The U.S. government has announced an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, a measure linked to the expansion of travel ban policies and concerns related to public assistance.

According to official statements, the pause is part of a broader effort to reevaluate how the U.S. government determines whether an applicant could become a ‘public charge,’ meaning a person who might rely on government assistance for their financial support. The administration has indicated that the suspension will remain in place while the Department of State (DOS) reviews its evaluation procedures to ensure that immigrants are financially self-sufficient.

When it takes effect:

The policy is scheduled to take effect on January 21, 2026, and will remain in place while the U.S. Department of State reevaluates its procedures to determine whether immigrant visa applicants might rely financially on public benefits.

What is affected:

The suspension applies only to immigrant visas, meaning those that lead to permanent residency or a ‘green card.’

Nonimmigrant visas—such as tourist (B-1/B-2), student (F/J), and work (H-1B, L-1) visas—are not affected by this measure.

Official Government Announcement:

You can read the official notice from the Department of State 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

 

Complete list of the 75 countries whose immigrant visa issuance is suspended:

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Myanmar (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, Kyrgyzstan, 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.

This suspension reflects a broader shift in U.S. policy, with an emphasis on public charge rules and national security. It does not cancel visas already issued nor affect individuals currently in the U.S. adjusting their status, but primarily blocks the issuance of new immigrant visas at consulates abroad.

Erika Rodriguez

Founder of the Immigration Law Office Abogado de Inmigración en San Diego. Erika Rodriguez has spent her career dedicated to helping individuals, families, professionals, businesses and investors in all aspects of Immigration Law.