US suspends immigrant visa processing for 75 countries

The pause takes effect January 21, 2026, and does not affect tourist visas

The United States has suspended immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026. The pause covers applicants from parts of Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Eastern Europe.

The State Department announced the suspension as part of a policy review on immigration from what it calls "high-risk countries" for public benefits usage.

"The Department of State is undergoing a full review of all policies, regulations, and guidance to ensure that immigrants from these high-risk countries do not utilize welfare in the United States or become a public charge," the announcement states.

Tourist visas and other nonimmigrant visas are not affected by this pause.

Which countries are affected?

The suspension applies to nationals of the following 75 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, 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.

What happens to pending applications?

According to the State Department, applicants from affected countries can still submit visa applications and attend scheduled interviews. However, no immigrant visas will be issued to these nationals during the pause.

Existing valid visas have not been revoked.

Are there any exceptions?

Dual nationals who hold a valid passport from a country not on the list are exempt from the suspension.

What this means for travelers

This suspension applies only to immigrant visas, which are for people seeking permanent residence in the United States. It does not affect tourist visas (B-1/B-2), student visas, work visas, or other nonimmigrant categories.

If you are planning to visit the US for tourism, business, or study, you can still apply for the appropriate non-immigrant visa.

Check your US visa requirements