“The Trump Administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans,” the State Department said, adding that it would continue providing appropriate consular services at diplomatic posts around the world.
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