15/01/2026
🇺🇸 BREAKING: U.S. Freezes Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries (Including Pakistan) 🚨
The U.S. State Department has announced a temporary suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026. This decision is part of a broader immigration policy shift under the current administration. 
📌 Key Highlights:
• The freeze affects immigrant visa categories, meaning applications for permanent residency and related family-based or employment-based visas will not be processed for now. 
• Countries on the list span Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and Eastern Europe, and include Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, Somalia, Nigeria, Thailand, Brazil and many others. 
• U.S. embassies and consulates have been instructed to pause processing and refuse immigrant visa cases under existing laws while procedures are reassessed. 
• Reports indicate the decision is linked to a stricter interpretation of the U.S. “public charge” provision — focusing on applicants who might use government assistance programs. 
• The State Department has not released a full official list or timeline for when normal processing will resume. 
📍 What This Means for Applicants:
This action could significantly delay or halt the green card processing for many Pakistanis planning to immigrate to the United States through family, employment, or other permanent residency routes.
At this time, non-immigrant visas (such as tourist, student or work visas) may not be affected by this specific freeze — but conditions and implementation could vary across posts and embassies. 
👀 Stay Updated:
Information is still emerging, and official guidance from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. embassies/consulates should be followed for exact procedures, exceptions and clarifications.
