DOS Suspends Issuance of Immigrant Visas From 75 Countries
Effective January 21, 2026, the Department of State is pausing issuance of immigrant visas for applicants who are nationals of certain countries. This pause applies only to immigrant visas for permanent residency processed through U.S. consulates and does not affect nonimmigrant visas, including B, F, J, or H categories. The Department of State will continue to schedule immigrant visa interviews, but no visas will be issued during this review period; dual nationals applying with a valid passport from a non-listed country are exempt.
More information: Department of State list of impacted countries and NAFSA updates.