United States to Pause Immigrant Visa Issuances for Nationals of Certain Countries Starting January 2026

The United States government has announced a significant policy development affecting immigrant visa processing for nationals of a large number of countries.

As part of a broader review of immigration policies, the U.S. Department of State will pause the issuance of immigrant visas for applicants from specific countries, effective January 21, 2026.

This decision follows statements from President Trump emphasizing that immigrants to the United States must be financially self-sufficient and should not rely on public assistance or become a financial burden on U.S. taxpayers.

In line with this position, the Department of State is conducting a comprehensive review of policies, regulations, and operational guidance related to visa issuance and the concept of public charge.

Purpose of the Visa Issuance Pause

According to official announcements, the pause is intended to allow U.S. authorities to reassess immigration procedures and ensure that applicants from designated high-risk countries meet financial and eligibility standards.

The focus of the review is on:

• Preventing misuse of welfare benefits

• Strengthening compliance with existing public charge rules

• Ensuring applicants meet financial self-sufficiency requirements

While the measure does not permanently cancel immigration options, it temporarily suspends visa issuance while the review is ongoing.

This type of pause has been used in the past as a policy tool to reassess:

• Screening procedures

• Documentation requirements

• Eligibility criteria

Countries Affected by the Measure

Starting January 21, 2026, immigrant visa issuance will be paused for nationals of the following countries:

• Afghanistan

• Albania

• Algeria

• Antigua and Barbuda

• Armenia

• Azerbaijan

• Bahamas

• Bangladesh

• Barbados

• Belarus

• Belize

• Bhutan

• Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Brazil

• Burma

• Cambodia

• Cameroon

• Cape Verde

• Colombia

• Côte d’Ivoire

• Cuba

• Democratic Republic of the Congo

• Dominica

• Egypt

• Eritrea

• Ethiopia

• Fiji

• The Gambia

• Georgia

• Ghana

• Grenada

• Guatemala

• Guinea

• Haiti

• Iran

• Iraq

• Jamaica

• Jordan

• Kazakhstan

• Kosovo

• Kuwait

• Kyrgyz Republic

• Laos

• Lebanon

• Liberia

• Libya

• Moldova

• Mongolia

• Montenegro

• Morocco

• Nepal

• Nicaragua

• Nigeria

• North Macedonia

• 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

Travelers and applicants from these countries should closely monitor updates, as the scope and duration of the pause may change.

Who Is Impacted?

The pause applies specifically to immigrant visa categories, which generally include visas leading to permanent residence in the United States.

Non-immigrant visas (such as tourist, business, or student visas) are not explicitly covered by this announcement, although processing practices may vary depending on individual circumstances and consular guidance.

Applicants who have already submitted documentation or are in advanced stages of processing may experience:

• Delays

• Additional scrutiny

• Requests for further evidence related to financial self-sufficiency

What Applicants and Employers Should Consider

For individuals planning to immigrate to the United States, this development highlights the importance of advance planning and clear documentation of financial stability.

Employers sponsoring foreign nationals should also be aware of potential delays and incorporate flexibility into workforce planning timelines.

As immigration policies can evolve quickly, applicants are encouraged to:

• Stay informed

• Reassess timelines and eligibility

• Explore alternative options where applicable

This article is intended for informational purposes only and reflects publicly available policy announcements as of now. U.S. immigration policies and visa processing rules are subject to change, sometimes with limited notice, and outcomes may vary based on individual circumstances. If affected by this announcement or planning a move to the United States, the Easytovisa team can help you stay informed, understand current visa options, and navigate next steps as policies continue to evolve.