The U.S. Department of State has announced significant changes to immigrant visa processing that will directly affect nationals of a broad group of countries deemed to be at “high risk” of relying on public benefits. This policy, set to take effect on January 21, 2026, is part of a comprehensive review aimed at ensuring immigrant self-sufficiency and reducing dependence on U.S. public assistance programs.
Under the new guidance released by the Department of State, immigrant visas will not be issued to applicants from the affected countries while the pause remains in place. Although applicants may continue to submit applications and attend their scheduled visa interviews, no immigrant visas will be approved or printed during this pause.
Countries Affected
A wide range of nations from multiple regions—including Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America—are included on the list. List of the countries affected include:
- Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote 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
Exceptions and Clarifications
- Dual nationals who apply using a valid passport from a country not included in the list are exempt from the pause.
- The policy does not affect tourist or other nonimmigrant visas, which remain outside the scope of this pause.
- Existing valid visas are not being revoked as part of this update.
Administration’s Rationale
The Department states the purpose of this pause is to ensure that immigrant visa applicants demonstrate financial self-sufficiency and are not likely to become a “public charge”a term in U.S. immigration law for individuals likely to depend on government benefits. The pause allows the State Department to undertake a full review of current policies, guidance, and screening procedures to align with this objective.
What This Means for Applicants
- Applicants from listed countries should continue preparing for interviews and submitting required documentation but should not expect visa issuance until further notice.
- Those with dual nationality can consider using a passport from a non-listed country to maintain eligibility.
- Individuals seeking visas that are not immigrant visas (e.g., tourist, student, all other non-immigrant visas) remain eligible under existing procedures.
