Immigrant Visa Processing Paused for 75 Countries: What Applicants Need to Know

Last updated: January 2026

On January 14, 2026, the Trump Administration announced a significant change to U.S. immigrant visa processing. Immigrant visa processing has been paused for applicants from 75 countries following a January 2026 announcement by the U.S. Department of State. This pause is based on a new policy that creates a presumption of public charge inadmissibility for individuals applying with passports from the affected countries.

This development has immediate implications for individuals pursuing family-based, employment-based, and other immigrant visas through consular processing.

What Does the New Policy Do?

Under this directive, immigrant visa applications from nationals of the listed countries will be paused under INA §221(g). Consular officers are instructed to presume that applicants from these countries are inadmissible under INA §212(a)(4) (public charge), unless an exception applies.

Importantly, this is a processing pause, not a revocation of existing visas or a permanent ban.

Countries Affected by the Immigrant Visa Pause

The pause applies to immigrant visa applicants holding passports from the following countries:

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Côte 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.

The list includes several nationalities already subject to prior INA §212(f) presidential entry restrictions, as well as some that were not previously included. At the same time, some countries subject to prior bans are notably absent from this list.

Immigrant vs. Nonimmigrant Visas

This policy applies only to immigrant visas.Nonimmigrant visas—such as tourist (B-2), student (F-1), and work visas (H-1B, L-1, etc.)—are not affected by this pause.

Will Interviews Still Take Place?

Yes. According to a Department of State cable sent to all consular posts, immigrant visa interviews will continue as scheduled.

Applicants must still:

• Attend their interviews

• Bring all required documentation

• Complete medical examinations

• Provide criminal and security clearances

Consular officers are instructed to fully interview applicants and assess other possible grounds of inadmissibility first (such as criminal grounds under INA §212(a)(2)). If no other grounds apply, officers will then refuse the case under INA §212(a)(4) and place it in administrative processing under §221(g).

Important Exceptions and Exemptions

Dual Nationality ExceptionApplicants who hold dual nationality may still receive a final decision if they apply using a passport from a country not on the pause list.

National Interest ExemptionsAs with prior immigration restrictions, national interest exemptions may be available, though these are expected to be granted only in limited circumstances.

What Happens to Approved or Printed Visas?

• No valid visas have been revoked as a result of this policy.

• If a visa was printed but not yet delivered, it will be cancelled without prejudice.

• If a visa was approved but not yet printed, it will not be printed while the pause is in effect.

  
  

How Long Will the Pause Last?

At this time, no timeline has been provided. The pause is described as being in place while the State Department reviews screening, vetting, and public charge-related considerations.

What Should Applicants Do Now?

Each case is unique. Some applicants may choose to proceed with their scheduled interviews, while others may consider seeking a delay to avoid a §221(g) refusal and prolonged administrative processing. These decisions should be made on an individualized basis after careful legal review.

How Our Office Can Help

Navigating consular processing during a policy pause can be complex and stressful. Our office is closely monitoring developments and advising clients on:

• Interview strategy and timing

• Dual nationality and exemption options

• Public charge analysis and documentation

• Case-specific risk assessments

  
  

If you or a family member may be affected by this announcement, we encourage you to contact our office to discuss your options and determine the best path forward under these rapidly changing conditions.