The United States Government has announced a temporary pause in the issuance of immigrant visas for nationals of a broad list of countries, as part of a comprehensive review of its immigration policies. This measure aligns with the approach of the Trump Administration, which has reiterated that immigrants must be financially self-sufficient and should not rely on the U.S. public welfare system.
⏺️ When does the suspension take effect and how does it affect the process?
The suspension will take effect as of January 21, 2026 and applies exclusively to immigrant visas.
Although this may create uncertainty, the Department of State has clarified that:
- Visa applications may continue to be submitted.
- Consular interviews are not canceled and will continue to take place as scheduled.
- However, no immigrant visas will be issued to nationals of the affected countries for the duration of the pause.
⏺️ Nationalities included in the suspension
The measure is applied based on the applicant’s nationality, regardless of the country from which the visa application is filed or the competent consulate.
The countries included are the following:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.
⏺️ Are there any exceptions to this suspension?
Yes. The Department of State has confirmed a key exception:
Individuals holding dual nationality who apply using a valid passport from a country not included in the list are not subject to this pause and may proceed with their application as normal.
⏺️ Are previously issued visas affected?
No. This measure does not revoke immigrant visas already issued, nor does it, in principle, affect the validity of visas currently in force.
⏺️ Tourist visas and other nonimmigrant visas
It is important to note that this suspension does not affect tourist visas or other nonimmigrant visas, such as student or business visas.
⏺️ A context that requires careful planning
Although presented as a temporary measure, its scope is significant and may have a direct impact on ongoing or planned immigration projects. In this context, it is particularly advisable to analyze each case individually, taking into account nationality, possible dual citizenship, and the type of visa being sought.
At ARC Legal, we will continue to closely monitor any official updates that clarify the duration of the suspension and the criteria ultimately adopted following the ongoing review.
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Prefer to read this article in Spanish 🇪🇸? You can find it here: Estados Unidos pausa la emisión de visados de inmigrante para determinadas nacionalidades a partir de enero de 2026
The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration regulations are subject to ongoing legal, administrative, and interpretative changes. While ARC Legal makes every effort to keep the information accurate and up to date based on official sources, we always recommend consulting with a qualified professional before initiating any procedure or making legal decisions. If you require personalized advice regarding your situation, please contact our firm.