In a sweeping move that will reverberate across global mobility programs, the U.S. Department of State confirmed on January 16 that it will suspend all immigrant-visa issuances for nationals of 75 countries effective January 21, 2026. The pause applies only to immigrant visas—family-, employment- and diversity-based green cards processed at consulates—and does not affect non-immigrant categories such as H-1B, L-1, F-1 or B-1/B-2.
Officials say the freeze is necessary while they review whether migrants from the listed countries are "likely to become a public charge." Affected nations span every region and income level, from Afghanistan, Haiti and Nigeria to Russia, Thailand and Argentina. Applicants may continue to submit paperwork and attend interviews, but consular officers will not issue visas until the review concludes. No end date has been specified.
![State Department Freezes Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries]()
For individuals and organizations attempting to navigate these sudden shifts, VisaHQ can streamline the process of exploring alternative visa pathways or tracking policy developments. Their online platform (https://www.visahq.com/united-states/) offers up-to-date guidance, personalized document checklists, and hands-on concierge support, helping applicants and employers stay compliant while minimizing delays.
Practical impact: Employers sponsoring overseas talent for consular immigrant-visa processing must consider pivoting to in-country adjustment of status—if the candidate is eligible—or delaying start dates. Family-reunification cases face indefinite separation, and diversity-visa winners approaching statutory deadlines could lose eligibility altogether. Immigration attorneys advise initiating alternative work-visa strategies where feasible, and maintaining clear communication with foreign national employees. Dual nationals holding a passport from a non-listed country may proceed as normal.
The policy echoes previous "travel-ban" iterations but is broader in scope. Critics warn it could exacerbate labor shortages in healthcare and technology, while supporters argue it protects U.S. taxpayers. Lawsuits are expected; civil-rights groups contend the measure is discriminatory and exceeds executive authority granted under Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Officials say the freeze is necessary while they review whether migrants from the listed countries are "likely to become a public charge." Affected nations span every region and income level, from Afghanistan, Haiti and Nigeria to Russia, Thailand and Argentina. Applicants may continue to submit paperwork and attend interviews, but consular officers will not issue visas until the review concludes. No end date has been specified.
For individuals and organizations attempting to navigate these sudden shifts, VisaHQ can streamline the process of exploring alternative visa pathways or tracking policy developments. Their online platform (https://www.visahq.com/united-states/) offers up-to-date guidance, personalized document checklists, and hands-on concierge support, helping applicants and employers stay compliant while minimizing delays.
Practical impact: Employers sponsoring overseas talent for consular immigrant-visa processing must consider pivoting to in-country adjustment of status—if the candidate is eligible—or delaying start dates. Family-reunification cases face indefinite separation, and diversity-visa winners approaching statutory deadlines could lose eligibility altogether. Immigration attorneys advise initiating alternative work-visa strategies where feasible, and maintaining clear communication with foreign national employees. Dual nationals holding a passport from a non-listed country may proceed as normal.
The policy echoes previous "travel-ban" iterations but is broader in scope. Critics warn it could exacerbate labor shortages in healthcare and technology, while supporters argue it protects U.S. taxpayers. Lawsuits are expected; civil-rights groups contend the measure is discriminatory and exceeds executive authority granted under Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
