25/01/2026
Immigrant Visa Processing Suspension
For Nationals of High-Risk Countries
The President has directed that immigrants must be financially self-sufficient and not impose a burden on the American people. In line with this directive, the Department of State is conducting a full review of policies and has temporarily suspended immigrant visa issuance for nationals of designated high-risk countries.
📌 Effective Date: January 21, 2026
📌 Countries Affected:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote 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, and Yemen
Frequently Asked Questions
1: What happens to my immigrant visa interview appointment?
Ans: Immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of affected countries may submit visa applications and attend interviews, and the Department will continue to schedule applicants for appointments, but no immigrant visas will be issued to these nationals during this pause.
2: Are there any exceptions?
Ans: Dual nationals applying with a valid passport of a country that is not listed above are exempt from this pause.
3: Does this affect my current valid visa?
Ans: No immigrant visas have been revoked as part of this guidance. For questions regarding admission to the United States, we refer you to DHS.
4: Does this apply to tourist visas?
Ans: No, this pause is specifically for immigrant visa applicants. Tourist visas are nonimmigrant visas.
