US Immigrant Visa Processing Pause for 75 High‑Risk Countries (Including Pakistan)

The United States has announced a new policy that pauses immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries considered at high risk of public benefits usage. This “indefinite” pause will have a direct impact on families, workers, and sponsors in countries like Pakistan, Nigeria, Brazil, Egypt, Iran, and many others who are planning to immigrate to the U.S.

Who Is Affected by the Immigrant Visa Pause?

Effective January 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of State is pausing the issuance of immigrant visas to applicants who are nationals of 75 designated countries.

Reports confirm that the list includes:

• 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,
• Cote d’Ivoire,
• Cuba,
• Democratic Republic of the Congo,
• Dominica,
• Egypt,
• Eritrea,
• Ethiopia,
• Fiji,
• The Gambia,
• Georgia,
• Ghana,
• Grenada,
• Guatemala,
• Guinea,
• Haiti,
• Iran,
• Iraq,
• Jamaica,
• Jordan,
• Kazakhstan,
• Kosovo,
• Kuwait,
• Kyrgyz Republic,
• 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.

• Key points for affected nationals: You may still submit immigrant visa applications and attend scheduled interviews, but consulates will not issue immigrant visas while the pause is in place. ​

• This applies to immigrant categories such as family‑based green cards and certain employment‑based immigrant visas processed through consular posts outside the U.S.

• Existing, already‑printed immigrant visas are not being automatically revoked under this policy, although entry decisions at the U.S. border remain under the authority of the Department of Homeland Security. ​

Does This Affect Tourist, Student, or Work Visas?

The current announcement focuses specifically on immigrant visas, meaning permanent residence visas processed at U.S. embassies and consulates. Nonimmigrant visas such as:​

• B1/B2 visitor and tourist visas
• F‑1 student visas
• Certain temporary work and business visas

are not formally included in this immigrant visa pause, although applicants may still face enhanced scrutiny under public charge and security‑related rules.​

For many families, this distinction is critical: while long‑term immigration plans may be delayed, short‑term travel for tourism, business, or study may remain possible if applicants qualify under existing regulations.​

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What happens to my already scheduled immigrant visa interview?
Immigrant visa applicants from affected countries can still submit their DS‑260, upload civil documents to the National Visa Center, and attend interviews at the embassy or consulate, but no immigrant visas will be issued during the pause.​

2. Are there any exceptions to this pause?
Dual nationals who apply using a valid passport from a country not on the high‑risk list are exempt from the immigrant visa pause, even if they also hold nationality from an affected country.​

3. Does this policy cancel my valid immigrant visa?
The Department of State has clarified that immigrant visas are not being revoked as part of this guidance; if you already have a valid immigrant visa in your passport, it generally remains valid until its expiration, subject to normal admission rules.​

4. Does this apply to Adjustment of Status inside the United States?
This announcement concerns consular immigrant visa processing handled by the Department of State, not Adjustment of Status applications handled by USCIS inside the U.S., so many in‑country processes are expected to continue under existing rules.​

What Applicants from Pakistan, UAE and Other High‑Risk Countries Should Do

Applicants from Pakistan, the UAE, and other listed countries should not abandon their U.S. immigration plans but should adapt their strategy. Practical steps include:

• Continuing to prepare complete immigrant visa files so that cases are ready to move quickly once the pause is lifted, including updated civil documents, police certificates, and medical exams when appropriate.

• Strengthening financial evidence such as Affidavits of Support, proof of income, assets, and employment to demonstrate that the intending immigrant will not become a public charge.

• Exploring alternative pathways such as nonimmigrant study or work visas where suitable, while monitoring how public charge guidance is applied to temporary categories.

Given how fast immigration policies can change, working with an experienced immigration consultant or licensed U.S. immigration attorney is increasingly important for case strategy and risk assessment. Applicants and sponsors should follow official U.S. government channels and embassy announcements for further clarifications, timelines, and any potential exemptions that may be introduced.

For personalized guidance on how this pause affects your case and what alternatives you may have, Settlement Experts, an experienced immigration and visa consultancy, can directly assess your profile and guide you through the best available U.S. visa options.