The U.S. Department of State has published an official clarification regarding the temporary suspension of immigrant visa issuance.
Let’s go through the key points step by step. To reassure everyone upfront: as expected, the situation is not as alarming as it may seem.
1. List of affected countries
The following countries are included in the suspension:
Azerbaijan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Afghanistan, The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bhutan, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Haiti, The Gambia, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, Grenada, Georgia, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Laos, Liberia, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Morocco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nepal, Nigeria, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Fiji, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Jamaica, 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.
2. Effective date
The restrictions take effect on January 21, 2026.
3. Reason for the suspension
The suspension is due to a review and clarification of procedures used to determine whether potential immigrants may become a public charge in the United States. In other words, whether applicants may rely on government benefits after immigrating.
The updated procedures will place particular emphasis on financial evaluation. Such screenings have always existed; they are currently being reassessed.
4. Scope of the restrictions
The suspension applies only to immigrant visas processed through U.S. consulates abroad, i.e., outside the United States.
5. Visas not affected
The restrictions do not apply to nonimmigrant visas, including tourist and student visas, K-1 fiancé(e) visas, E-2, O-1, L-1, and others.
6. Adjustment of status
At this time, the suspension does not affect individuals who are already in the United States and applying for adjustment of status.
7. Can applications still be filed abroad?
Yes. This has been confirmed by the Department of State.
Nationals of the listed countries may continue to file immigrant visa applications and attend interviews.
8. What if an interview has already been scheduled?
The Department of State will continue to schedule interviews; however, immigrant visas will not be issued to nationals of the listed countries during the pause.
The Department confirms that the suspension is temporary, and visa issuance will resume once the review process is completed.
9. Exceptions
If an applicant holds dual citizenship and applies using the passport of a country not included in the list, the suspension does not apply.
10. Previously issued visas
The suspension does not affect immigrant visas that have already been issued, and there is no discussion of revocation.
11. What should applicants do now?
If you were planning to begin the immigration process or already have documents ready, you should proceed with filing.
Petitions take a significant amount of time to process, and many categories are subject to waiting periods. During this time, the review procedures will be finalized and visa issuance will resume.
Delaying your application due to this temporary pause may unnecessarily slow down your immigration process.
News cycles change, and headlines can be emotional, but immigration decisions should be based on calm analysis and strategy, not panic.
Please share this information so more people have access to accurate facts rather than rumors circulating on social media.
