The U.S. Department of State has announced a significant temporary change to immigrant visa processing that will affect nationals of numerous countries. This policy follows the administration’s renewed focus on ensuring that immigrants entering the United States are financially self-sufficient and do not rely on public benefits.
Under guidance issued during the Trump administration, Donald Trump emphasized that immigrants should not become a financial burden on American taxpayers. In line with that position, the Department of State is conducting a comprehensive review of policies, regulations, and internal guidance related to the public charge ground of inadmissibility.
Applicants from What Countries are affected?
Effective January 21, 2026, the Department of State is pausing all visa issuances to immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of the following 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, 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 is being paused?
This pause applies only to the final issuance of immigrant visas—not to the application or interview process itself. The state department has indicated that they will continue to process cases and conduct interviews, but the visas will not be issued until a review of procedures is conducted. At this time, the announcement does not affect nonimmigrant visas – i.e. student visas or tourist visas and it doesn’t affect adjustments of status.
What Should Immigrant Visa Applicants Do Now?
If you or a family member may be affected by this policy:
- Continue preparing and attending scheduled immigrant visa appointments unless instructed otherwise
- The interviews continue to be scheduled, so when the pause is lifted, you want to be ready to continue with your process.
- Carefully document financial sponsorship and support
- Be sure that the evidence included as part of your affidavit of support is sufficient.
- Monitor updates from the Department of State
- Speak with an experienced immigration attorney to assess alternative strategies or timing considerations
Because immigration policies can change quickly, individualized legal guidance is strongly recommended.