Ask question
This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

What happens to US visa applicants from Thailand who were approved before the January travel ban but haven't had their embassy interview?

May 1, 2026
11 hours ago
Tony *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Looking for some information: Since Trump put down the “ no visa “ mandate in January does anyone know what happens to people that were approved before that happened but hadn’t had their embassy interview yet? I’m thinking one of three things might happen;

1. You get the visa and can go to the USA because you were already appointed and the mandate affects people that had not been approved before the mandate

or

2. You get approved for the visa but cannot immigrate until the mandate is lifted

or

3. You are denied and it’s just too bad so sad you’re stuck like chuck. And that sucks. All the time and money wasted.

I haven’t heard about what’s happened to anyone in this process and it would be great if NVC would put out info on the possibilities. The limbo is very frustrating. I’ve heard they go on a case by case basis but more basic info would be helpful.
838
views
24
all likes
14
replies
6
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses concerns regarding the impact of a US travel ban imposed in January on individuals from Thailand who had visa approvals before the ban but were awaiting embassy interviews. The original poster speculates on three potential outcomes for these applicants. Comments from other users provide different perspectives, indicating that the current situation involves a 'pause' on issuing visas, with some approvals in administrative processing pending further developments. Experiences shared in the comments suggest a range of outcomes, including successful visa issuance post-interview, delays due to additional documentation requests, and the overall frustration of being in limbo.
Tony *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
My 2 daughters are caught up in this. Wife already has green card but she has to go back and forth over this. We had the interview Monday. They want more information/ documentation and then after they get that we don’t know what will happen.
Like
Reply
Petr *********************
Our friend's wife had interview in November and arrived on immigrant visa in March , not a problem just short interview on airport in Seattle, another friend's wife has scheduled interview in May, they didn't cancel yet , we shall see !!!
Like
Reply
Frank **********
My wife has her interview on 26 May. My understanding is that if you pass the interview they will basically put her in administrative processing but not issue a visa until the ban is lifted. But the physical is only good for six months so if the ban is not lifted by the expiration date my wife would need a new one.
Like
Reply
Tony *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Frank *********
yeah and that ain’t cheap. This is so dumb
Like
Reply
Petr *********************
@Frank *********
yep, if they stop interviewing that would accumulate badly and what to do with people doing those interviews?
Like
Reply
Frank **********
Petr S. Van Valkenburg yes it is a mess. What I do not understand is Fiancee Visas are still being issued.
Like
Reply
Reply to
Frank **********
Reply
Paul ***********
what has US visa got to do with Thailand visa?
Like
Reply
Petr *********************
Paul De Graaf visa for Thais
Like
Reply
Paul ***********
Petr S. Van Valkenburg then go to a king trump visa group
Like
Reply
Reply to
Paul ***********
Reply
Frank **********
Paul De Graaf comes under the "more" part.
Like
Reply
Paul ***********
@Frank *********
More doesn’t mean US visa mate
Like
Reply
Reply to
Paul ***********
Reply
Brandon ************
It's a pause. So they are not denying anyone based purely on that. But they are holding all applications, regardless of what step they were in. They can still process through USCIS and NVC, but once they get to the embassy they will not advance from there until the hold is lifted.
Like
Reply
Sharon *****************
Like
Reply
Tony *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
If that’s true that sucks. Sitting in limbo
Like
Reply
Reply to
Tony *******
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.