As of January 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of State has paused immigrant visa processing at U.S. consulates for nationals of 75 countries worldwide. This policy affects individuals applying for green cards through consular processing abroad, even if their petition has already been approved.
This change has caused widespread confusion and anxiety for families who believed they were nearing the final stages of their immigration journey.
Below is what this pause means, who is affected, and the complete list of countries involved.
What Is the Visa Processing Pause?
The U.S. government has instructed consular officers to temporarily stop issuing immigrant visas to nationals of certain countries while it conducts a broader review of “public charge” enforcement.
A pause means:
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Cases may be delayed indefinitely
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Interviews may be postponed or refused
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Approved cases may remain stuck at consulates
Importantly, this is not a visa ban, but there is no announced end date.
Who Is Affected?
This pause applies to:
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Family-based immigrant visas (including approved I-130 cases)
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Employment-based immigrant visas processed abroad
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Diversity Visa (DV) applicants processing overseas
Who Is Not Affected:
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Adjustment of Status applicants inside the U.S.
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Asylum and immigration court cases
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Temporary visas (tourist, student, work visas)
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TPS holders (though other restrictions may apply separately)
Why Is This Happening?
The State Department cites concerns that applicants from these countries may be more likely to be considered a “public charge”, meaning someone who may rely on U.S. public benefits.
Consular officers are being instructed to apply heightened scrutiny based on factors such as:
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Income and financial support
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Health
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Age
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English proficiency
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Strength of the Affidavit of Support
Full List of the 75 Countries Affected
Nationals of the following countries are subject to the immigrant visa processing pause:
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 (Ivory Coast)
Cuba
Democratic Republic of the Congo
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
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
Yemen
What Should Families Do Now?
If your loved one is processing abroad and is from one of the listed countries:
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Do not assume approval means issuance
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Monitor consulate communications closely
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Explore whether adjustment of status is possible
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Ensure financial sponsorship is strong and documented
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Seek legal guidance before taking next steps
Each case is different, and strategy matters more than ever.
Final Thoughts
This pause has left thousands of families in limbo — many after years of waiting. While the policy may change, waiting without a plan can be risky.
If your case is affected, speaking with an immigration professional now can help you understand your options and avoid costly mistakes.