U.S. Suspends Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries in 2026: What Applicants Must Know

Overview of the 2026 Immigrant Visa Processing Suspension

The immigrant visa suspension for 75 countries, announced by the U.S. Department of State, will take effect on January 21, 2026, pausing immigrant visa issuance while a policy review is underway. The policy applies exclusively to immigrant visas that lead to permanent residence and does not affect nonimmigrant visa categories.

This page provides a factual overview of the policy, explains which applicants may be affected, clarifies which visa categories remain available, and outlines practical considerations for individuals and employers navigating the current immigration environment.

What Is the Immigrant Visa Suspension for 75 Countries?

The U.S. State Department confirmed that immigrant visas leading to permanent residence (green cards) will not be issued to nationals of 75 designated countries while the government conducts a comprehensive review of immigration procedures.

The stated purpose of this immigrant visa processing pause is to prevent the admission of individuals deemed likely to become a “public charge,” meaning dependent on public benefits. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services explains how public charge determinations are evaluated under current policy, including financial resources, health, household size, and other statutory factors.

Key clarifications:

• The suspension applies only to immigrant visas

• It does not revoke existing visas

• Interviews may still occur, but no immigrant visas will be issued

• The pause is indefinite

Which Visa Categories Are Affected?

Immigrant Visas (Affected)

• EB-1 (Extraordinary Ability, Outstanding Researchers, Multinational Executives)

• EB-2

• EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)

• Family-based immigrant visas

• Diversity visas

Nonimmigrant Visas (NOT Affected)

• H-1B

• L-1A

• O-1A / O-1B

• E-2

• B-1/B-2

• Visa Waiver Program

Nonimmigrant visas remain fully operational and may be used as strategic bridges during the suspension.

Full List of the 75 Affected Countries

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Côte 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, Yemen

Who Is NOT Affected?

• Indian nationals are not on the list

• Applicants adjusting status inside the U.S. (Form I-485) are not impacted

• Dual nationals may apply using a non-listed passport

This distinction is critical for employment-based applicants already present in the U.S.

Why Was This Policy Announced?

The suspension follows the discovery of a localized U-visa fraud scheme uncovered in mid-2025. While fraud is a legitimate concern, multiple independent studies show that immigrants use public benefits at lower rates than U.S.-born citizens.

Research from the Cato Institute, Urban Institute, and Kaiser Family Foundation consistently demonstrates that lawful immigrants are less likely to rely on welfare programs.

The Affidavit of Support (Form I-864), already required in family-based cases, legally binds sponsors to repay public benefits, raising questions about the necessity of a broad suspension.

How This Affects Business Immigration Clients

For professionals and employers:

• Green card processing for nationals of listed countries may be delayed indefinitely

• Nonimmigrant pathways remain viable

• Strategic planning is essential to maintain lawful status

For EB-1, EB-2, and NIW applicants from non-listed countries, processing continues as normal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a travel ban?
No. It is a processing pause for immigrant visas only.

Can I switch to a nonimmigrant visa?
Yes. H-1B, L-1A, O-1, and E-2 visas remain available.

How long will this last?
The suspension is indefinite. Similar past measures lasted multiple years.

What Should You Do Now?

If you may be affected by the immigrant visa suspension for 75 countries:

• Confirm your nationality and visa category

• Evaluate nonimmigrant alternatives

• Monitor updates closely

Acting early is critical, as future expansions of the policy remain possible.