U.S. Pauses Immigrant Visa Processing for Nationals of 75 Countries
The U.S. Department of State has announced a temporary suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries. The policy took effect on January 21, 2026, and will remain in place while federal agencies review current immigration screening procedures and public charge enforcement measures.
Overview of the Suspension
The pause applies only to immigrant visas, which are used by individuals seeking lawful permanent residence in the United States through consular processing abroad.
According to the State Department, the review is intended to evaluate and strengthen existing screening protocols and reassess how public charge rules are applied during the immigrant visa process. At this time, the government has not announced a timeline for when regular processing will resume.
Visa Categories Not Impacted
Nonimmigrant visa processing is not included in the suspension. Applicants seeking temporary admission to the United States may continue applying for visas such as:
- Tourist visas
- Student visas
- Temporary employment visas
- Short-term travel related to business, cultural programs, or international events
Individuals applying for temporary entry should continue to follow standard consular procedures unless otherwise notified by the applicable U.S. embassy or consulate.
Purpose of the Policy Review
The State Department has stated that the temporary suspension is part of a broader reassessment of immigration procedures. The review is focused on several areas, including:
- Strengthening immigration screening procedures
- Reviewing enforcement of public charge requirements
- Reducing potential misuse of public benefits
Federal officials have indicated that immigrant visa processing may resume after updated review procedures and safeguards are implemented.
Countries Included in the Suspension
The suspension affects nationals of the following countries:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, North Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.
Potential Impact on Applicants
Applicants from affected countries may experience:
- Suspended immigrant visa interviews and adjudications
- Delays in case processing and issuance
- Uncertainty regarding future timelines and procedural requirements
Because immigration policy developments can change quickly, applicants should continue monitoring updates from the U.S. Department of State and communicate with immigration counsel regarding the status of their case.
Key Takeaway
This policy marks a significant change in immigrant visa processing for a large number of countries. Although temporary visa categories remain unaffected, individuals pursuing permanent residence through consular processing may encounter delays until additional guidance is issued by federal agencies.
Individuals with pending immigrant visa matters or long-term immigration plans may benefit from reviewing how these developments could affect their specific circumstances. To schedule a consultation with the Law Office of Jacqueline Lentini, LLC, call 630-262-1435 or email jacki@lentinivisas.com.
