U.S. Suspends Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries

 Posted on January 15, 2026 in Immigration

On January 14, 2026, the U.S. State Department announced a major change that will affect thousands of families waiting for immigrant visas. Starting January 21, the United States is suspending the final issuance of immigrant visas for applicants from 75 countries. This pause affects people from Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and the Caribbean who are trying to immigrate permanently to the United States.

If you or your family members are from one of the affected countries and have been waiting for an immigrant visa, this suspension creates immediate uncertainty. The pause does not close the border or stop all immigration processing, but it does freeze the final step that allows approved applicants to receive their visas and enter the United States.

Our Plano, TX immigration attorney can help you understand more about this important policy change.

Which Countries Are Affected by the Trump Administration’s New Visa Processing Suspension?

The State Department identified 75 countries whose nationals present what the administration calls a high risk of becoming a public charge. A public charge means someone who might depend on government benefits or financial assistance. You can visit the State Department for the full list here.

The full list contains countries from every region of the world. If you are applying for an immigrant visa and hold citizenship from one of these countries, this suspension applies to you unless you also hold citizenship from a country not on the list.

What Does the Trump Administration’s New Visa Processing Suspension Actually Mean for My Immigration Case?

The suspension is a pause on issuing immigrant visas at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. This means people going through consular processing are directly impacted. You can still submit your visa application and attend your interview appointment at the embassy or consulate. However, even if the consular officer approves your case, you will not receive your visa while the pause is in effect.

According to reports, consular officers have been told not to issue visas that were already approved but not yet printed. Even visas that have been printed but not yet released to the applicant might be held. This means some families who thought they were days away from traveling to the United States are now stuck in limbo with no clear timeline for when they can move forward.

The State Department says this pause is part of a full review of immigration vetting standards under the Immigration and Nationality Act. The administration wants to ensure that immigrants are financially self-sufficient and will not rely on public benefits after arriving in the United States.

Does the Trump Administration’s New Visa Processing Suspension Matter if You Are Already in the United States?

If you are already in the United States and eligible to apply for a green card through adjustment of status, this suspension does not directly affect you. Adjustment of status applications are filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, not processed through embassies abroad. You can continue with your case as normal.

However, if you were planning to leave the United States and complete consular processing abroad, you should speak with an immigration attorney before making any travel plans. Leaving the country could now mean facing indefinite delays in getting your immigrant visa approved.

Are There Any Exceptions to the Trump Administration’s New Visa Processing Suspension?

The State Department has clarified that dual nationals may be exempt from the pause. If you also hold valid citizenship and a passport from a country not on the list, you can apply using your other passport and avoid the suspension.

The State Department also stated that no existing valid visas have been revoked. If you already have an immigrant visa in hand, it remains valid, though questions about admission at the border should be directed to the Department of Homeland Security.

Call a Dallas, TX Immigration Lawyer Today

The visa processing suspension creates confusion and anxiety for thousands of families. If you or your loved ones are affected by this policy, a Plano, TX immigration attorney can help you understand your options and develop a strategy for what to do next.

Our firm offers free consultations to discuss your case and answer your questions. Call the Law Office of Jae Lee at 972-905-2170 today.