75 Countries Subject to Suspension of Immigrant Visas
The Department of State (DOS) announced yesterday that it will suspend immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026, because nationals of these countries are considered at high risk of applying for and relying on public benefits (this is really hard for me to write). The agency’s announcement is here.
This suspension applies to nationals of the following countries:
The suspension applies only to immigrant visas issued at U.S. Consulates abroad and does not affect domestic filings with USCIS. Immigrant visa applicants from affected countries may still submit applications and attend consular interviews, and U.S. embassies and consulates will continue scheduling appointments. However, no immigrant visas will be issued to nationals of the listed countries while the suspension remains in effect.
The State Department has clarified that:
Nonimmigrant visas (such as tourist, student, and business visas) are not subject to this suspension;
No previously issued immigrant visas have been revoked as a result of this policy; and
Dual nationals applying with a valid passport from a country not on the list are exempt from the suspension.
Many of the affected countries are already subject to full or partial travel bans, meaning the practical impact of the suspension may be limited in certain cases, as immigrant visa eligibility for those nationals is already highly restricted without a qualifying exception.
According to public statements and media reporting, the suspension is part of a broader effort by the administration to tighten screening related to potential use of public benefits. The DOS has stated that immigrant visa processing for the affected countries will remain paused while it reevaluates how consular officers assess the likelihood that a visa applicant will rely on public benefits.
Separately, while nonimmigrant visas are not included in the suspension, a cable obtained by The Associated Press indicates that consular officers have been instructed to apply heightened screening for risk of using public benefits to nonimmigrant visa applicants as well. Under this guidance, applicants may be required to demonstrate that they will not rely on public benefits in the U.S., and officers may request additional financial documentation where concerns arise.
At this time, the suspension appears to be limited to immigrant visa issuance abroad. There has been no indication that USCIS will extend their adjudication hold on immigration benefit requests to nationals of these 75 countries.
We will continue to monitor this development and provide updates as additional guidance becomes available. Please contact us if you would like to discuss this development further.