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

The U.S. State Department has announced a sweeping pause on immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries beginning January 21, 2026. This sudden change affects family-based and employment-based green card applicants around the world.

What Is Happening

U.S. embassies and consulates have been instructed to stop issuing immigrant visas to nationals of 75 designated countries while the government reviews screening and vetting standards. Immigrant visas are used by people seeking permanent residence in the United States, including spouses, parents, children, and workers sponsored by U.S. employers.

This freeze does not currently apply to tourist, student, or business visas, but it blocks people from becoming permanent residents through consular processing.

Why the Government Is Doing This

The government has linked the suspension to enforcement of the "public charge" rule. Under U.S. immigration law, a person may be denied a green card if they are likely to depend on public assistance after entering the United States.

Consular officers are now applying stricter standards related to income, health, age, education, and financial resources while the State Department reevaluates how immigrant visas are issued.

Countries Affected

Although the government has not released a formal list, media reports confirm that the affected countries include Somalia, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, Nigeria, Egypt, Yemen, Brazil, Thailand, and dozens of others across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America.

Nationals of these countries may now face delays or refusals even if their family or employer petitions were already approved.

How This Affects Families and Employers

This policy could disrupt thousands of immigration cases already in progress. Families waiting for loved ones to immigrate may see their cases frozen. Employers who sponsored workers may be unable to bring them to the U.S. to start work.

• Immigrant visa interviews may be delayed or canceled
• Approved petitions may not result in visa issuance
• Green card cases through consulates may be suspended
• Applicants may face new public-charge denials

Legal Options Moving Forward

This policy does not cancel approved petitions, but it prevents visa issuance through U.S. consulates. In some cases, individuals already in the United States may still qualify to apply for adjustment of status instead of consular processing.

Because the consequences of a mistake can be severe, anyone affected by this policy should seek legal guidance before traveling, abandoning a case, or submitting new applications.