Trump Suspends Immigrant Visas for 75 Countries: Who’s Affected?

The United States has announced a new policy to pause immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, with the suspension scheduled to begin on January 21, 2026. The measure applies to immigrant visas (typically used for permanent residence pathways) and is linked to expanded screening tied to public charge and public assistance concerns.

If you are planning to move to the United States through a family-based or employment-based immigrant visa route (or if your case is already in process), this update may directly affect your application. Below is a clear breakdown of what it means, who is impacted, possible exceptions, and practical next steps.

What Exactly Is Being Suspended?

The policy pauses immigrant visa processing for applicants who are citizens of the listed 75 countries. Immigrant visas generally include pathways for:

• Family-based immigration (certain relatives of U.S. citizens or permanent residents)
• Employment-based immigration (permanent job-based green card pathways)
• Diversity Visa (DV) pathways (where applicable)

Reporting indicates the pause does not apply to non-immigrant visas, such as tourist, business, student, or other temporary travel categories, although additional screening may still apply.

When Does It Start and How Long Will It Last?

• Effective date: January 21, 2026
• Duration: An indefinite pause while screening procedures are reassessed

Why Is the U.S. Doing This?

According to official statements and reporting, the suspension is tied to expanded screening of applicants who may be considered likely to rely on public assistance or become a public charge. U.S. authorities have indicated a stronger emphasis on financial self-sufficiency during visa evaluations.

Who Is Most Likely to Be Affected?

You may be directly impacted if:

• You are a citizen of one of the 75 listed countries applying for an immigrant visa
• Your case is documentarily qualified but awaiting interview, final decision, or visa issuance
• You are starting a new immigrant visa application through a U.S. embassy or consulate

Common immigrant visa situations likely affected

• Family sponsorship: spouse, parent, or child categories depending on case status
• Employment-based immigration: applicants moving toward permanent residence
• Diversity Visa (DV) winners: cases still pending interview or issuance

Are There Any Exceptions?

Reported exceptions may include dual nationals who hold a valid passport from a country not on the list, as well as certain cases that qualify under national interest or humanitarian considerations. Implementation may vary by embassy or consulate and could evolve with updated guidance.

Applicants with complex nationality situations or urgent humanitarian needs should consider seeking qualified immigration legal advice.

Full List of 75 Countries Affected

Does This Affect Tourist, Student, or Temporary Work Visas?

The suspension is focused on immigrant visas. Non-immigrant visas such as tourist, student, and temporary work visas are expected to continue processing. However, applicants may face stricter financial and eligibility screening.

What If Your Immigrant Visa Case Is Already in Progress?

• Waiting for interview: interviews may be postponed
• Interview completed but visa not issued: issuance may be delayed
• Approved but not printed: some cases may still be affected depending on post implementation

What You Should Do Next

1. Monitor official updates from your U.S. embassy or consulate
2. Prepare strong financial documentation and sponsor evidence
3. Avoid irreversible travel or relocation decisions
4. Explore temporary visa alternatives if timing is critical
5. Seek professional guidance for complex or urgent cases

Summary

The U.S. immigrant visa processing pause for citizens of 75 countries is scheduled to begin on January 21, 2026. While non-immigrant visas are expected to continue, additional scrutiny may apply. Affected applicants should remain informed, prepared, and realistic about timelines.

Visaboards will continue to monitor developments and publish country-specific updates as official guidance evolves.