Immigrant Visa Processing Paused for 75 Countries
Starting January 21, 2026, The Department of State will stop immigration visa processing for applicants from 75 countries. Applicants will still be allowed to submit applications and attend scheduled interviews, but no new visas will be issued.
Note: this only applies to those seeking an immigrant visa from outside of the United States at a consulate or embassy. This policy does not impact those applying for a green card from inside the United States via USCIS.
These countries were chosen because their nationals are more frequently found to utilize welfare in the United States or become a public charge.
The designated countries are:
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:
Q: What happens to my immigrant visa interview appointment?
A: Immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of affected countries may submit visa applications and attend interviews, and the Department will continue to schedule applicants for appointments, but no immigrant visas will be issued to these nationals during this pause.
Q: Are there any exceptions?
A: Dual nationals applying with a valid passport of a country that is not listed above are exempt from this pause
Q: Does this affect my current valid visa?
A: No immigrant visas have been revoked as part of this guidance.
Q: Does this apply to tourist visas?
A: No, this pause is specifically for immigrant visa applicants. Tourist visas are nonimmigrant visas.
If you have any questions or would like to consult an immigration attorney, please book a consultation. We are happy to talk with you!