United States Suspends Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries
Mexico City, January 14, 2026 – The U.S. Department of State has announced an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026. This measure aims to tighten vetting procedures and prevent the entry of individuals likely to become a public charge, citing concerns over immigration integrity and national security. The freeze applies only to immigrant visas, while nonimmigrant visas remain unaffected, though applicants may face stricter screening.
Background on the Suspension
The suspension stems from an internal State Department memo directing consular officers to halt decisions on immigrant visa applications from the listed countries. Officials emphasize that this reassessment is necessary to enforce public charge rules under U.S. immigration law, which deny visas to those deemed likely to rely on public benefits. The move follows recent directives to apply stricter criteria, including financial stability, health, and English proficiency. While existing valid visas are not revoked, new applications will be paused indefinitely until further notice. Exceptions are limited, primarily for cases deemed in the U.S. national interest.
Key Facts and Affected Countries
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Effective Date | January 21, 2026 |
| Visa Types Affected | Immigrant visas only (nonimmigrant visas continue with enhanced screening) |
| Number of Countries | 75 |
| Full List of Affected Countries | Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Côte 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, North 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 |
| Rationale | Prevent public charge abuse, strengthen vetting, protect U.S. resources |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this suspension mean for applicants?
Immigrant visa processing for nationals of the 75 countries is paused, meaning new applications will not be adjudicated. Existing valid visas remain usable, but applicants should expect delays and stricter public charge reviews. Nonimmigrant visas are not affected but may involve additional scrutiny.
Are there any exceptions?
Yes, limited exceptions apply for dual nationals traveling on unrestricted passports, lawful permanent residents, and cases serving U.S. national interests. Humanitarian or diplomatic visas are generally exempt.
How long will the suspension last?
The suspension is indefinite, pending a reassessment of processing procedures. The State Department has not specified a timeline for resumption.