The Trump administration has issued a directive to American embassies and consulates worldwide to fast-track visa applications from foreign nationals planning to attend major upcoming sporting events in the United States, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The move, detailed in diplomatic cables obtained by The Associated Press, also introduces stringent new criteria for highly skilled foreign workers applying for H-1B visas, specifically targeting those involved in online content moderation deemed as censorship of American citizens.
Expedited Entry for Investors and Sports Fans
In cables dispatched this week, the US State Department instructed its diplomatic posts to prioritise two key groups: businesspeople considering "significant investments" in the United States and spectators travelling "for major sporting events which showcase American excellence." This policy is designed to ensure fans can secure visas in time for events like the World Cup, whose draw takes place this Friday, amidst broader efforts to control immigration.
The directive states that applications for these purposes should take precedence over almost all other standard B1/B2 tourist and business visa requests. "Posts should ensure sufficient appointment capacity to accommodate spectators and other fans traveling for events surrounding the (World Cup) tournament," one cable from Tuesday noted. To manage the expected surge, the administration has deployed over 400 additional consular officers globally, aiming to offer visa appointments within 60 days in roughly 80% of countries.
New Screening Priorities and the 'FIFA Pass'
This new guidance builds on the previously announced "FIFA Pass" initiative, which aimed to speed up visa interviews for World Cup travellers. The latest orders extend that expedited processing to include the 2028 Olympics and other major competitions. The prioritisation list also places foreign diplomats, certain temporary workers, and students at institutions with low foreign enrolment ahead of general applicants.
The cables explicitly allow consular posts to "significantly reduce the number of appointment slots available to lower rank groups" to meet demand from these higher-priority categories. All applicants requiring a visa must still undergo in-person interviews and security vetting.
Stricter Vetting for Tech Workers on H-1B Visas
A separate cable sent on Tuesday outlines a significant shift in policy for H-1B visa applicants, who are often employed in the technology sector. Diplomats are now instructed to "be on the lookout" for individuals who may have been "responsible for or complicit in the censorship of Americans" online.
The State Department defines problematic activity as adopting global content moderation policies inconsistent with freedom of expression, complying with foreign censorship demands, or providing access to private data on US citizens for content moderation purposes. Evidence can be drawn from an applicant's employment history, social media, and public statements.
"If you uncover evidence an applicant was responsible for or complicit in censorship... you should pursue a finding that the applicant is ineligible," the cable states. This scrutiny applies to all visa seekers but is emphasised for H-1B applicants due to their prevalence in tech and social media companies. The policy aligns with President Donald Trump's previously stated intent to impose a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visas.
Balancing Access with Security
These parallel directives reveal the administration's dual focus: facilitating entry for economic and sporting event visitors while tightening restrictions on individuals perceived as threats to American free speech principles. The move underscores the continuing emphasis on "vetting" and controlled immigration, even as the US prepares to host the world's largest sporting events. The State Department confirmed it is developing enhanced tools to streamline these new security screenings for visa applicants.
