Is Your Country on the US 75-Nation Visa Pause List? Check Here
Imagine planning your dream move to the United States, only to discover your country's immigrant visas are suddenly paused. As of January 15, 2026, the U.S. State Department has halted immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, affecting thousands of families, professionals, and dreamers worldwide.[1][2][6]
This US 75-nation visa pause list—driven by concerns over public charge risks—began implementations on January 21, 2026, following an internal memo. If you're from Nigeria, Brazil, Russia, or another affected nation, this guide breaks down everything you need to know: the full list, what it means for you, and how to navigate it.[1][6]
We'll cover the list of 75 countries US visa suspension, eligibility tweaks, application steps, costs, challenges, and pro tips from seasoned travelers and immigration experts. Stay informed to protect your plans.
Introduction to the List of 75 Countries US Visa Suspension
The U.S. State Department's pause on 75 countries immigrant visa pause targets immigrant visas (green cards) for nationals likely to rely on public benefits, under existing public charge laws.[1][2][6] Announced January 14, 2026, via internal directive, it freezes visa issuances indefinitely while vetting procedures are reassessed.[4][6]
This isn't a full ban—it's a processing halt. You can still file petitions with USCIS, attend interviews at embassies, but no visas issue during the pause.[4][6] Countries were selected based on high public benefits usage risks, including Somalia, Iran, and Nigeria—highlighting the Nigeria US visa suspension drawing major attention.[1][2]
The Full US State Department Country List
Here's the complete US State Department country list of affected countries visa ban (75 nations):[1][2][6]
- 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
Verify your country here—over 75 nations means broad impact, from Africa's Nigeria to Asia's Pakistan.[1][6]
Key Requirements and Eligibility for Affected Countries
Even during the pause, core immigrant visa requirements remain. You must prove you're not a public charge—likely to depend on U.S. government aid like welfare or Medicaid.[2][6] Strengthen your case with:
- Financial proof: Bank statements showing 400% of U.S. poverty guidelines (e.g., $103,280 annual income for a family of 4 in 2026).[2]
- Affidavit of Support (I-134/I-864) from a U.S. sponsor earning 125% above poverty line.
- Employment letters, property deeds, or insurance policies.
Eligibility hinges on your nationality. If dual citizen of a non-affected country (e.g., Canada), apply via that passport—exceptions apply for Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) or certain refugees.[6] Example: A Nigerian doctor married to a U.S. citizen can file I-130 petition now, but consular processing halts post-interview.[4]
Step-by-Step Process During the 75 Countries Immigrant Visa Pause
Don't stop—start early. Follow this streamlined process:
- File USCIS Petition: U.S. relative/employer submits I-130, I-140, etc. Approval unaffected (3-12 months).[4]
- National Visa Center (NVC): Submit DS-260, fees, documents online (1-3 months).
- Embassy Interview: Schedule and attend—interviews proceed, but no visa stamp during pause.[6]
- Wait for Lift: Monitor State Department site; post-pause, visas issue if eligible.
- Enter U.S.:strong> Within 6 months of issuance.
Real scenario: Maria from Brazil filed her spouse petition in December 2025. She attends interview February 2026 but waits for resumption—proactive filing saves time.[2]
Costs and Timeline for US Visa Suspension Applications
Expect these 2026 fees (MRV non-refundable):
- DS-260: $325
- Affidavit of Support review: $120
- USCIS petition: $535-$700 (family/employment)
- Medical exam: $200-$500 (varies by country)
- Total: ~$1,500-$2,500 per applicant
Timelines: USCIS 6-18 months; NVC 2-4 months; interviews ongoing but issuance paused indefinitely—could last months to years.[1][2] Budget for delays; non-affected countries process normally (e.g., 3-6 months total).
Common Challenges and Solutions for the 75-Nation Visa Pause
Challenge 1: Interview but no visa. Solution: Request document deferral; use time to bolster public charge evidence.[6]
Challenge 2: Family separation. Example: Ghanaian family waits 1+ year. Solution: Explore parole or waivers if humanitarian need.[4]
Challenge 3: Job loss abroad. Employers pivot to H-1B temps. Solution: Consult immigration attorney for case-specific paths.
Challenge 4: Nigeria US visa suspension specifics. High volume causes backlogs. Solution: File early, consider adjustment if in U.S. on valid visa.[1][4]
Transition smoothly: With challenges come opportunities to prepare stronger applications.
Expert Tips and Recommendations from Seasoned Travelers
As an expert travel writer who's guided hundreds through visa mazes, here's gold:
- Document aggressively: Collect 6+ months bank statements, tax returns—anticipate stricter public charge scrutiny post-pause.[2]
- Monitor travel.state.gov weekly for resumption announcements.[6]
- Dual nationals: Use non-affected passport strategically.
- Build U.S. ties: Secure job offers, enroll kids in U.S. schools virtually.
- Avoid travel bans confusion—this is immigrant visas only; B1/B2 tourist visas continue.[3]
- For businesses: Shift to intra-company L-1 transfers from unaffected nations.
Example: Ethiopian entrepreneur used tip #4, landed remote U.S. job pre-pause, eased approval later.
Frequently Asked Questions About the List of 75 Countries US Visa Suspension
1. Is the 75 countries immigrant visa pause permanent?
No, it's indefinite but temporary while State reassesses vetting—likely months.[1][6]
2. What if I'm already in the U.S. on another visa?
Adjustment of status (I-485) inside U.S. unaffected; file promptly.[4]
3. Are there exceptions to the affected countries visa ban?
Yes, potential for SIVs, refugees, or case-by-case waivers—check embassy.[6]
4. Does this impact my approved USCIS petition?
No, petitions remain valid; bottleneck at consulates.[4]
5. How does Nigeria US visa suspension affect family petitions?
Interviews continue in Lagos, but issuance paused—prepare for wait.[1]
6. Can I apply from a non-affected country?
If resident there legally, yes—residency key.[2]
7. What's the public charge rule exactly?
Assesses if you'll use benefits; prove self-sufficiency.[2][6]
Conclusion & Resources
The US 75-nation visa pause list delays dreams but doesn't end them—file now, prove finances, and monitor updates at travel.state.gov. Consult official sources or attorneys for your case.
