The U.S. Department of State has announced a major update that will affect immigrant visa applicants from several regions around the world. Starting January 21, 2026, the government will temporarily pause the issuance of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries while it reviews its policies related to financial self-sufficiency and public benefits.
We know immigration news like this can raise many questions. Our goal is to help you stay informed, understand what is changing, and feel supported during this period.
Why Is the U.S. Pausing Immigrant Visa Issuance?
According to the Department of State, this pause is part of a broader review of how existing “public charge” rules are applied. These rules are meant to assess whether an immigrant is likely to rely on government assistance after entering the United States.
During this review, the government has decided to temporarily stop issuing immigrant visas to applicants from countries it has identified as higher risk for public benefits usage. This does not mean applications are being denied or canceled, and it does not create a permanent ban.
When Does This Take Effect?
- Effective date: January 21, 2026
- What is paused: Issuance of immigrant visas
- What continues: Filing immigrant visa applications Attending visa interviews Scheduling appointments at U.S. embassies and consulates
Applicants may continue through much of the process, but final visa approvals will not be issued during the pause.
Countries Affected by the Immigrant Visa Pause
The Department of State has confirmed that immigrant visa issuance will be paused for nationals of 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I still attend my immigrant visa interview? Yes. Applicants from affected countries may still submit applications and attend interviews. However, immigrant visas will not be issued during the pause.
- Are there any exceptions? Yes. Dual nationals who apply using a valid passport from a country not on the list are not subject to the pause.
- Will existing visas be revoked? No. The Department of State has confirmed that no immigrant visas have been revoked as a result of this guidance.
- Does this affect tourist or temporary visas? No. This policy applies only to immigrant visas. Non-immigrant visas, such as tourist, business, student, or temporary work visas, are not affected.
Important Context to Keep in Mind
- This is a temporary pause, not a permanent restriction
- Immigrant visa cases are not being denied or canceled
- Interviews and processing steps may still continue
- Non-immigrant visas remain available
- No official end date has been announced yet
- Policies like this are often updated after internal reviews
While this pause creates delays, it does not close the door on immigration opportunities.
What Should Applicants and Families Do Now?
This is a good time to stay proactive and prepared:
- Attend scheduled interviews and complete required steps
- Review financial sponsorship and support evidence carefully
- Stay updated as new guidance is released
- Seek professional guidance to understand possible exemptions or planning options
Preparation during this pause can help cases move forward more smoothly once visa issuance resumes.
Final Thoughts
We recognize how difficult waiting periods can be, especially for families planning to reunite or build their future in the United States. While this announcement introduces uncertainty, it is not the end of the immigration process.
Immigration policies evolve, reviews conclude, and pathways reopen. Staying informed, organized, and supported can make a meaningful difference during times like this.
KAZA Law will continue monitoring this situation closely and sharing updates as soon as new information becomes available.
If you have questions about how this pause may affect your case, scheduling a consultation with us can help you understand what comes next and how to prepare. Existing clients can easily book a time here: Client Calendar. If you’re not yet a client, you can schedule a free consultation here: Free Consultation. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
My name is Daven Ghandi, and I’m a U.S. immigration lawyer and the founder of KAZA Law. In this article, we discussed the challenges and limited options for obtaining a green card while on a tourist visa. If you’re considering adjusting your status or have questions about family-based sponsorship, employment-based petitions, or other immigration pathways, it’s essential to understand the complexities involved. If you need personalized advice or have any immigration-related concerns, I encourage you to schedule a free consultation by clicking this link.
Kaza Law PLLC
This article is general education, not legal advice. Every case turns on its specific facts. If you want guidance on your own situation, reach out and we will look at it with you.