Trump Administration Visa Suspensions
Trump Administration Visa Suspensions: What’s Paused, What’s Still Processing, and What Bogotá Applicants Should Expect
Recent U.S. visa suspension policies have created confusion for families, workers, and investors who are already deep into the immigration process. The most important concept is this: many cases can still move forward inside the system (USCIS and the National Visa Center), but the final step — visa issuance at a U.S. embassy or consulate — may be paused or limited depending on the category and nationality.
This guide explains how visa processing typically flows, which cases are most affected, and what to monitor if your case is handled through U.S. Embassy Bogotá. For broader legal support in Colombia, explore our related services in Family Law, Business Law, and Accounting.
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What’s Paused vs What Continues in the Visa Process
- USCIS continues to accept and adjudicate petitions for family-based, fiancé(e), and many employment categories. Official guidance is available at USCIS.gov.
- The National Visa Center (NVC) may continue pre-processing, including document collection and fee payments: NVC overview.
- The most common bottleneck is visa issuance at the embassy. Current State Department guidance describes a pause affecting immigrant visa issuance for certain nationalities: Department of State update.
How Visa Suspensions Affect Family and Employment-Based Applications
Visa suspension policies primarily affect immigrant visas — visas that grant lawful permanent residence upon entry to the United States. These include spousal immigrant visas (CR-1 / IR-1), immigrant visas for children and stepchildren, family preference categories, and employment-based immigrant visas processed through U.S. embassies.
While USCIS and the National Visa Center may continue to process cases internally, the final issuance step at the embassy is often where cases become delayed. Applicants may complete interviews and submit all documents yet remain unable to receive the visa until issuance restrictions are lifted.
Immigrant vs Non-Immigrant Visas: What Is Actually Paused?
Immigrant visas lead directly to permanent residence upon entry and are issued by U.S. embassies or consulates abroad. Current suspension policies are written to apply specifically to immigrant visa issuance.
Non-immigrant visas, by contrast, are temporary and include categories such as visitors (B-1/B-2), students (F-1, M-1), and many work visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1). These visas are not automatically included in immigrant-visa-only pauses, although appointment availability and administrative processing may still vary by embassy.
For official embassy-specific guidance, see: U.S. Embassy Bogotá – Visa Services.
Special Consideration: The K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa
The K-1 fiancé(e) visa is legally classified as a non-immigrant visa. It allows the foreign fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States, marry within 90 days, and then apply for adjustment of status with USCIS.
However, the Department of State also notes that K visas are listed with immigrant visas because they are immigration-related. As a result, some embassies process K-1 cases operationally alongside immigrant visas.
This means that even though the K-1 is not an immigrant visa by definition, applicants may still experience delays depending on embassy procedures, staffing, or how immigration-related caseloads are prioritized during a suspension period.
Couples comparing options may also wish to review: K-1 vs marriage-based immigrant visas.
How Current U.S. Visa Suspensions Affect Family and Employment-Based Applications
Recent U.S. visa suspension policies under the Trump administration have introduced uncertainty across multiple visa categories, particularly those that rely on consular processing abroad. These measures primarily impact immigrant visa issuance, which includes family-based visas such as spousal visas, stepchildren visas, and other permanent residency pathways processed at U.S. embassies.
Importantly, visa petitions continue to be accepted and adjudicated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and approved cases are still transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC). However, the final step — visa issuance at U.S. embassies — is where many cases are currently stalled.
This distinction is critical for applicants understanding where delays occur and why cases may appear complete but remain unissued. For an overview of immigrant and nonimmigrant visa categories, see our guide on U.S. visa classifications.
U.S. Embassy Bogotá: What Applicants Should Expect
Applicants processing through U.S. Embassy Bogotá should closely monitor embassy-specific updates. Immigrant visa interviews may still be scheduled or conducted, but visa issuance can remain restricted depending on current policy guidance.
Non-immigrant visas — including work visas, student visas, and business visitor visas — are generally processed separately. Nonetheless, appointment availability, administrative processing, and issuance timelines may fluctuate.
Official updates and instructions are published at: U.S. Embassy Colombia – Visas.
What You Can Do Now to Reduce Delays
Keep your case documentarily complete
Ensure all required documents, translations, and civil records are ready. For immigrant visa cases, follow the National Visa Center instructions closely: NVC guidance.
Track case status regularly
USCIS petition status can be monitored at USCIS Case Status Online.
Plan for timing uncertainty
Even when petitions and interviews are completed, visa issuance may be delayed. Travel plans, weddings, school start dates, and housing decisions should include contingency time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are immigrant visa cases still being processed by USCIS and the National Visa Center?
Yes. USCIS continues adjudicating petitions, and the National Visa Center may continue pre-processing. The main interruption occurs at the embassy issuance stage.
Is the K-1 fiancé(e) visa an immigrant visa?
No. The K-1 is legally classified as a non-immigrant visa, but it is considered immigration-related and may be operationally grouped with immigrant cases.
Are visas being issued at U.S. Embassy Bogotá?
Issuance depends on visa category, nationality, and current policy guidance. Applicants should consult the embassy’s official visa page for updates.
How We Assist with U.S. Visa Matters from Colombia
If your case involves Colombian civil documents, translations, apostilles, or coordination with U.S. consular processing, having a structured legal plan can reduce avoidable delays.
Learn more about our related services: Visas | Family Law | Business Law
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Public feedback from clients who worked with our legal team on Colombian visa and related legal matters.
Reviews are sourced from publicly available third-party platforms. Individual results may vary.
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Important Legal Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, immigration advice, tax advice, or a guarantee of any specific outcome.
Colombian laws, visa requirements, administrative criteria, government fees, and procedures change frequently and may be updated without notice. Information published on this site may become outdated or incomplete over time.
Reading or using this website does not create an attorney–client relationship with Colombia Legal & Associates S.A.S., MedellinLawyer.com, or any member of our team.
We strongly recommend consulting directly with qualified legal or accounting professionals regarding your specific immigration, tax, or compliance needs before taking action.
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