USCIS has announced a temporary pause on immigrant visa issuances for nationals of several Arabic and African countries, effective January 21, 2026. This decision has raised concerns among potential immigrants, but key aspects of the immigration process remain unaffected.
Key Details:
- Immigrant visa pause begins: January 21, 2026
- EB2-NIW petitions: Remain fully open during the pause
- USCIS operations: Continue as normal, unaffected by the pause
- I-140 / I-485 filings: Not impacted for applicants inside the U.S.
- Work permits & nonimmigrant visas: Continue as usual
The pause is expected to last between 6 to 12 months, providing a planning window for those looking to file EB2-NIW petitions. This allows applicants to secure their priority dates and prepare for smoother processing once the pause is lifted.
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Source: Muhammad D.