The U.S. Department of State has announced an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, pausing immigrant visa processing for nationals of the countries included. This suspension, which is an indefinite suspension with no fixed end date, affects only immigrant visas and is part of a broader set of restrictions under review. The policy is attributed to Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration and visa policies, including efforts to tighten screening and vetting procedures.
If you or your family members are pursuing consular immigrant visa processing abroad, it is critical to understand how this pause may affect your case and what steps you can take moving forward.
At HSD Immigration Lawyer, we are closely monitoring these developments and advising clients on alternative strategies, timeline expectations, and possible exemptions.
Why Has Immigrant Visa Processing Been Paused?
President Trump has reiterated that U.S. immigration policy must ensure incoming immigrants are financially self-sufficient and do not rely on public benefits. In response, the Department of State is reviewing all existing policies, regulations, and guidance related to immigrant visa screening and public-charge enforcement. The suspension is being implemented under existing law and existing immigration law, particularly the long-standing public charge provision. The Department of State is using its long standing authority to impose restrictions and reassess screening and vetting procedures, including specific vetting procedures related to welfare and public benefits.
Effective Date of the Pause
Effective January 21, 2026, U.S. consulates and embassies will:
- Continue accepting immigrant visa applications
- Continue scheduling and conducting visa interviews
- Not issue immigrant visas to nationals of designated countries during the pause
Further guidance is expected from the State Department and embassy regarding the procedures to be followed during this indefinite pause. Applicants are expected to follow updated procedures as communicated by the embassy and State Department. This means applicants may complete interviews but will not receive visa issuance until further notice.
Countries Subject to the Immigrant Visa Issuance Pause
The following list represents the countries included and countries affected by the U.S. government’s indefinite pause on immigrant visa issuance. This suspension applies to citizens and foreign nationals of the countries included below.
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
What happens to my immigrant visa interview appointment?
Applicants from affected countries may still submit visa applications and attend scheduled interviews. However, no immigrant visas will be issued during the pause period. Applicants should follow all procedures as directed by consular officials and other officials throughout the process.
If you already have an interview scheduled, you should still attend unless instructed otherwise by the consulate. Monitor for further guidance from the embassy or consular officials regarding your appointment.
Are there any exceptions?
Yes. Dual nationals applying for an immigrant visa using a valid passport from a country not listed above are exempt from the pause.
This exemption may provide an important alternative pathway for eligible applicants, and legal pathways may still be available for those who qualify for exemptions.
Will my existing immigrant visa be revoked?
No. The Department of State has confirmed that no previously issued immigrant visas are being revoked as part of this guidance.
For questions about entry to the United States using a valid visa, applicants should consult U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or legal counsel.
Does this affect tourist or other nonimmigrant visas?
No. The pause applies only to immigrant visa issuance. Non immigrant visas — including tourist (B-1/B-2), student (F-1), and work visas (H-1B, L-1, etc.) — are not included in this announcement. This means that the suspension does not affect non immigrant visas, and individuals seeking these types of visas can still apply as usual.
How Does This Impact Family- and Employment-Based Green Card Applicants?
This pause primarily affects individuals pursuing:
- Family-sponsored immigrant visas through consular processing
- Employment-based immigrant visas issued abroad
- Diversity Visa (DV Lottery) immigrant visa issuance
Applicants pursuing Adjustment of Status (green card processing inside the United States) are not directly affected by this consular issuance pause — though additional policy changes may follow after the ongoing review. Citizenship processes, such as naturalization applications and citizenship ceremonies for applicants from the affected countries, may also be impacted by future policy changes.
What Should Affected Applicants Do Now?
Because this policy may evolve, affected applicants should:
- Attend scheduled immigrant visa interviews unless instructed otherwise
- Monitor official consular communications
- Avoid making irreversible travel or resignation plans
- Consult an immigration attorney to explore alternative options
- Evaluate eligibility for adjustment of status, dual nationality exemptions, or nonimmigrant pathways
- Consult immigration services for additional support and up-to-date information
How HSD Immigration Lawyer Can Help
Policy shifts like this can create uncertainty and anxiety for families and employers alike. Our firm provides a range of immigration services to assist clients during policy changes, including:
- Family-based and employment-based green card strategies
- Consular processing and interview preparation
- Adjustment of Status eligibility reviews
- Dual nationality exemption guidance
- Alternative visa planning during consular disruptions
We remain committed to keeping our clients informed and prepared as U.S. immigration policies continue to evolve.
Contact HSD Immigration Lawyer to schedule a consultation and discuss how this immigrant visa pause may impact your immigration plans.