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According to reports, the number of U.S. embassies and consulates processing visa applications in Africa could be reduced from nearly 50 locations to just 20 designated hubs. While embassies and consulates in non-hub countries would remain open, their ability to process visa applications may become significantly limited. Potential Impact on Visa Applicants For many applicants, the most immediate consequence would be the need to travel to another country to attend visa interviews and complete visa processing requirements. This may result in: Additional travel costs Increased logistical complexity Longer planning timelines Potential appointment backlogs at designated hubs For families seeking reunification, business travelers attending critical meetings,...

In a notable update to the Foreign Affairs Manual, the Department of State has introduced a new B-1 business visitor classification for Specialized Trainers. The new provision allows foreign nationals with unique expertise that is not widely available in the United States to temporarily enter the country to train U.S. workers on foreign-sourced equipment, machinery, or proprietary processes connected to a qualifying project. While the update may provide greater flexibility for multinational companies and manufacturers, several important questions remain unanswered. Most notably, the term "qualifying project" is not defined in the guidance, potentially creating inconsistent interpretations among consular officers and CBP officers. Companies should...

International travelers planning to visit the United States may soon have a new option to reduce visa interview wait times—but it comes at a significant cost. Beginning July 1, 2026, the U.S. Department of State will launch a pilot program allowing certain applicants for B-1 (Business Visitor) and B-2 (Tourist Visitor) visas to pay an additional $750 fee for faster access to visa interview appointments. The program, initially scheduled to run through December 31, 2026, is designed to evaluate demand for premium appointment scheduling services and determine whether such a program should continue in the future. While the initiative may help some...