State Department Pauses Immigrant Visa Issuance for Nationals of 75 Countries

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced that, effective January 21, 2026, it will pause issuing immigrant visas for people who are nationals of certain countries the government labels as “high risk of public benefits usage.” DOS says it is conducting a “full review” of policies to ensure immigrants are financially self-sufficient and do not become a “public charge.” This does not mean all visa processing stops. Applicants can still submit applications and attend interviews, but no immigrant visas will be issued to affected nationals during the pause.

What DOS Actually Announced (Key Points) 

• Start date: January 21, 2026
• Scope: Immigrant visa issuance (green card visas processed through U.S. consulates abroad)
• What continues: consulates may still accept applications, schedule, and conduct interviews
• What stops: no immigrant visas will be issued to affected nationals during the pause
• End date: none announced (reported as an indefinite pause)

The Full List of Countries 
DOS states the pause applies to immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of: 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.

What Counts as an “Immigrant Visa” (And What Doesn’t)

• Immigrant visas (affected): Immigrant visas are the visas that allow someone to enter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident (green card holder)—including family-based and employment-based immigrant visas processed at consulates.
• Nonimmigrant visas (not affected, per DOS and secondary summaries): DOS and major summaries emphasize this pause impacts immigrant visa issuance, not nonimmigrant categories like tourist (B), student (F), exchange (J), or work visas (e.g., H-1B). 

FAQ Straight From DOS (What People Ask First)

• “What happens to my immigrant visa interview appointment?” You may still submit the application and attend the interview, and appointments may still be scheduled, but no immigrant visas will be issued to affected nationals during the pause.
• “Are there any exceptions?” Dual nationals applying with a valid passport from a country not on the list are exempt.
• “Does this affect my current valid visa?” DOS says no immigrant visas have been revoked due to this guidance, and it refers admission questions to DHS.
• “Does this apply to tourist visas?” DOS says no—this pause is specifically for immigrant visa applicants. 

The “Public Charge” Angle (What’s Driving This)
DOS frames the change as part of stricter enforcement of the idea that immigrants must be financially self-sufficient and not become a public charge (i.e., likely to rely on certain government benefits).
Multiple professional and media summaries describe the pause as tied to a broader push to tighten screening using public-charge-related considerations, though details about how consular posts will apply this during the “review” period may evolve. 


Practical Tips for Applicants and Sponsors
Here are concrete steps that can help families and employers prepare while monitoring developments:

• Keep moving your case forward (don’t pause your paperwork automatically). DOS says applications and interviews may continue, even though issuance is paused.
• Strengthen the “financial picture.” Because the policy is explicitly tied to public-charge concerns, it’s smart to organize documents that show stability, such as: proof of income, job letters, tax returns, asset evidence, and sponsor documentation (as applicable). (This is preparation, not a guarantee.)
• Dual nationals should review passport strategy carefully. DOS expressly notes an exception for dual nationals applying with a passport from a non-listed country.
• Watch for updates and implementation details. Several outlets describe the pause as indefinite and evolving, so checking official DOS notices and reputable legal alerts can prevent costly missteps.

Common Misunderstandings to Clear Up 

• "All visa types are frozen." MYTH. DOS describes a pause for immigrant visa issuance, while nonimmigrant categories are generally described as not impacted.
• "My interview will be canceled." MYTH. DOS says applicants may still attend interviews and posts may still schedule them.
• "Already-issued visas are revoked." DOS says no immigrant visas have been revoked as part of this guidance. 
• "There's an end date." MYTH. Reporting and legal alerts describe it as indefinite unless changed by future guidance or litigation (lawsuits and class actions) that challenge this new policy. 

Conclusion
​This DOS announcement is a major development for families and employers relying on consular immigrant visa processing. Starting January 21, 2026, immigrant visas will not be issued to nationals of the 75 listed countries, even if interviews proceed. If you think you may be affected, the most useful approach is usually: keep your case moving where possible with long-term strategy in mind, organize strong financial documentation, and track official updates closely—because implementation details (and timelines) can change quickly. 

Najmeh Mahmoudjafari, Esq.
Najmeh is the Founder and Lead Immigration Attorney at ImmigraTrust Law, an immigration law practice in Orange County, California, representing individual and corporate clients in all 50 U.S. States and internationally.

DISCLAIMER: This article is for general information purposes only. It is not intended and does not constitute legal advice. This article does not create an attorney/client relationship and does not provide an attorney/client privilege. For legal advice about your specific case, please contact an attorney.