US announces which visa categories to receive priority

Investors and sports fans prioritized

The administration of Donald Trump has ordered US embassies worldwide to prioritize visa applications from foreigners planning to visit the country for investment purposes or to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2028 Olympic Games, and other major sporting events.

The State Department noted that applications from businesspeople intending to make "significant investments" in the United States should be reviewed first. The same priority will apply to those seeking to travel to "major sporting events that showcase American excellence."

At the same time, all applicants must undergo a mandatory interview and national security screening. As a result, long queues have formed at many embassies and consulates for applicants seeking B1/B2 visas.

Last month, Trump announced the FIFA Pass initiative to speed up interview appointments for guests of the 2026 World Cup. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the government had deployed more than 400 additional consular officers to process applications and that in 80% of countries, an interview date can be obtained within 60 days.

The new steps outlined in this year’s cables expand the FIFA Pass beyond the 2026 World Cup to also include the Olympic Games and other major sporting events. Diplomatic missions are instructed to ensure sufficient appointment slots for spectators and other fans, prioritizing their applications over all other B1/B2 cases except those related to "American reindustrialization."

Priority will also extend to foreign diplomats, government officials, temporary agricultural workers, religious figures, medical personnel, and students at institutions where foreign enrollment does not exceed 15%.

New rules for highly skilled H-1B workers

A separate cable sent on Tuesday introduces new criteria for reviewing H-1B visa applications. Consular officers are encouraged to "be alert" to applicants who may be involved in "censoring Americans" on social media under European or other global content-moderation policies.

H-1B visas allow US companies to employ highly skilled foreign professionals. Trump previously stated that he intends to introduce an annual $100,000 fee for this visa category.

The State Department clarified that evidence of possible involvement may include:

• participation in global moderation policies that conflict with freedom-of-speech principles;

• complying with the censorship demands of foreign governments;

• transferring private data of American citizens as part of moderation processes.

Such information may appear in an applicant’s résumé, previous workplaces, social media activity, or public statements.

The document emphasizes that all visa applicants fall under these criteria, but H-1B applicants must undergo the strictest screening since many work in the tech sector, including social media or financial companies linked to restricting free expression.

Background

Last month, it was reported that the Trump administration had developed new US visa rules. Individuals with cancer, obesity, or various chronic illnesses may now face visa denials.

Beginning in 2026, an additional $250 fee will be charged for each US non-immigrant visa, significantly increasing the cost of obtaining a tourist visa.

In addition, the United States will review millions of foreign visas, with violators facing deportation.