The U.S. Department of State has announced an indefinite pause on immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026. This action is part of a policy review aimed at ensuring immigrants are financially self-sufficient and do not rely on public benefits.

The pause affects immigrant visas that lead to permanent residency, including family-based, employment-based, and diversity visas. Non-immigrant visas, such as tourist, student, or temporary work visas, are not affected.

Applicants may still submit applications and attend interviews, but visas will not be issued during the pause. Dual nationals who use a passport from a country not on the affected list may also be exempt. Importantly, visas that have already been issued remain valid.

The affected countries are:

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, The Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, 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.

This policy represents a major expansion of U.S. public charge enforcement and may delay permanent residency for millions of prospective immigrants. Affected applicants should monitor official updates closely and consider alternative legal pathways while the Department of State completes its review.

Explore more on:

https://travel.state.gov

https://internationalcenter.umich.edu/about/news