U.S. to Pause Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries in 2026
On January 14, 2026, the U.S. Department of State announced a significant change in its immigration policy, stating that it will pause immigrant visa processing at U.S. embassies and consulates for nationals of 75 countries. This pause will take effect on January 21, 2026, and will specifically impact immigrant visas, including family and employment-based visas, processed abroad.
Key Details of the Announcement
- Effective Date: January 21, 2026
- Visa Types Affected: Immigrant visas (family and employment)
- Visa Types Not Affected: Nonimmigrant/temporary visas (such as tourist and business visas)
This announcement is crucial for individuals who are nationals of the listed countries and are currently in the process of applying for immigrant visas. It is important to note that this change does not affect those in the U.S. who are planning to file for Adjustment of Status (AOS) with USCIS when their priority date becomes current. Applicants are encouraged to continue monitoring the Visa Bulletin and prepare their filings accordingly.
Impact on Immigrants
Nationals from the following countries will be impacted by this pause in processing:
- Afghanistan
- Albania
- Algeria
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bahamas
- Bangladesh
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Belize
- Bhutan
- Bosnia
- Brazil
- Burma
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Colombia
- Congo
- Cuba
- Dominica
- Egypt
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Gambia
- Georgia
- Ghana
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guinea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Iraq
- Ivory Coast
- Jamaica
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kosovo
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Lebanon
- Liberia
- Libya
- Macedonia
- Moldova
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Nepal
- Nicaragua
- Nigeria
- 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
For those applying abroad and whose cases require consular processing, it is advisable to expect delays and to stay updated by monitoring their respective embassy or consulate for further information.
Conclusion
The pause in immigrant visa processing for nationals of these 75 countries marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy and could lead to prolonged waiting times for many applicants. Stakeholders are urged to remain informed and prepared as the effective date approaches.
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Source: Suneeta Thadani Dewan