Starting January 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of State will suspend the issuance of all immigrant visas to applicants from certain countries.
In a post on social media, the US Embassy announced that this decision comes after a complete review of immigration policies and regulations, with the aim of ensuring that applicants from high-risk countries do not use social assistance and are not considered a public burden.
Citizens with dual citizenship who apply with passports from countries not listed as high-risk are exempt from this suspension.
Post
Update on Immigrant Visa Processing for Citizens from High-Risk Countries of Public Benefit Use. President Trump has made it clear that immigrants must be financially self-sufficient and not be a financial burden on Americans. The State Department is conducting a comprehensive review of all policies, regulations, and guidelines to ensure that immigrants from these high-risk countries do not use welfare in the United States and are not considered a public burden.
Beginning January 21, 2026, the Department of State will suspend the issuance of all immigrant visas to applicants who are citizens of the following countries:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Ivory Coast, 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, 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
What happens to my immigrant visa interview appointment?
Immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of the affected countries may submit visa applications and attend interviews, and the Department will continue to schedule appointments for applicants, but no immigrant visas will be issued to these nationals during this suspension period.
Are there any exceptions?
Dual nationals applying with a valid passport from a country not listed above are exempt from this suspension.
Does this affect my currently valid visa?
No immigrant visas have been waived as part of this guidance. For questions related to entry into the United States, please refer to the United States Department of Homeland Security.
Does this apply to tourist visas?
No, this suspension only applies to immigrant visa applicants. Tourist visas are non-immigrant visas.
