ask
Search
Ask
Answered6 months ago

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

Tony *******
asked May 1, 2026
2.1k
views
17
replies
1
likes
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.
Answer summary
The discussion revolves around the consequences faced by visa applicants who were approved before the implementation of the US 'no visa' mandate. Community members share various experiences, noting that while the embassy interviews may still occur, approvals are often put on hold until the mandate is lifted. Some mention being in administrative processing without the issuance of visas, while others describe situations where applicants successfully moved forward with their immigrant visas despite delays. Overall, there is a sense of frustration regarding the lack of clear information and the uncertainty surrounding the situation.
17 repliesnewest first
6

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Tony *******
Tony *******
OP
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.
Petr *********************
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 !!!
Frank **********
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.
Tony *******
Tony *******
OP
@Frank *********
yeah and that ain’t cheap. This is so dumb
Petr *********************
Petr *********************
@Frank *********
yep, if they stop interviewing that would accumulate badly and what to do with people doing those interviews?
Frank **********
Frank **********
Petr S. Van Valkenburg exactly.
Frank **********
Frank **********
Petr S. Van Valkenburg yes it is a mess. What I do not understand is Fiancee Visas are still being issued.
Frank **********
Frank **********
@Brandon ***********
I know it is really stupid but that's the government for ya. I only want to bring her to the US for about 5 years, long enough for her to work a little and qualify for Social Securit survivor benefits when I die.
Brandon ************
Brandon ************
@Frank *********
it's a weird quirk. They put a pause on all immigrant visas, but K1 is considered non-immigrant.
Paul ***********
Paul ***********
what has US visa got to do with Thailand visa?
Petr *********************
Petr *********************
Paul De Graaf visa for Thais
Paul ***********
Paul ***********
Petr S. Van Valkenburg then go to a king trump visa group
Frank **********
Frank **********
Paul De Graaf comes under the "more" part.
Paul ***********
Paul ***********
@Frank *********
More doesn’t mean US visa mate
Brandon ************
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.
Sharon *****************
Sharon *****************
Tony *******
Tony *******
OP
@Brandon ***********
If that’s true that sucks. Sitting in limbo

Activity

6 joined
Tony *******
Tony *******
Tony *******
Tony *******
Tony *******
Tony *******
6
people
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
...members60% approval
Member 1
Member 2
Member 3
Member 4
Member 5
Member 6
Member 7
Member 8

Related

25
What is the current processing timeline for visa applications at the Thai Embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam?
1.7k14162mo
What personal experiences have people had with House of Taste for a DTV application?
818832mo
What is the timeline and experience for obtaining a DTV visa in Vientiane?
969953mo
How long does it typically take to receive approval for a Thailand O visa application?
9777113mo
What was the experience of obtaining a DTV visa in Thailand for a dependent?
3.9k36335mo
What can I do to regain entry to Thailand after being denied entry multiple times and seeking parental rights?
15.9k1102141y
Can a non-UK citizen apply for a DTV at the Thai Embassy in the UK?
505141y
Does a past overstay affect the chances of obtaining a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand?
986571y
What additional documents are required for a Long-Term Resident visa in Thailand for wealthy pensioners?
4.1k42181y
Why was my wife's US visitor visa application denied despite strong documentation?
25.6k2182842y
What is the process and experience for obtaining a DTV visa after a history of multiple entries and a denied entry in Thailand?
1k392y
What does 'Pending Approval' mean for my visa application status in Thailand?
1.8k1192y
What is the process and timeline for getting a DTV visa as a freelancer in Thailand?
1.5k3222y
Should I schedule my wife's medical exam in Bangkok while waiting for her Green Card approval?
2k16132y
What challenges might I face when applying for a tourist visa in Thailand after several border runs?
6.8k47923y
What has been your recent experience with acquiring a Covid extension in Thailand on an APEC entry?
7081105y
What is the process for applying for a Non-OA Retirement Visa for Americans from the USA?
1.8k1575y
What are the differences between Non O-A and Non O visas for expat parents visiting Thailand?
2.5k16286y
Do I need to go to immigration if I'm covered by visa amnesty before my flight?
3.1k26246y
What are the visa requirements for Australians hiking the Appalachian Trail and how does it compare to visa processes in countries like Thailand?
2.3k18167y
What are the challenges and requirements for obtaining an education visa in Thailand from HCMC?
4k22597y
Can I apply for a tourist visa to return to Thailand for job interviews if I intend to work?
61997y
Can I attempt immigration in Thailand during a layover with a Tourist Visa if I'm denied entry?
49347y
What should I consider regarding multiple visa entries when re-entering Thailand?
1.2k697y
Can a Thai citizen obtain an Ordinary visa at the Poipet border for Cambodia?
938559y

Resources

Need help with your Thai visa?