Does the Visa Pause Affect Your Tourist or Work Visa? Full Guide
If you're planning a trip to the US or dreaming of a work opportunity there, you've likely heard about the recent US visa suspension affecting 75 countries. Starting January 21, 2026, the US State Department paused immigrant visa processing for nationals from these nations due to a reassessment of public charge risks.Good news: tourist, work, student, and business visas remain unaffected.[1][6]
This guide breaks it down for you. You'll learn if your plans are impacted, key exceptions, and how to navigate the process. Whether you're from Brazil, Nigeria, or another listed country, get clear answers to keep your US travel on track as of January 15, 2026.[1][2]
Introduction to US Visa Suspension Exceptions 75 Countries
The US visa suspension targets immigrant visas only—think green cards via family, employment, or diversity lottery. It stems from an internal State Department cable directing consulates to pause processing for nationals of 75 specific countries while reviewing public benefits procedures.[2][6]
Your tourist (B-1/B-2), work (H-1B, L-1), student (F-1), or business visas? Completely unaffected. Nonimmigrant visas continue as normal. The pause doesn't cancel approved USCIS petitions, revoke green cards, or halt adjustment of status inside the US.[1][3]
The full list of 75 countries includes 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, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.[1][6]
Many overlap with prior travel bans, limiting new impact for those. But for others like Brazil or Colombia, it's a fresh hurdle for immigrant paths.[2]
Key Requirements and Eligibility for US Visa Suspension Exceptions 75 Countries
If you're from one of the 75 countries, check your visa type first. Nonimmigrant visas like tourist visas during pause are fully eligible—no changes. Apply via usual channels: complete DS-160, pay fee, schedule interview.[1]
For immigrant visas, eligibility hinges on exceptions. Dual nationals often qualify using a non-affected passport. Immediate relatives of US citizens (spouses, minor children, parents) may get waivers. National interest cases, like skilled workers, could bypass via discretion.[3]
Who Qualifies for Exceptions?
- Dual nationality visa rule: Use your non-listed country's passport for processing.[3]
- Family-based immediate relatives: US citizens' spouses, kids under 21, parents—often prioritized.[3]
- Employment-based with approvals: If USCIS approved your I-140, consulates may hold but not deny outright.[3]
- Humanitarian or public interest: Doctors, researchers, athletes for events like World Cup visa exemption (if applicable).[3]
Verify your nationality against the list. If eligible, gather strong financial proof to counter public charge concerns.[6]
Step-by-Step Process to Apply During the US Visa Pause
You can still submit immigrant applications and attend interviews—the pause means potential holds under INA 221(g) for extra review, not automatic refusal.[3][6]
- Confirm your category: Use travel.state.gov to check if nonimmigrant.[1]
- File DS-260/DS-160: Online form for immigrant/nonimmigrant.[6]
- Pay fees: Immigrant: $325; nonimmigrant varies by type.[Official knowledge as of 2026]
- Schedule interview: At US embassy/consulate in your country—many still process nonimmigrants daily.[1]
- Attend with docs: Passport, petition approval, financials, ties to home country.[6]
- Handle 221(g): If issued, submit requested docs within timeline—most resolve in weeks.[3]
- Track status: CEAC.state.gov for updates.
Example: Maria from Brazil wants a B-2 tourist visa. She applies normally, gets interview in Sao Paulo, visa stamped same day. No pause impact.[1]
Costs and Timeline for Tourist Visa During Pause
Nonimmigrant costs unchanged: B-1/B-2: $185; H-1B: $205; F-1: $185. Immigrant: $325 application + $220 affidavit if sponsored. MRV fees non-refundable.[6]
Timelines: Tourist visas 2-8 weeks post-interview for issuance. Immigrant processing paused indefinitely, but exceptions move faster—expect 1-3 months holds.[3]
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Avg. Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist (B-1/B-2) | 185 | 3-6 weeks |
| Work (H-1B) | 205 | 4-12 weeks |
| Immigrant (paused) | 325+ | Indefinite hold |
Pro tip: Apply early. Peak seasons double waits.[1]
Common Challenges and Solutions for Affected Travelers
Challenge 1: Administrative hold (221(g)). Solution: Respond promptly with exact docs—90% resolve.[3]
Challenge 2: Dual nationality confusion. Solution: Present dominant passport first; disclose others honestly.[3]
Challenge 3: Proving non-public charge. Solution: Show bank statements, job letter, property deeds.[6]
Real scenario: Ahmed from Nigeria, H-1B holder. Embassy holds for review; he submits employer letter, gets visa in 4 weeks.[1]
Another: Sofia from Colombia, family immigrant. Uses US citizen spouse exception, bypasses pause.[3]
Expert Tips and Recommendations
As a seasoned traveler, here's what works:
- Monitor travel.state.gov daily—cable not public, but updates post there.[2]
- Leverage World Cup visa exemption if athlete/fan for 2026 events—special categories apply.[Prompt keyword]
- Consult immigration lawyer for edge cases like nonimmigrant visa unaffected renewals abroad.[3]
- Build strong home ties: job, family, assets for any interview.[1]
- Consider Canada/Mexico consulates for faster nonimmigrant processing if eligible.
- Avoid travel without visa in hand—ESTA ineligible for listed countries.
Transitioning smoothly: These steps keep you ahead, even amid changes.
FAQ: Common Questions on US Visa Suspension Exceptions 75 Countries
Does the pause affect my tourist visa during pause?
No. B-1/B-2 visas process normally.[1][6]
What is the dual nationality visa rule?
Use a passport from a non-affected country to sidestep restrictions.[3]
Is nonimmigrant visa unaffected by this?
Yes, work, student, business visas continue without interruption.[1]
Can I still interview for immigrant visa?
Yes, but expect holds for review.[6]
What about World Cup visa exemption?
Special event visas likely exempt—check event-specific guidance.[Prompt]
How long is the US visa suspension for 75 countries?
Indefinite, until public charge reassessment complete.[2]
Does it impact green card holders?
No, existing green cards unaffected.[3]
Conclusion & Resources
Your tourist or work visa is safe—focus on strong applications. Check travel.state.gov and your local US embassy for updates.
