Update on Visa Processing for US Immigrants

Latest Update on Visa Processing

The U.S. State Department has announced a temporary suspension of immigrant visa processing (green cards) for nationals of 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026. This measure, which is expected to continue indefinitely pending a reassessment of screening and vetting procedures, stems from a broader November 2025 directive aimed at strengthening enforcement of the “public charge” ground of inadmissibility, ensuring that potential immigrants are unlikely to become primarily dependent on public benefits.

Key Points To Note

• The suspension applies only to immigrant visas (those leading to permanent residency, such as family-sponsored or employment-based green cards).
• It does not affect non-immigrant visas, including temporary tourist (B-1/B-2), business, student, or work visas, which represent the vast majority of visa applications processed by U.S. consulates.
• Individuals with pending immigrant visa cases from the affected countries will experience processing delays during this freeze.

The affected countries include (in alphabetical order): Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, 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.

This policy reflects the current administration’s ongoing emphasis on rigorous vetting, national security, and fiscal responsibility in immigration decisions. It builds on existing frameworks while addressing concerns about potential reliance on public resources.

For those in the immigration field, employers sponsoring talent, or family members navigating the process, this development may significantly impact timelines and planning. We recommend consulting official U.S. State Department guidance, qualified immigration counsel, or relevant stakeholders for personalized advice, as individual circumstances and any future updates could influence outcomes. If you need assistance, please contact us directly.