Adrienne J. Vaughan Immigration Law

LAW OFFICE OF ADRIENNE J. VAUGHAN

Immigration News

U.S. Suspends Immigrant Visa Processing for Nationals of 75 Countries

The U.S. Department of State has announced a significant change to immigrant visa processing that may affect nationals of 75 countries. Based on the information currently available, the Department of State will pause the issuance of immigrant visas to nationals of the affected countries beginning January 21, 2026.

Importantly, this pause appears to apply only to immigrant visa processing at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad and does not affect individuals applying for adjustment of status from within the United States. The announcement further indicates that nonimmigrant visa processing (such as tourist, business, student, and work visas) will not be suspended. These visa categories remain unaffected.

According to recently released guidance from the Department of State:

  • Immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of affected countries may continue to submit applications and proceed through the National Visa Center (NVC).

  • Immigrant visa interviews may continue to be scheduled and conducted at U.S. embassies and consulates.

  • However, no immigrant visas will be issued during the pause, even if an applicant attends an interview and the case is otherwise approvable.

The Department has stated that this pause is part of a broader review focused on ensuring that immigrants are financially self-sufficient and not likely to become a public charge. The full announcement and related guidance can be found on the U.S. Department of State’s website: Immigrant Visa Processing Updates for Nationalities at High Risk of Public Benefits Usage

Countries Affected

The suspension reportedly applies to individuals from 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, 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 

Key Takeaways

  • Immigrant visa processing at U.S. consulates from these countries will be temporarily paused starting January 21, 2026.

  • This suspension does not appear to affect applicants seeking adjustment of status within the United States.

  • Non-immigrant visas, including tourist and business visas, do not appear to be affected.

  • Applicants should be prepared for increased scrutiny regarding finances, skills, and prior use of public benefits.

If you have any questions about how these changes may affect you, or about other immigration matters, please do not hesitate to contact the Law Office of Adrienne J. Vaughan. Our office can be reached by email at contact@ajvimmigrationlaw.com or by phone at 617-840-8515.

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