The U.S. State Department announced that starting January 21, 2026, it will suspend the issuance of immigrant visas to nationals from 75 countries deemed to have a high risk of public benefits dependency. This decision has sparked confusion and concern among Chinese nationals, as many mistakenly believed it included China.
Key Details:
- Effective date: January 21, 2026
- Countries affected: 75 nations identified as having high public benefits dependency
- Excluded from the suspension: China, which is not on the list
- Visa categories impacted: All immigrant visa types, including family-based, employment-based, and lottery visas
The State Department clarified that this measure is part of a broader reassessment of its public charge policy, aimed at ensuring that future immigrants can support themselves without relying on U.S. public welfare systems. The confusion appears to stem from a technical error on the U.S. Travel Docs website, which misled many users.
This policy change will significantly impact immigration processes for nationals from the affected countries, but Chinese applicants can continue to apply for immigrant visas without interruption. Need help with your immigration case? Visit QuickFiling.us for professional immigration services.
Source: 地里的生活菌