75-Country Visa Suspension in 2026: Complete Guide for Affected Immigrants

Last Updated: February 2, 2026

In a sweeping policy change, the U.S. Department of State has paused immigrant visa issuances for nationals of over 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026. If you or a family member are from one of these countries, understanding your options is critical. This policy update reflects heightened scrutiny by the U.S. government to ensure that immigrants remain financially self-sufficient and do not unlawfully rely on public benefits.

This guide from Law Group International explains:

Which countries are affected by the visa suspension
The types of visas impacted
What happens to pending applications
Available options for individuals inside and outside the U.S.
Frequently asked questions

Understanding your situation and taking proactive steps can help protect your immigration path and avoid unnecessary complications.

What Happened?

On January 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of State announced a pause on immigrant visa issuances for nationals of certain countries. This pause is part of a larger review of all screening and vetting policies designed to prevent immigrants from becoming a public charge.

The suspension applies to immigrant visas only, nonimmigrant visas such as tourist or business visas are not affected. The government cited national security, reciprocity, and public benefits considerations as reasons for the pause.

Some key points:

The pause applies to new immigrant visa applications.
Interviews may still be scheduled, but visa issuance is temporarily paused.
The effective duration of the suspension is currently indefinite.

Which Countries Are on the Visa Suspension List?

Effective January 21, 2026, immigrant visas are paused for nationals of the following countries:

Latin America & Caribbean

Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Colombia, Dominica, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Nicaragua, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Uruguay

Africa

Algeria, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Liberia, Libya, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda

Middle East

Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen

Asia

Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Laos, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Uzbekistan

Europe & Balkans

Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Russia, Morocco

Table: Visa Suspension Overview

Country	Suspension Type	Effective Date
All listed countries	Full (immigrant visas)	Jan 21, 2026

Disclaimer: This list is current as of February 2, 2026. Policies may change; always verify with the U.S. Department of State at travel.state.gov.

Which Visa Types Are Suspended?

The pause affects immigrant visas, including:

Family-based immigrant visas
Employment-based immigrant visas
Diversity visa lottery winners (pending verification)

Visas still generally available:

Diplomatic visas (A, G)
Humanitarian or emergency visas
Adoption cases under National Interest Exception (see below)

Nonimmigrant visas such as B1/B2 tourist visas, F1 student visas, or H1B work visas are not affected.

What If I Already Applied for a Visa?

If you have a pending immigrant visa application:

Interviews at consulates may continue to be scheduled.
Approved petitions awaiting visa issuance are temporarily paused.
Visa renewals and revalidations are generally unaffected.

What to do:

Do not travel for cancelled appointments.
Contact the U.S. consulate handling your case for guidance.

Options for Affected Individuals

If you are already in the U.S.:

Maintain valid status. Do not overstay your visa.
Explore change-of-status options if eligible.
Adjustment of status may be possible for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens.
Avoid traveling abroad if visa re-entry may be denied.

If you are outside the U.S.:

Third-country processing may be an option in limited cases.
Humanitarian exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis.
Consider waiting for policy updates.
Consult with an immigration attorney to explore alternative strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to my immigrant visa interview appointment?
You may attend scheduled interviews. The Department of State will continue to process applications, though visa issuance is paused.

Are there any exceptions?

Dual nationals applying with a passport from a country not on the list are exempt.
Children being adopted by Americans may qualify for a National Interest Exception under Presidential Proclamation 10998. Families should continue the adoption process and consular interviews.

Does this affect my current valid visa?
No, the guidance does not revoke existing immigrant visas. For questions about admission, consult DHS.

Does this apply to tourist visas?
No. Only immigrant visas are affected. Nonimmigrant visas remain valid.

How long will the suspension last?
The effective duration is currently indefinite and subject to change. Check official sources regularly.

A Rapidly Changing Situation: Get Legal Guidance

The 75-country visa suspension in 2026 represents a major policy shift that could impact millions of immigrant visa applicants. Understanding whether you are affected, your options, and possible exemptions is critical.

If you or a family member are impacted, the immigration attorneys at Law Group International can guide you through this complex situation. Attorneys Khalid and Daniela have experience navigating consular processing, family-based visas, and humanitarian exceptions.

Call (703)5495445 or schedule a confidential consultation at Law Group International to explore your options today.