IITA Statement of Clarification on U.S. Visa Processing

Recent media reports regarding a U.S. government decision to halt immigrant visa processing for certain countries have caused understandable confusion within the international travel community. It is important to clarify that this action does not affect tourist travel, business travel, or other short-term visitor visas.
 
The announcement applies only to immigrant visas — visas intended for individuals seeking permanent residence in the United States. Nonimmigrant visas, including B-1/B-2 visitor visas, student visas, exchange visas, and other temporary travel categories, remain unaffected. Visa processing for short-term travel to the United States continues as normal.
 
International visitors planning leisure travel, group tours, meetings, conventions, educational programs, or other temporary visits should proceed with confidence. The United States remains open to legitimate short-term international travel, and visa operations supporting tourism and business travel continue uninterrupted under the authority of the U.S. Department of State.
 
We encourage travelers, tour operators, and travel advisors to rely on official sources and verified guidance, and to avoid conflating immigration policy with visitor visa processing.