U.S. Pauses Immigrant Visa Processing For 75 Countries

The Trump administration is placing an indefinite pause on immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, further tightening legal pathways to the United States and expanding earlier travel and visa restrictions.

According to U.S. officials, the suspension takes effect January 21 and applies only to immigrant visas, including employment-based and family-based visas. Nonimmigrant visas such as tourist, student, and business visas are not included in the pause.

The affected countries include Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Haiti, Somalia, Russia, Nigeria, Cuba, Iran, and Iraq, among others.

What the Government Is Saying

The pause is part of the administration’s effort to broaden enforcement of the long-standing public charge rule, which allows immigration officers to deny entry to people deemed likely to rely on public benefits.

“The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people,” said Tommy Pigott, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, in a statement Wednesday.

Pigott added that immigrant visa processing from the affected countries will be halted while the department reassesses its screening procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits.

In a separate social media post, the State Department said the freeze would remain in place until it completes a review of its immigrant visa screening procedures.

What the Pause Does and Does Not Cover

The suspension applies only to immigrant visas processed abroad, meaning it primarily affects people seeking to enter the U.S. permanently from overseas.

It does not apply to:

• Tourist visas
• Student visas
• Business visas
• Short-term travel for major events, including the 2026 World Cup, according to State Department officials

That said, individuals from affected countries may still face delays or denials if they are subject to separate travel bans or national security restrictions already in place.

How This Fits Into Broader Policy Changes

The announcement follows a November proposal by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to expand the definition of public charge.

Under the proposed rule, immigration officers would be instructed to consider whether an applicant is likely to use benefits such as:

• Medicaid
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
• Children’s Health Insurance Program
• Non-cash benefits, including free or reduced-cost school lunch programs

The proposal also lowers the standard officers must meet when making these determinations. While the rule has not yet taken effect, it is expected later this year and is likely to face legal challenges from immigration advocacy groups.

Countries Already Facing Restrictions

Many of the countries included in the new processing pause were already subject to expanded travel bans announced late last year. Those earlier measures paused asylum cases, green card processing, and citizenship ceremonies for nationals of certain countries deemed security risks by the administration.

Since returning to office, President Donald Trump has moved to limit both legal and illegal immigration, with the State Department, now led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, playing a central role in implementing new restrictions.

What This Means for Immigrants

If you are outside the U.S. and applying for an immigrant visa from one of the affected countries:

• Expect immediate suspension or indefinite delays in visa processing starting January 21
• Monitor embassy and consulate communications closely for country-specific guidance
• Consider speaking with an immigration attorney before making travel, job, or relocation decisions

If you are already in the U.S.:

• The pause does not directly affect adjustment of status applications filed domestically, but heightened scrutiny under public charge rules may still apply
• Avoid unnecessary international travel if you are from an affected country and your case is pending

What Employers Should Do Now

U.S. employers relying on overseas hiring should:

• Identify employees or candidates from potentially affected countries
• Pause start-date planning tied to immigrant visa issuance
• Explore nonimmigrant visa alternatives where available
• Document business impact in case future policy changes allow for exceptions or relief

What Comes Next

The State Department has not said how long the pause will last, only that it will remain in place while officials reassess immigrant visa screening procedures. With lawsuits likely and a full country list still pending, further changes are expected in the coming weeks.

The Full List of Affected Countries

• Afghanistan
• Albania
• Algeria
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Bahamas
• Bangladesh
• Barbados
• Belarus
• Belize
• Bhutan
• Bosnia
• Brazil
• Burma
• Cambodia
• Cameroon
• Cape Verde
• Colombia
• Cote d’Ivoire
• Cuba
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Dominica
• Egypt
• Eritrea
• Ethiopia
• Fiji
• Gambia
• Georgia
• Ghana
• Grenada
• Guatemala
• Guinea
• Haiti
• Iran
• Iraq
• Jamaica
• Jordan
• Kazakhstan
• Kosovo
• Kuwait
• Kyrgyzstan
• Laos
• Lebanon
• Liberia
• Libya
• Macedonia
• Moldova
• Mongolia
• Montenegro
• Morocco
• Nepal
• Nicaragua
• Nigeria
• 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
• Yemen

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