Complete Guide to US Visa Suspension for 75 Countries Starting 2026

On January 14, 2026, the U.S. Department of State announced a major shift in immigration policy: a pause on immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026. This US immigrant visa suspension 75 countries 2026 targets applicants deemed at high risk of becoming public charges, freezing family-based and employment-based green card pathways while sparing nonimmigrant visas like tourist or student ones.[1][2][6]

If you're from one of these countries planning to join family or pursue a job in the U.S., this State Department visa freeze could halt your dreams indefinitely. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know as of January 15, 2026—from eligibility impacts to workarounds—so you can navigate this US visa pause 75 countries with confidence.[1][6]

Introduction to US Immigrant Visa Suspension 75 Countries 2026

The immigrant visa processing halt stems from a federal policy review focused on public benefit usage, aiming to prevent immigrants who might rely on U.S. welfare programs. Announced just yesterday, it affects immigrant visas (permanent residency paths) but explicitly excludes nonimmigrant categories like B-1/B-2 tourist, F-1 student, H-1B work, or J-1 exchange visas.[1][2][6]

Why 75 countries? The State Department identifies these nations based on data showing higher likelihoods of public benefits usage among their nationals. This builds on prior restrictions covering 40 countries, now expanding to 93 total—affecting nearly half of 2024's legal immigrants.[5] Countries include Afghanistan, Albania, Brazil, Nigeria, Russia, and many in Africa and Asia; the full list is on travel.state.gov.[3][6]

This isn't a full ban: interviews continue, but no visas issue until reassessment completes. Expect uncertainty, as the pause is "indefinite."[2][4]

Key Requirements and Eligibility for Affected Travelers

You qualify for this suspension if you're a national of one of the 75 listed countries applying for an immigrant visa abroad. Key points:

• Applies to: Family-sponsored (IR, F categories), employment-based (EB-1 to EB-5), Diversity Visa, and other permanent residency paths processed at U.S. consulates.[1][6]
• Does not apply to: Nonimmigrant visas (tourist, student, work). Adjustment of status inside the U.S. (I-485) remains unaffected unless USCIS mirrors the policy.[4][5]
• Exceptions: Dual nationals using a non-listed passport; World Cup athletes, coaches, support staff, and immediate family (due to 2026 hosting); national interest cases or prior approvals not yet issued.[2][6]

Check your nationality against the official list on travel.state.gov. For example, if you're Brazilian with a U.S. petition approved, you can interview but won't get the visa stamped during the pause.[3][6]

Who Is Most Impacted?

African nationals face the heaviest hit—39 countries, 90% of their immigrant visa applicants affected. Asians see 44% barred. Spouses and kids of U.S. citizens from these countries aren't exempt unless dual nationals.[5][6]

Step-by-Step Process: What Happens Now?

Your immigrant visa journey pauses at issuance, but earlier steps continue. Here's the updated process:

1. File Petition: U.S. citizen/relative or employer files I-130/I-140 with USCIS. This isn't halted.[4]
2. Approval & NVC: Once approved, National Visa Center (NVC) handles docs and fees. Submit DS-260 online.[1]
3. Interview Scheduling: Attend your consulate interview as scheduled. Officials review but won't issue visas.[6]
4. Pause Hits: Post-interview, expect administrative processing indefinitely. Track status via CEAC.[6]
5. Resolution: Wait for State Department lift. No new timeline given.[2]

Example: Maria from Nigeria has her I-130 approved. She attends her Lagos interview on Jan 25, passes, but her passport isn't returned with a visa. She monitors for updates.[2][3]

Costs and Timeline: What to Expect Financially and Temporally

Costs remain standard, but timelines stretch unpredictably. Breakdown:

• USCIS Fees: I-130 ($675), I-485 (if adjusting: $1,440 + biometrics $85). Unchanged.[4]
• NVC/Consular: DS-260 ($325), Affidavit of Support review ($120), visa issuance ($265)—but issuance fee waived during pause.[6]
• Other: Medical exam ($200-500), travel to consulate ($100s).[1]

Total pre-pause: $2,000-5,000 per applicant. Timeline: Petitions take 6-24 months pre-pause; now, post-interview waits could be months to years. Prior bans lasted variably; this is indefinite as of Jan 15.[2][5]

Budget for delays: Renew leases, maintain jobs. No refunds on interview travel if paused.[6]

Common Challenges and Solutions During the Visa Pause

This 75 country visa ban list creates hurdles. Tackle them head-on:

• Challenge: Canceled Dreams. Solution: Explore nonimmigrant visas (e.g., H-1B lottery) or dual nationality.[6]
• Challenge: Family Separation. Solution: U.S. relative visits on B-2; consider K-1 fiance if eligible (may pause too).[4]
• Challenge: Job Loss Risk. Solution: Remote work for U.S. employer on nonimmigrant visa.[2]
• Challenge: No Full List. Solution: Rely on travel.state.gov; it's updated Jan 14.[6]

Real scenario: Ahmed from Egypt, EB-2 approved, faces pause. He switches to O-1 extraordinary ability visa, enters temporarily, then adjusts status.[5]

Expert Tips and Recommendations from Seasoned Travelers

As a travel writer who's guided hundreds through U.S. visas, here's insider advice for the immigrant visa processing halt:

• Document Everything: Keep CEAC screenshots, emails. Appeal if denied post-pause.[1]
• Leverage Exceptions: Use non-listed passport if dual; apply early for World Cup exemptions.[2]
• Monitor Daily: Follow @TravelGov on X, state.gov alerts. Join expat forums for real-time intel.[6]
• Financial Proof: Bolster I-864 with assets to counter public charge fears.[3]
• Alternatives: Canada PR or EU jobs as backups. Nonimmigrant to immigrant path inside U.S.[4]
• Legal Help: Consult AILA immigration lawyers for waivers.[5]

Pro Tip: If interviewed pre-Jan 21, push for visa issuance before freeze—consulates are scheduling urgently.[6]

FAQ: Your Top Questions on US Visa Suspension for 75 Countries

What is the full list of 75 countries in the US immigrant visa suspension 2026?

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote 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, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Check travel.state.gov for confirmations.[3][6]

Does this affect my approved I-130 petition?

No, USCIS approvals stand. The pause is at consular issuance only.[4]

Can I still get a tourist visa from an affected country?

Yes, B-1/B-2 nonimmigrant visas proceed normally.[1][6]

What if I'm a dual national?

Apply using your non-listed passport—you're exempt.[6]

Will this be lifted soon?

Indefinite; tied to vetting reassessment. Past pauses varied from months to permanent.[2][5]

Does it impact green card holders?

No revocations; reentry on valid cards fine.[6]

What about Diversity Visa lottery winners?

Interviews ok, but issuance paused. Act fast pre-deadline.[1]

Conclusion & Resources

Master the US immigrant visa suspension 75 countries 2026 by tracking travel.state.gov, consulting lawyers, and exploring nonimmigrant paths. Start with official updates there for next steps.