News Alert: Immigrant Visa Processing Paused for Nationals of 75 Countries
Image by BestGraphics_Com from Pixabay. The U.S. Department of State has announced a significant shift in immigration policy, impacting nationals from 75 countries deemed at "high risk" of public benefits usage. The government is pausing the issuance of all immigrant visas for these nationalities effective January 21, 2026
On January 14, 2026, the U.S. Department of State announced that effective January 21, 2026, it will pause all immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries who are deemed at “high risk” of using public benefits, part of the government’s broader effort to ensure that incoming immigrants are financially self-sufficient and do not become a "public charge" or financial burden on American taxpayers.
Understanding the "Public Charge" Review
The Department of State is currently undergoing a comprehensive review of all regulations and guidance. The goal is to tighten screening procedures to ensure that individuals entering the United States do not rely on welfare or public benefits. While the pause is in effect, the Department will reassess its protocols for evaluating an applicant's financial standing, including factors like age, health, family status, and assets.
Which Countries are Affected?
As of January 21, 2026, nationals from the following countries will face a pause in immigrant visa issuance:
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my visa interview? You may still submit your application and attend your scheduled interview. The Department of State will continue to hold appointments; however, no immigrant visas will actually be issued to nationals of the listed countries while the pause remains in effect.
Are there any exceptions? Yes. Dual nationals who apply using a valid passport from a country not on the list above are exempt from this pause. Also, if a specific case is deemed in the national interest, then an exemption may be applied.
Does this affect my current valid visa? No. This guidance does not revoke immigrant visas that have already been issued. If you already have a valid visa, it remains in effect.
Does this apply to tourist or student visas? No. This pause applies specifically to immigrant visas (those seeking permanent residency). Nonimmigrant visas, such as tourist (B-1/B-2), student (F-1), and temporary business visas, are not affected by this specific update.
What else should I know?
Immigration policies evolve rapidly. This pause is a new development and is described as a temporary measure while policies are reviewed, but no end date has been provided by the Department of State. Stay tuned as we monitor these changes. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Tumblr and TikTok, for up-to-date immigration news.
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