Introduction to US Immigrant Visa Suspension 75 Countries 2026
As of January 15, 2026, the U.S. State Department has announced a major shift in immigration policy: a suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals from 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026. This US immigrant visa suspension 75 countries 2026 targets applicants deemed at high risk of becoming a public charge, aiming to protect American resources while reassessing vetting procedures.[1][2][5]
You might be planning your move to the U.S. for family reunification, employment, or a fresh start, only to face this unexpected US visa pause 75 countries. Don't panic—this article breaks down the full list, impacts, and what you can do next. With nearly half of legal immigrants potentially affected, understanding the State Department visa freeze is crucial for your travel plans.[4][5]
We'll cover the complete 75 country visa ban list, eligibility tweaks, application processes, costs, challenges, and expert advice to help you navigate this immigrant visa processing halt like a pro.
Key Requirements and Eligibility
The US immigrant visa suspension 75 countries 2026 pauses visa issuances but allows you to submit applications and attend interviews. No decisions will be made until the reassessment ends, which is indefinite.[5]
Who is affected? Nationals of the 75 listed countries, even if residing elsewhere. Dual nationals using a non-listed passport are exempt. This doesn't impact non-immigrant visas like tourist or business B-1/B-2 visas.[1][5]
- 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
If you're from Brazil planning to join your U.S. citizen spouse, your immigrant visa interview might proceed, but no approval until the pause lifts.[2] Always check your nationality against this 75 country visa ban list on the official State Department site.[5]
Step-by-Step Process During the Suspension
Even with the immigrant visa processing halt, you can continue many steps. Here's how to proceed:
- Complete Form DS-260: Submit your online immigrant visa application via ceac.state.gov. No change here.[5]
- Pay the Fee: MRV fee is $325 for most immigrant visas (as of 2026); pay online or at designated banks.[5]
- Submit Documents: Upload supporting docs like passports, birth certificates, and affidavits of support (I-864).
- Attend Interview: Schedule and attend at your U.S. embassy/consulate. Interviews continue, but visas won't issue.[1][5]
- Wait for Pause Lift: Monitor travel.state.gov for updates. Once reassessed, processing resumes.
- Enter the U.S.:strong> If approved post-pause, use your visa within validity (usually 6 months).
For example, if you're a Nigerian family-based applicant, attend your Lagos interview on time—delaying could push you back in queues.[2]
Costs and Timeline
Costs remain unchanged despite the US visa pause 75 countries:
- DS-260 Fee: $325 (non-refundable, even during pause).[5]
- Affidavit of Support Review: $120.
- Medical Exam: $200–$500, varies by country.
- Other: Translation, travel to embassy (~$100–$1,000).
Total: $800–$2,000 per applicant. Timelines? Interviews are scheduled per embassy wait times (e.g., 6–12 months in high-volume posts like Manila or Lagos). Post-pause processing: 1–3 months for decisions, but indefinite pause means unpredictable delays—potentially years.[1][4]
A Ghanaian employment-based applicant might wait 18+ months total now, versus 12 pre-pause.
Common Challenges and Solutions
The State Department visa freeze brings hurdles, but you have options:
Challenge 1: Indefinite Wait. Solution: Apply for non-immigrant visas (e.g., H-1B, B-2) if eligible for temporary stays. World Cup travelers are exempt anyway.[1]
Challenge 2: Public Charge Concerns. Strengthen your I-864 with high-income sponsors (300% poverty guidelines). Provide bank statements, property deeds.[2]
Challenge 3: Family Separation. U.S. citizen relatives can petition for waivers if humanitarian needs arise—check USCIS post-pause.[4]
Real scenario: An Iranian spouse visa applicant faces pause; they pivot to K-1 fiancé visa if unmarried, unaffected as non-immigrant.[5]
Expert Tips and Recommendations
As a seasoned travel writer who's guided hundreds through visa mazes, here's my advice for the US immigrant visa suspension 75 countries 2026:
- Monitor Daily: Bookmark travel.state.gov and set alerts for "immigrant visa updates."[5]
- Dual Passport Power: If eligible, apply with your non-listed nationality's passport.[5]
- Prepare Overkill Docs: Submit 6 months' bank statements, job offers—beat public charge fears early.
- Embassy Communication: Email your consulate for case status; they respond to paused cases.
- Alternatives: Consider Canada or EU options if urgent; many have faster family streams.
- Legal Help: Consult AILA attorneys for waivers or appeals.
Pro tip: Join expat forums like VisaJourney for real-time stories from paused applicants.
FAQ: Common Questions on US Visa Pause 75 Countries
What if I have a scheduled interview from an affected country?
You can attend, but no visa issuance during the pause. Rescheduling risks longer waits.[5]
Does this affect my existing visa?
No, valid immigrant visas remain usable for U.S. entry. Check with CBP at ports.[5]
Are there exceptions for World Cup or emergencies?
Athletes and support for 2026 World Cup are exempt; general non-immigrant visas unaffected.[1]
Can I apply from a third country?
Yes, but nationality determines pause—use non-affected passport if dual national.[2][5]
How long will the immigrant visa processing halt last?
Indefinite, until vetting reassessment completes; monitor official channels.[1][4]
What about USCIS green cards inside the U.S.?
Adjustment of status may follow similar pauses—check uscis.gov.[4]
Is this a full travel ban?
No, only immigrant visas; tourists and workers can still apply for non-immigrant types.[1][5]
Conclusion & Resources
Master the US immigrant visa suspension 75 countries 2026 by preparing docs now and monitoring travel.state.gov. Your next step: Check your nationality and contact your embassy today.
