Immigrant visa issuance paused update: The Department of State announced an indefinite pause on issuing immigrant visas to Citizens of 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026.
The U.S. immigration system is undergoing a major shift. Notably, beginning January 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of State has announced an indefinite pause on issuing immigrant visas for nationals of certain countries, as outlined here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/immigrant-visa-processing-updates-for-nationalities-at-high-risk-of-public-benefits-usage.html
Therefore, if you or a family member is from an affected country, this change may raise serious concerns. The good news is that this is not a complete shutdown of the immigration process; however, it does create delays and uncertainty.
What Does the Pause Mean?
The pause applies only to the final step—issuing the immigrant visa. U.S. embassies and consulates MAY still:
- Accept immigrant visa applications
- Schedule and conduct interviews
However, no immigrant visas will be issued during the pause unless an exception applies.
The policy is tied to a stricter review of whether applicants are likely to depend on U.S. public benefits, often referred to as the “public charge” review.
Who Is Affected?
Nationals of 75 designated countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America are impacted. Thus, Applicants from these countries may continue the process, but their cases may remain pending until the pause is lifted.
What Is Not Affected?
- Previously issued immigrant visas remain valid
- Nonimmigrant (temporary) visas—such as tourist, student, and work visas—are still being processed
Final Note
This policy creates real challenges; however, it does not end all immigration opportunities. Staying informed and prepared is critical during periods of rapid policy change.
Disclaimer:
This blog is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship. Immigration laws and policies change frequently, and outcomes depend on individual facts. Consult a qualified immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation.
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Dr. Tyrese Cruise, Esq, is the founder of and Managing Attorney at Cruise Law Group, and he has authorized the publication of this blog entry to provide general information about an important immigration issue. If you have additional questions, please visit Cruise Law Group’s main website at: https://www.cruise.law