In a sweeping and unprecedented policy shift, the U.S. government announced it will pause immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, beginning January 21, 2026. This change was announced by the State Department as part of what the administration describes as an effort to tighten immigration screening and reduce the likelihood that new immigrants will rely on public benefits.

For immigrants, employers, and HR leaders, this suspension represents a dramatic shift in legal immigration pathways. Understanding how it works and who is affected can help you navigate, or plan around, the disruption.

What Exactly Has Changed?

Immigrant visa processing, the kind of visa that leads to permanent residence (a green card), will be paused for nationals of 75 countries at U.S. embassies and consulates around the world starting on January 21, 2026. This means that consular officers will refuse or hold immigrant visas that have not yet been issued or printed while the State Department reassesses its screening procedures under existing law.

This policy does not affect non-immigrant visas, such as:

  • Tourist visas (B1/B2) 
  • Business visas 
  • Student visas (F-1) 
  • Temporary work visas (e.g., H-1B) 

These categories remain open, although enhanced vetting may still apply.

Who Is Affected?

The suspension is broad and geographically diverse, covering countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Eastern Europe. 

According to reporting and internal State Department guidance, affected nations include (but are not limited to):
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Thailand, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan and Yemen.

Because the list spans so many regions, many families, employment-based petitioners, and individuals seeking permanent residence may find their visa cases put on indefinite hold.

Why This Change Was Announced

The State Department framed the suspension as a way to strengthen enforcement of the “public charge” provision of U.S. immigration law. A long-standing policy allowing consular officers to refuse admission to individuals they believe are likely to depend on government benefits. Under this intensified scrutiny, applicants may be evaluated on factors such as finances, employment prospects, family size, health, and more.

Officials say the pause will remain in place until the State Department can “ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people.” Critics say the policy is sweeping, lacks transparent criteria, and will slow or block legal immigration for hundreds of thousands of people.

How This Impacts Immigrants

  1. Indefinite Delays for Green Card Applicants

If you are from an affected country and waiting for your immigrant visa interview or approval at a U.S. consulate, your case will be delayed indefinitely while the pause is in place.

  1. Approved Visas May Not Be Issued

Even if your immigrant visa has been approved but not yet printed, consular officers have been directed to refuse issuance under the new guidance. This effectively erases progress that has already been made in the consular process.

  1. Uncertain Duration

There is no timeline for when the suspension will be lifted. State Department officials have not specified criteria or benchmarks for resuming normal immigrant visa processing.

  1. Non-Immigrant Visa Applicants Still Able to Apply

If you are seeking a nonimmigrant visa, such as for travel, work, or education, these categories remain available though subject to increased vetting.

What Individuals and Families Can Do

If you or a family member are affected by the suspension:

  • Stay informed via official State Department updates
  • Do not make irreversible life decisions based on pending immigrant visa cases
  • Consult an immigration attorney to explore alternatives or exemptions
  • Assess dual-nationality options if applicable. Applicants with passports from unaffected countries may still be able to proceed

What This Means for Employers & HR Leaders

For employers sponsoring employment-based immigration, from EB-1 to EB-3 and beyond, this suspension creates significant uncertainty in global recruitment and mobility planning. Key implications include:

  • Delays in relocating international talent 
  • Need for alternative immigration strategies (e.g., adjustment of status, dual nationality use) 
  • Reassessing global workforce timelines to avoid staffing gaps 

Because the pause affects permanent residence processing abroad, many employers may consider in-country paths like adjustment of status where eligible, or alternative visas such as O-1, L-1, or E-2 where appropriate.

Final Thoughts

The suspension of immigrant visa processing for 75 countries marks one of the most dramatic policy shifts in recent U.S. immigration history. It affects a wide range of legal immigration pathways, from family-based visas to employment-based green cards,  and introduces uncertainty for hundreds of thousands of applicants worldwide.

At Garvish Immigration Law Group, we understand how destabilizing this news can be for immigrants, families, and employers. We are monitoring developments closely and are committed to helping you understand your options, adapt your strategy, and stay grounded as the situation evolves.

If your case is affected by this suspension or you’d like to explore alternative immigration paths, we’re here to help. Contact us for guidance and personalized support.