The U.S. government has announced a pause on immigrant visa processing at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad for nationals of approximately 75 countries, beginning January 21, 2026. This development has raised concerns for many families and employers with loved ones or workers waiting overseas.
Below, we explain what this pause means, who may be affected, and who is not impacted.
What Is Happening?
U.S. embassies and consulates have been instructed to temporarily pause the processing of immigrant visas for nationals of certain countries while the government conducts a review of screening and eligibility standards.
This pause applies to immigrant visas only, which are visas issued to individuals seeking lawful permanent residence (a green card) through consular processing outside the United States.
Who Is Most Affected?
This update primarily affects:
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Individuals outside the United States
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Family members waiting abroad for family-based immigrant visas
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Workers processing employment-based immigrant visas through U.S. consulates
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Applicants who have not yet completed or attended their consular interview
If your case involves consular processing overseas, this pause may delay your visa issuance.
Who Is NOT Affected?
It is important to understand that this pause does not apply to all immigration cases. The following are not directly impacted:
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Adjustment of Status applications filed inside the United States
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Employment Authorization Documents (EADs)
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Asylum applications
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Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
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Most non-immigrant visas, such as tourist, student, or work visas
Each case is unique, so individual circumstances should be reviewed carefully.
Countries Confirmed So Far
While officials have stated that approximately 75 countries are affected, the government has not released a complete official list at this time.
Countries that have been confirmed by multiple news outlets include:
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Somalia
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Russia
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Iran
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Afghanistan
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Brazil
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Nigeria
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Thailand
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Egypt
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Iraq
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Yemen
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Lebanon
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Haiti
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Pakistan
Additional countries may be included as more information becomes available.
Why This Matters
Immigration policies can change quickly, and headlines often lack the details necessary to understand who is actually affected. For families waiting to reunite or employers relying on foreign workers, delays in consular processing can have serious consequences.
Taking action based on incomplete or inaccurate information can lead to unnecessary stress or mistakes.
What Should You Do?
If your family member or employee is outside the United States and waiting for an immigrant visa interview, it is strongly recommended that you:
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Review your case status carefully
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Avoid making assumptions based on headlines
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Speak with an experienced immigration attorney to understand your options
This blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.