Introduction to US Immigrant Visa Suspension 75 Countries 2026
Imagine waiting years for your green card interview, only to learn it's indefinitely postponed due to the US immigrant visa suspension 75 countries 2026. On January 14, 2026, the U.S. State Department announced this sweeping US visa pause 75 countries, halting immigrant visa issuances for nationals of 75 countries starting January 21. This affects family-based, employment-based, and other permanent residency pathways, impacting hundreds of thousands of applicants worldwide.[1][6]
You might be from Brazil planning a family reunion or a Nigerian professional eyeing a job in tech—these rules reshape your timeline. This article breaks down the immigrant visa processing halt, what it means for you, and how to navigate it. Expect clear steps, costs, challenges, and tips to keep your dreams on track amid the State Department visa freeze.[2][3]
Key Requirements and Eligibility
The 75 country visa ban list targets nations deemed high-risk for public benefits usage, per the Trump administration's public charge review. Only immigrant visas are paused—nonimmigrant ones like tourist (B-1/B-2), student (F-1), or work (H-1B) continue unaffected.[4][6]
Your eligibility hinges on nationality: If you're a national of any listed country, even living abroad, your immigrant visa issuance stops post-January 21. Dual nationals using a non-affected passport qualify for exemptions. Examples include:
- Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan[6]
- Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan[1][6]
- Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Cameroon[6]
- And 50 more, like Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Haiti, Nigeria, Russia, Somalia, Yemen.[1][2][6]
Full list available on travel.state.gov. You're still eligible to file petitions (I-130 family, I-140 employment) and attend interviews, but no visas issue until the pause lifts.[6]
Who This Doesn't Affect
If you're already in the U.S. adjusting status via USCIS, this primarily impacts consular processing abroad. World Cup athletes, coaches, and relatives get exemptions for 2026 events. Special immigrant visas (e.g., for religious workers) may have case-by-case reviews.[2][5]
Step-by-Step Process During the US Visa Pause 75 Countries
You can still advance parts of your application amid the immigrant visa processing halt. Here's your roadmap:
- Check Your Nationality: Confirm if yours is on the 75-country list via State Department site. Dual nationals: Use your non-listed passport.[6]
- File or Continue Petition: Submit I-130 (family) or I-140 (employment) to USCIS if not done. Approval times: 10-24 months family, 6-12 months employment (as of Jan 2026).[1]
- National Visa Center (NVC) Stage: After USCIS approval, pay fees and submit DS-260 online. NVC processes documents but won't forward for issuance.[6]
- Schedule Interview: Embassies schedule you—attend fully prepared. Consular officers interview, but deny issuance citing the pause.[6]
- Monitor Updates: Check embassy sites weekly. Pause is indefinite until screening review completes.[3]
- Post-Pause: Once lifted, expect backlog rush—prioritize by filing date.
Example: Maria from Colombia files her spouse petition January 20. She attends interview March 1, gets administrative processing note, waits for lift.[1]
Costs and Timeline
Costs remain unchanged during the State Department visa freeze, but timelines stretch indefinitely.
Key Fees (as of January 15, 2026):
- USCIS Filing: I-130 $675, I-140 $715[1]
- NVC: Immigrant visa fee $325, Affidavit of Support review $120[6]
- Embassy Interview: $265 (non-refundable, even if paused)[4]
- Total per applicant: ~$1,500-$2,500, excluding legal/translation fees.
Timelines: Pre-pause, full process 12-36 months. Now, add indefinite pause—potentially 6-24+ months extra. African applicants (39 countries) face 90% blockage; Asians 44%.[5] Embassies continue scheduling to clear queues, but no issuances.[6]
Budget Tip
Pay only when required—don't rush NVC fees if interview is far off. Save for attorneys (~$3,000-$10,000) to handle appeals.[1]
Common Challenges and Solutions
The US immigrant visa suspension 75 countries 2026 brings hurdles—here's how you overcome them.
Challenge 1: Indefinite Wait – Your life on hold.
Solution: Build financial proof against public charge (bank statements, job offers). Explore U.S. entry via nonimmigrant visas first.[2]
Challenge 2: Family Separation – Spouses/kids apart.
Solution: Provisional waivers if eligible; one parent enters on work visa, petitions others.[5]
Challenge 3: Job Loss Risk – Employment sponsors impatient.
Solution: Communicate delays with employer; consider Canada/Mexico alternatives temporarily.[3]
Example: Ahmed from Egypt, H-1B holder, advises his family in Cairo to apply for B-2 visitor visas for short U.S. visits while waiting.[4]
Challenge 4: Backlogs Post-Lift
Solution: Keep documents updated; join immigrant forums for real-time intel.
Expert Tips and Recommendations
As a seasoned travel writer who's guided hundreds through visa mazes, here's insider advice for the 75 country visa ban list:
- Consult Immediately: Hire an AILA-member attorney for personalized strategy. Free clinics via Catholic Charities.[1]
- Diversify Plans: Apply for Canadian Express Entry if skilled—many countries overlap eligibility.
- Document Everything: Strong affidavits showing self-sufficiency beat public charge fears.[3]
- Network Locally: U.S. expat groups in your country share embassy updates.
- Stay Healthy: Medical exams valid 6 months—time yours post-pause.
- World Cup Hack: If related, leverage exemptions for 2026 events.[2]
Transitioning smoothly? Focus on what you control: preparation beats panic.
FAQ: Common Questions on US Visa Pause 75 Countries
What if my interview is before January 21?
Visas issued pre-pause stand; post-deadline, no issuance despite interview.[6]
Does this affect my valid immigrant visa?
No revocations—use it for entry, but check DHS for admission rules.[6]
I'm a dual national—what passport do I use?
The non-listed one exempts you fully.[6]
Can I adjust status in the U.S. instead?
Yes, if eligible (e.g., married to citizen)—file I-485 domestically, unaffected.[1][5]
World Cup travelers impacted?
No for immigrant paths, but nonimmigrant visas ok; athletes exempt.[2]
When does the pause end?
Indefinite—tied to screening review. Monitor travel.state.gov weekly.[3]
What about kids or spouses of U.S. citizens?
Interviews proceed, but issuance paused; prioritize immediate relative petitions.[4]
Conclusion & Resources
The US immigrant visa suspension 75 countries 2026 delays dreams but doesn't end them—prepare documents, explore alternatives, and check travel.state.gov for lifts. Consult attorneys and embassies for your next step.
