DOS Clarifies China Is Not Included in 75-Country Immigrant Visa Issuance Pause
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Background
According to reports, practitioners alerted the Department of State (DOS) on February 10, 2026, that its Travel Docs site erroneously stated that China was included among dozens of countries for which immigrant visa processing has been paused as of January 21, 2026. DOS subsequently removed the statement from its website.
What Was Announced?
In January 2026, the Department of State temporarily paused issuance of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries pending review of public charge standards. On February 12, 2026, DOS formally confirmed that China was mistakenly listed and is not subject to the pause.
What Applicants Should Know?
The pause applies only to immigrant visa issuance abroad, not processing, not interviews, and not nonimmigrant visas.
Applicants from affected countries may:
Attend interviews.
Complete documentation.
Experience issuance delays pending administrative review.
Who Is Affected?
Nationals of the listed 75 countries applying for immigrant visas through consular processing abroad.
Who Is Not Affected?
Chinese nationals (clarified by DOS).
Adjustment of Status applicants inside the U.S.
Nonimmigrant visa applicants.
Individuals with already issued visas.
What Does “Issuance Pause” Mean in Practice?
An issuance pause means:
Visa approval may be temporarily withheld after interview.
Processing may continue.
Security and public charge review may delay final visa stamping.
It is not a revocation of visa eligibility.
Department of State Confirmed Exceptions
DOS confirmed that China is not part of the pause and removed the erroneous alert from its system.
What Applicants and Families Should Do Now
Confirm nationality status before assuming inclusion.
Avoid canceling plans prematurely.
Consult counsel if dual nationality may provide flexibility.
Monitor DOS updates closely.
Key Takeaway
This remains an administrative issuance delay tied to public charge review — not a statutory suspension of immigration law.
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