U.S. State Department Pauses Immigrant Visa Issuance For 75 Countries Starting Jan 21

Washington, D.C. — Families waiting to reunite in the United States could face new delays after the U.S. Department of State said it will pause issuing immigrant visas to applicants who are nationals of 75 countries, effective Jan. 21, 2026. The pause applies to immigrant visas only typically used for permanent residence and does not include tourist visas.

The State Department said it is conducting a broad review of policies and guidance tied to “public charge” concerns, stating the administration wants immigrants to be financially self-sufficient. Under the update posted on Travel.State.Gov, consular posts may still accept applications and conduct interviews, and appointments will continue to be scheduled, but no immigrant visas will be issued to affected nationals during the pause.

One key exception: dual nationals who apply using a valid passport from a country not on the list are exempt, the department said. The guidance also says no immigrant visas have been revoked as part of the update and refers questions about admission at the border to the Department of Homeland Security.

For parents and spouses awaiting family-based visas, the practical takeaway is to keep your interview appointment if scheduled and bring complete financial documents (such as an affidavit of support, income evidence, and sponsor records) so the case is ready if the pause is lifted. Families should also watch for embassy-specific instructions, since some steps may proceed even while visa printing is paused.

The State Department has not announced how long the pause will last. Updates are expected through official embassy notices and the department’s visa news page.

Countries listed (75): 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 article was produced by an education parenting today journalist with the assistance of AI. This is not legal advice. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.

Source: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/immigrant-visa-processing-updates-for-nationalities-at-high-risk-of-public-benefits-usage.html