U.S. Immigrant Visa Processing Update 2026: Pause for High-Risk Nationalities Over Public Charge Concern
U.S. Immigrant Visa Processing Update 2026: Pause for High-Risk Nationalities Over Public Charge Concern
The U.S. Department of State has announced important updates affecting immigrant visa processing for nationals of certain countries.
Under direction from Donald Trump, the U.S. government has reinforced policies emphasizing that immigrants must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency and must not become dependent on U.S. public benefits. As part of this policy review, visa screening and vetting procedures are being strengthened.
What Is the New Update?
Effective January 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of State has paused immigrant visa issuances for nationals of specific countries identified as high risk for potential public benefits reliance.
⚠️ Important:
- Applicants can still submit applications.
- Interviews will continue to be scheduled and conducted.
- The pause applies only to final visa issuance, not to interview scheduling.
List of Affected Countries
Immigrant visa issuance is currently paused for nationals of:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, The 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.
If you are a Pakistani applicant, this update may directly impact your immigrant visa case.
Who Is Not Affected?
Certain categories remain exempt from the pause:
1️⃣ Dual Nationals
Applicants holding a valid passport from a country not listed above may proceed normally if applying under that nationality.
2️⃣ Adoption Cases
Children being adopted by U.S. citizens may qualify for an exception, including a National Interest Exception under Presidential Proclamation 10998.
Adoptive families should:
- Continue the normal adoption process
- Submit visa applications
- Attend scheduled interviews
No additional steps are required for case-by-case consideration.