Full List of 75 Countries Affected by US Immigrant Visa Suspension 2026
Imagine planning your dream move to the United States, only to find your country's immigrant visa processing halted indefinitely. As of January 21, 2026, the U.S. State Department has suspended immigrant visa issuances for nationals of 75 countries, impacting hundreds of thousands of families, professionals, and dreamers worldwide[1][2][4]. This US immigrant visa suspension 2026 targets countries deemed at high risk for public benefits usage, tightening legal immigration pathways under the Trump administration's public charge rule reassessment[2][4].
In this comprehensive guide, you get the full list of 75 countries affected by US immigrant visa suspension, key requirements, step-by-step processes for those still eligible, costs, timelines, challenges, and expert tips to navigate this landscape. Whether you're from Nigeria facing the Nigeria US visa suspension or Brazil on the US State Department country list, this article equips you with actionable insights as of January 15, 2026[1][4].
Introduction to the List of 75 Countries US Visa Suspension
The 75 countries immigrant visa pause stems from a U.S. State Department directive effective January 21, 2026, pausing all immigrant visa issuances—including family-based, employment-based, and diversity visas—for nationals of these nations[1][2][4]. Nonimmigrant visas like tourist (B1/B2), student (F-1), or work (H-1B) remain unaffected, allowing travel but not permanent residency paths[4].
This policy expands prior restrictions, now covering 93 countries total and impacting nearly half of 2024's legal immigrants, with Africa hit hardest (39 countries, 90% of African applicants)[5]. The pause is indefinite until vetting procedures are reassessed, focusing on preventing reliance on U.S. welfare systems[2]. High-profile nations like Nigeria US visa suspension, Russia, Iran, and Cuba top the affected countries visa ban list[1][3].
Here's the complete list of 75 countries from official sources:
- 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
- Yemen
This list of 75 countries US visa suspension was confirmed via the U.S. State Department's January 14, 2026 update[4]. Dual nationals using non-listed passports are exempt[4].
Key Requirements and Eligibility for US Immigrant Visas Amid the Pause
Even with the suspension, you can still file applications and attend interviews, but no visas issue until lifted[4]. Core eligibility mirrors standard immigrant visa rules: prove family ties, job offers, or diversity lottery wins, plus financial self-sufficiency under the public charge rule[2].
Key requirements include:
- Valid petition approval: I-130 (family) or I-140 (employment) from USCIS[2].
- Affidavit of Support (I-864): Sponsor income at 125% of U.S. poverty guidelines—$32,470 for a household of two in 2026[2].
- Medical exam: From panel physician, vaccination proof required[4].
- Clean record: No security risks or inadmissibility grounds[1].
For affected countries, focus on building a strong public charge case: bank statements, property deeds, or employer letters showing you won't burden U.S. resources. Example: A Nigerian software engineer with a U.S. job offer and $50,000 savings strengthens their profile[1].
Step-by-Step Process to Apply Despite the 75 Countries Immigrant Visa Pause
You won't get a visa now, but prepare ahead. Here's the process:
- Check eligibility: Use the Visa Wizard on travel.state.gov. Confirm if your country is on the US State Department country list[4].
- File petition: Sponsor submits I-130/I-140 to USCIS (fees apply, processing 12-18 months)[2].
- National Visa Center (NVC) stage: Submit DS-260, documents, pay fees once approved[4].
- Schedule interview: Attend at U.S. embassy/consulate—still possible, but issuance paused[4].
- Post-pause action: Monitor state.gov for resumption; refile if needed.
Real scenario: Maria from Haiti wins the diversity lottery. She completes NVC by February 2026, interviews in March, but waits for lift. Tip: Keep documents digital for quick updates[3].
Costs and Timeline for US Immigrant Visa Applications from Affected Countries
Expect upfront costs even during pause:
- Petition fees: I-130 $675, I-140 $700 (2026 rates)[2].
- DS-260/Affidavit: $325 + $120[4].
- Medical exam: $200-$500, varies by country[1].
- Other: Travel to embassy $100+, translations $50/page.
Total: $1,500-$3,000 per applicant. Timelines: USCIS 12-24 months pre-pause; post-lift, embassy processing 1-6 months, but indefinite delay now[2][5]. Premium processing for I-140 ($2,805) speeds petitions to 15 days[2]. Track via CEAC portal.
Common Challenges and Solutions for the Affected Countries Visa Ban
Challenge 1: Indefinite wait. Solution: Explore nonimmigrant visas (e.g., H-1B lottery) or adjustment of status if in U.S.[5].
Challenge 2: Family separation. Example: Brazilian spouse of U.S. citizen—file I-130, attend interview, await lift[1]. Solution: Provisional waivers for unlawful presence.
Challenge 3: Public charge fears. Solution: Submit 5+ years tax returns, assets exceeding 5x guidelines[2]. For Nigeria, high denial rates pre-pause; bolster with U.S. job proof[1].
Challenge 4: Dual nationality confusion. Solution: Apply with non-affected passport[4].
Expert Tips and Recommendations for Navigating the US Visa Suspension
As a seasoned traveler, here's my advice: Monitor travel.state.gov weekly for updates—pause could lift in months[4]. Build financial proof now: Save aggressively, get U.S. sponsor affidavits. Consider alternatives like Canada PR (Express Entry) if timelines slip[5].
For employment: Target H-1B cap-exempt jobs. Families: Keep communication open via USCIS case status. Pro tip: Join expat forums for real-time embassy intel. If from Nigeria US visa suspension areas, consult immigration lawyers early—$2,000-$5,000 investment saves years[1]. Stay resilient; policies shift.
FAQ: Common Questions on List of 75 Countries US Visa Suspension
Can I still attend my immigrant visa interview if my country is affected?
Yes, schedule and attend, but no visa issuance during pause[4].
Does this affect my existing US visa?
No, valid immigrant visas remain; contact DHS for entry issues[4].
Are there exceptions to the 75 countries immigrant visa pause?
Dual nationals with non-listed passports qualify; special humanitarian cases possible via waivers[4].
How long will the US State Department country list suspension last?
Indefinite, pending vetting reassessment—monitor official sites[2].
Can I apply from a third country?
Possibly, if not using affected nationality passport[1].
Is tourist visa affected by affected countries visa ban?
No, only immigrant visas[4].
What about green card adjustment in the US?
USCIS may mirror pause; check uscis.gov[5].
Conclusion & Resources
Master the list of 75 countries US visa suspension by preparing documents now and exploring alternatives. Visit travel.state.gov and uscis.gov for updates; consult accredited attorneys for personalized steps.
