Temporary Suspension of Immigrant Visa Issuance for Nationals of 75 Countries Over Public Charge Concerns

The U.S. Department of State announced on January 14, 2026, a temporary suspension of immigrant visa issuance for citizens of 75 countries. According to the Department, the measure is part of an ongoing review designed to ensure that future immigrants entering the United States are financially independent and unlikely to rely on government-funded assistance programs.

The suspension is scheduled to take effect on January 21, 2026, and will remain in force until further notice. No timeline has been provided for when the review may be completed or when visa issuance could resume. The policy reflects the Trump administration’s continued emphasis on limiting immigration that may result in dependence on public benefits.

Countries Included in the Suspension

The temporary measure applies to nationals of the following countries:

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, 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.

It is important to note that the measure does not prohibit individuals from filing immigrant visa applications or attending scheduled interviews. The suspension affects only the final issuance of immigrant visas.

What Happens to Pending Visa Interviews?

Applicants from affected countries may continue to submit immigration petitions and attend consular interviews as planned. U.S. embassies and consulates are expected to continue scheduling appointments and processing cases.

However, while the suspension remains in effect, immigrant visas will not be issued to applicants covered by the policy, even if they otherwise qualify for approval.

Are There Any Exceptions?

Yes. Individuals who possess dual citizenship may be exempt if they apply using a valid passport issued by a country that is not included in the suspension list.

Does the Policy Affect Visas That Have Already Been Issued?

No. Immigrant visas that were issued before the suspension took effect remain valid and are not being revoked under this measure.

Questions concerning entry into the United States and inspection by border authorities remain under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Does the Suspension Apply to Nonimmigrant Visas?

No. The State Department has clarified that the restriction applies exclusively to immigrant visa categories.

Temporary visa categories, including employment, business, exchange visitor, and tourist visas, remain unaffected and continue to be processed under existing regulations.

Immigrant Visa Categories Affected

The suspension currently applies to the following immigrant visa classifications:

• EB-1 – Priority Workers, including individuals of extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, and multinational executives and managers;

• EB-2 – Professionals holding advanced degrees or individuals with exceptional ability;

• EB-3 – Skilled workers, professionals, and other workers;

• EB-4 – Certain special immigrants, including religious workers;

• EB-5 – Immigrant investors;

Family-based immigrant categories affected include:

• F-1 – Unmarried adult sons and daughters of U.S. citizens;

• F-2 – Spouses, children, and unmarried adult sons and daughters of permanent residents;

• F-3 – Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens;

• F-4 – Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens;

Immediate relative categories affected include:

• IR-1 – Spouses of U.S. citizens;

• IR-2 – Unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens;

• IR-3 – Orphans adopted abroad by U.S. citizens;

• IR-4 – Orphans entering the United States for adoption;

• IR-5 – Parents of U.S. citizens;

• CR-1 – Conditional resident spouses of U.S. citizens.

As a result, temporary workers, investors, students, exchange visitors, tourists, and many business travelers may continue applying for visas under the standard procedures.

Practical Consequences for Applicants

For many families and future immigrants, the suspension may result in substantial delays in family reunification or planned relocation to the United States.

Despite these delays, applicants are generally encouraged not to withdraw or abandon their pending immigration cases. Immigration petitions and supporting documentation can still be prepared and filed, allowing applicants to move forward quickly once visa issuance resumes.

Observers also anticipate that future immigration procedures may place greater emphasis on demonstrating financial independence. Additional scrutiny regarding financial resources, employment prospects, and possibly language proficiency could be introduced to reduce the likelihood that immigrants will rely on public assistance programs. At present, however, no new financial thresholds or documentation requirements have been formally announced.

Evaluating Your Options

Individuals affected by the suspension should carefully assess how the policy impacts their immigration plans. Depending on the circumstances, alternative strategies may exist, including pursuing eligibility through a second nationality or considering other visa classifications that remain available.

Given the evolving nature of U.S. immigration policy, applicants should closely monitor official announcements and seek professional guidance when evaluating the best path forward.