US Halts Immigrant Visas for Nationals of 75 Countries

The United States State Department has announced a sweeping suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026, a move that marks one of the most expansive shifts in US immigration policy in recent years.

Under the policy, consular officers at US embassies and consulates worldwide will pause issuance of immigrant visas, which normally allow applicants to live permanently in the United States, including through family sponsorship or employment-based green cards. The suspension will remain in place indefinitely while authorities reassess how immigrant visa applications are screened and adjudicated.

The State Department said the halt targets applicants from the affected countries who are considered likely to become a “public charge”, a term in US immigration law referring to individuals expected to rely on government-funded welfare or benefits after arrival. Officials frame the policy as an effort to strengthen enforcement of existing public charge provisions and tighten vetting procedures.

The halt applies only to immigrant visas and does not affect non-immigrant visas such as tourist, business, student or temporary work permits. Nationals from the listed countries can still travel to the United States under those categories, provided they meet standard entry requirements. Dual nationals using passports from countries not on the list may also remain eligible for immigrant visas.

While the State Department has not provided a set end date for the suspension, it said the pause will continue “while the department reassesses immigration processing procedures.” Critics argue the move could effectively block a substantial number of legal immigrants from permanent residence for the foreseeable future.

The list of 75 countries spans multiple regions, including Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and Eastern Europe. Reported nations affected include Afghanistan, Brazil, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Russia, Syria, Thailand and Yemen, among many others. The grouping covers a wide range of developing and middle-income countries whose nationals often pursue family reunification or employment-based immigration to the United States.

As the January 21 implementation date approaches, diplomats, consulate staff and visa applicants from the affected nations are preparing for the transition, with many seeking clarification from US missions on how the changes will be applied to pending or future cases.

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