On January 14, 2026, the U.S. Department of State announced it will pause the issuance of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026. At this time, the government has not provided a clear end date for this policy, leaving many families and employers in prolonged uncertainty.
This pause applies to immigrant visas issued through U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. While applications may continue to be prepared and reviewed, immigrant visas will not be issued for affected nationals while the pause remains in effect.
Many individuals impacted by this policy have followed every legal requirement, completed years of processing, and are now facing delays that are entirely outside their control. The lack of a defined timeline creates serious challenges for families awaiting reunification and employers relying on approved workers.
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, 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, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, 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.
Timeline: Effective January 21, 2026, with no specified end date
Important Exception: Dual nationals who hold a valid passport from a country NOT on the list of 75 affected countries are exempt from this suspension
Evaluation Factors: Consular officers will assess age, health, English proficiency, financial resources, employment history, education, and family status when determining public charge likelihood
This policy applies to immigrant visas processed through U.S. embassies and consulates abroad and does not apply to adjustment of status applications filed with USCIS inside the United States.
If your case is pending or approved and you are from one of the affected countries, speaking with an immigration attorney now can help you avoid travel risks, employment interruptions, or unexpected case reviews.
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