01/15/2026
Here are five key points from the U.S. Department of Stateβs immigrant visa processing update for nationalities considered at high risk of public-benefits usage:
1. Pause on Immigrant Visa Issuance : Effective January 21, 2026, the Department of State will pause the issuance of all immigrant visas to applicants who are nationals of a long list of countries deemed high-risk for public-benefits usage. Applicants from these countries cannot receive immigrant visas during this pause. People within U.S. still apply for immigrant Change of Status and Adjustment of Status.
2. Continued Application and Interview Scheduling: Affected applicants may still submit applications and attend immigrant visa interviews, and appointments will continue to be scheduled, but no visas will be issued while the pause remains in effect.
3. List of Affected Countries : The pause applies to nationals of 75+ countries, spanning Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America including Pakistan, Russia, Iran, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, among others.
4. Exceptions for Dual Nationals : Dual nationals who hold a valid passport from a country not on the paused list may still qualify for immigrant visas, even if one of their nationalities is from an affected country.
5. Nonimmigrant Visas Not Affected : This policy affects immigrant visas (permanent residency paths) only. It does not pause nonimmigrant visas such as tourist or business visas.