On January 14, 2026, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced a pause on the issuance of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026.
What is Changing?
According to the official U.S. Department of State guidance, the government is conducting a full review of vetting procedures to ensure that intending immigrants are financially self-sufficient and do not become a “public charge.”
Key Details
- Consular Processing Impact: The pause specifically applies to individuals applying for permanent residency (Green Cards) at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. Embassies may continue to conduct interviews, but physical immigrant visas will not be issued for nationals of the affected countries until the review is complete.
- Nonimmigrant Visas: This pause does not apply to nonimmigrant visas, such as H-1B, O-1, E-3, P-3, J-1 or B-1/B-2 visas. These categories remain eligible for processing, though applicants should expect more rigorous vetting regarding financial resources.
- I-485 Adjustment of Status: This is a DOS directive. However, parallel USCIS guidance may lead to adjudication delays for domestic “Adjustment of Status” applications for these nationalities.
[+] Click to view the list of 75 affected countries
A – G
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea.
H – Z
Haiti, Honduras, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts, Saint Lucia, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Source: U.S. Department of State
Travel Advisory
Given the rapid nature of these policy updates, we advise all employees who are nationals of the affected countries to consult with their HR specialist and FSIS before finalizing any international travel plans.