The United States has announced a major pause in processing immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026. This move impacts people planning to move permanently to the US but does not affect tourists, business visitors, or short-term visa holders.
The suspension comes just months before the FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, raising questions about America’s stance on foreign visitors and immigrants. Here’s what we know so far:
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What the US Government Announced
The US State Department instructed American consulates to stop processing immigrant visas from the affected countries. The action is part of a broader effort to prevent immigrants from becoming a financial burden on the country.
A State Department statement said:
“Immigrant visa processing from these 75 countries will be paused while procedures are reassessed to prevent entry of foreign nationals who would rely on welfare or public benefits.”
The pause applies only to permanent residency applications. Temporary, tourist, business, or student visas are unaffected. Dual nationals who hold a passport from a non-affected country are also exempt.
How the Suspension Works
Citizens from the 75 countries can still submit visa applications, but no approvals or green cards will be issued until further notice.
There is no set date for when the freeze will end.
Exceptions exist for dual nationals using passports from non-affected countries.
Which Countries Are Affected?
The list of 75 countries spans Latin America, the Caribbean, the Balkans, South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. (A full list can be provided for clarity).
Other Immigration Measures Under Trump
This is part of a series of immigration restrictions under the Trump administration:
Travel bans: Citizens of 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, and Yemen, faced earlier restrictions. Additional bans now include Palestine, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, South Sudan, and Syria.
Refugee cap: The US set the lowest refugee admission limit in history—7,500 for the 2026 fiscal year.
Skilled worker limits: Fees for H-1B visas jumped to $100,000 per application to limit foreign worker entry.
Deportations: Over 605,000 people were deported in 2025, while 1.9 million others “self-deported,” resulting in a net negative immigration rate, the first in 50 years.
These moves reflect the administration’s focus on protecting jobs for Americans and reducing strain on public resources.
What This Means for Potential Immigrants
If you are planning to move to the US from any of the affected countries, your visa process will pause indefinitely. Those seeking temporary or short-term visas will not be affected.
The situation remains fluid, and applicants should monitor announcements from the US State Department for updates.
The US immigration system is under tighter scrutiny than ever. While short-term travel continues, permanent immigration from 75 countries is on hold, and applicants need to plan accordingly.