U.S. suspends immigrant visa processing for 75 countries: Green Card applicants left in limbo

What Will You Learn from the Article?

What exactly is being paused starting January 21, 2026? Starting January 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of State is indefinitely pausing the issuance of all immigrant visas to nationals of 75 specific countries identified as high-risk for becoming a public charge. This pause applies only to immigrant visas processed through U.S. consulates abroad.

Does this visa pause affect tourist, student, or work visas? No, the pause does not impact nonimmigrant visas such as tourist (B), student (F), or temporary work visas (like H-1B). Those categories continue to be processed normally.

Why did the Department of State implement this immigrant visa pause? The main reason is to conduct a full policy review ensuring that immigrants from the listed countries are financially self-sufficient and will not rely heavily on U.S. public benefits (the “public charge” ground of inadmissibility).

What is the public charge rule and why does it matter for green card applicants? The public charge rule requires applicants to prove they are unlikely to become primarily dependent on government assistance. Officers evaluate the totality of circumstances—including age, health, income, education, family status, assets, and especially a valid Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)—to decide whether someone is likely to become a burden on U.S. taxpayers.

How does the visa pause affect people already in the U.S. who are applying to adjust status to permanent residence? The pause primarily affects consular processing abroad and is not expected to directly block adjustment of status applications (Form I-485) filed inside the United States (unless separate USCIS policies, such as country-specific banks or pauses, apply to their case). However, those adjusting status will still face careful public charge review and should make sure they have strong financial documentation, including any required Affidavit of Support.

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As part of a broader pattern of frequent immigration policy changes affecting visa applicants worldwide effective January 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of State (“DOS”) is indefinitely pausing all immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries that it deems at high risk of relying on public benefits. While additional details continue to emerge and the Department of State is expected to issue further guidance, the pause will most likely apply exclusively to immigrant visas processed at U.S. consulates abroad and should not impact nonimmigrant visas such as tourist, student, or work visas. 

What Do We Know So Far About the DOS Visa Pause?

According to a State Department memo, as reported by Fox News Digital, U.S. Department of State officers have been instructed to refuse immigrant visas to all nationals from 75 countries (full list below) starting January 21, 2026. This action is part of additional vetting of applicants, consistent with the Trump administration’s more hardline approach to immigration. Although no immigrant visas will be issued to nationals of the affected countries while the pause is in effect, applicants should still be able to submit applications and attend consular interviews. Applicants who hold dual nationality with a passport from a country not on the list are exempt. 

As one of the main reasons behind the pause, the DOS explains that it is conducting a full review of policies to ensure that immigrants from the affected countries are financially self-sufficient and do not become a public charge in the U.S.

Why Public Charge Matters for Certain Visa and Green Card Applicants

The public charge rule is one of the grounds of inadmissibility for immigrants, which requires applicants to show they are unlikely to become primarily dependent on government support. Immigration officers assess the “totality of circumstances,” including age, health, income, education, family status, and financial resources, to determine whether an applicant may rely on public benefits in the future. Central to this assessment is whether the applicant has a valid Affidavit of Support (such as I-864) from a sponsor, which can significantly influence the decision. While only certain public benefits are considered, such as cash assistance for income maintenance or government-funded long-term institutional case, other programs are not included in the public charge assessment. In short, the public charge test is designed to ensure that immigrants are financially self-sufficient and do not become a burden on U.S. taxpayers.

Already in the U.S.? What the Visa Pause Means for Adjustment of Status

The immigrant visa pause is likely to affect only consular processing abroad and is not expected to directly impact adjustment of status (I-485) applications filed within the U.S., since the DOS is typically not involved at this stage. Nevertheless, applicants adjusting status domestically may still face heightened scrutiny under public charge rules and other screening procedures, which could influence the outcome of their applications. U.S. residents seeking to adjust status should ensure they meet financial self-sufficiency requirements and maintain proper documentation, including any Affidavit of Support, as part of their submission.

List of 75 Countries Affected

If you are a national of one of the 75 countries listed below, your immigrant visa application processed through consular processing abroad will be affected by the pause, unless a narrow exception applies.

1. Afghanistan
2. Albania
3. Algeria
4. Antigua and Barbuda
5. Armenia
6. Azerbaijan
7. Bahamas
8. Bangladesh
9. Barbados
10. Belarus
11. Belize
12. Bhutan
13. Bosnia and Herzegovina
14. Brazil
15. Burma
16. Cambodia
17. Cameroon
18. Cape Verde
19. Colombia
20. Côte d’Ivoire
21. Cuba
22. Democratic Republic of the Congo
23. Dominica
24. Egypt
25. Eritrea
26. Ethiopia
27. Fiji
28. The Gambia
29. Georgia
30. Ghana
31. Grenada
32. Guatemala
33. Guinea
34. Haiti
35. Iran
36. Iraq
37. Jamaica
38. Jordan
39. Kazakhstan
40. Kosovo
41. Kuwait
42. Kyrgyzstan
43. Laos
44. Lebanon
45. Liberia
46. Libya
47. Moldova
48. Mongolia
49. Montenegro
50. Morocco
51. Nepal
52. Nicaragua
53. Nigeria
54. North Macedonia
55. Pakistan
56. Republic of the Congo
57. Russia
58. Rwanda
59. Saint Kitts and Nevis
60. Saint Lucia
61. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
62. Senegal
63. Sierra Leone
64. Somalia
65. South Sudan
66. Sudan
67. Syria
68. Tanzania
69. Thailand
70. Togo
71. Tunisia
72. Uganda
73. Uruguay
74. Uzbekistan
75. Yemen

How KBIW KURPIEJEWSKI & ASSOCIATES, PLLC Can Help

This week’s news of the immigrant visa processing pause affecting roughly one-third of the world’s countries, combined with heightened public charge scrutiny, has added new complexities and understandable frustration for applicants from the affected nations. 

In light of the constantly changing immigration policies, it is particularly crucial to seek a consultation with an immigration counsel who can carefully analyze your individual case, determine whether and to what extent these changes may impact your applications, develop tailored strategies to preserve or strengthen your immigration path, anticipate potential challenges, guide you on proper documentation and timing, and help you take proactive steps to minimize delays, reduce the risk of denials, and maximize your chances for a successful outcome.

At KBIW KURPIEJEWSKI & ASSOCIATES, PLLC, we offer trusted legal guidance to make sure your applications are prepared correctly, filed promptly, and fully compliant with all current immigration laws and regulations. Don’t take chances with your future—reach out today to have your application handled by our dedicated team. To schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you, please call us at (212) 220-3956 or email office@kbiw.com.

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