Department of State Pauses Immigrant Visa Processing for Nationals of 75 Countries

What Was Announced?

In January 2026, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced a temporary pause on the issuance (not the processing) of certain immigrant visas for nationals of approximately 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026. While the announcement has understandably raised questions, its scope is narrower than initial headlines suggest, and it does not signal a shutdown of U.S. immigration pathways.

Affected nationals should note that this update reflects an administrative review, not a change in immigration law, and does not impact most visa categories.

What Applicants Should Know

In updated guidance issued on January 14, 2026, DOS clarified that this pause is part of a broader review of public charge–related policies, aimed at ensuring that immigrant visa applicants are financially self-sufficient and do not become reliant on public benefits in the United States.

Effective January 21, 2026, immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of the affected countries may continue through the application process, but immigrant visas will not be issued during the pause. A full list of affected nationalities is published on the Department of State’s website, which applicants are encouraged to review directly.

Importantly, this measure is procedural and temporary, intended to allow the government to review screening standards, not to eliminate immigrant visa programs or permanently restrict immigration.

Who Is Affected?

This pause applies only to individuals who meet both of the following criteria:

• They are nationals of one of the approximately 75 countries identified by the Department of State, and

• They are applying for an immigrant visa abroad through a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Most affected applicants are those pursuing family-based immigrant visas processed outside the United States. Applicants from affected countries may still attend their scheduled visa interviews, and consular posts will continue to accept and review applications. However, visa issuance is temporarily paused unless a limited exception applies.

Who Is Not Affected?

It is equally important to understand what this pause does not impact:

• Nonimmigrant (temporary) visas, including:

  • Tourist and business visas (B-1/B-2)

  • Student visas (F-1, M-1)

  • Exchange visitor visas (J-1)

  • Employment-based nonimmigrant visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1, E-1/E-2, TN, and

         dependents)

• Adjustment of Status applications filed inside the United States

• Visas that have already been issued, no immigrant visas have been revoked as part

       of this guidance

• Travel by individuals holding valid visas

This pause was issued by the Department of State, not U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and therefore does not directly affect domestic green card filings.

What Does a “Pause” Mean in Practice?

A pause does not mean a denial or cancellation. In practice:

• Visa interviews continue as scheduled

• Applications are reviewed normally

• Cases may be held in administrative status

• Issuance is delayed while the review is underway

This is not a permanent refusal, and applicants should not assume their case will ultimately be denied.

Department of State Confirmed Exceptions

The Department of State has confirmed limited exceptions, including:

• Dual nationals applying with a valid passport from a country not included on the affected list.

At this time, no other categorical exceptions have been announced. As always, immigration outcomes are case-specific.

What Applicants and Families Should Do Now

For most individuals, the appropriate response is patience and preparation, not panic:

• Nonimmigrant visa holders: No action is required, these categories are unaffected

• Immigrant visa applicants abroad: Expect delays, but continue following consular instructions

• Applicants in the United States: Adjustment of Status filings are not impacted

• Employers: Temporary work visa sponsorship continues normally

This pause underscores the importance of strategic, well-documented immigration planning that can withstand policy reviews and administrative delays.

Key Takeaway

This announcement reflects a temporary administrative review, not a fundamental change to U.S. immigration law. Periodic pauses tied to vetting and compliance reviews are not uncommon, and historically, visa issuance has resumed once such reviews are completed.

Williams Global Law continues to monitor developments closely. If you or a family member may be affected, we encourage you to contact us and seek case-specific legal guidance to understand how nationality, visa category, and timing intersect in your individual situation.

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