US Pauses Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries: Full List and What It Means

The United States has announced an open-ended pause on immigrant visa processing for nationals from up to 75 countries, citing concerns over public benefit usage and stricter enforcement of existing immigration laws. The decision, effective from January 21, marks another major shift in US immigration policy.

US Pauses Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries

The US Department of State has quietly paused immigrant visa processing for nationals from up to 75 countries, further tightening legal immigration pathways under the Trump administration. The suspension comes into effect from January 21 and remains open-ended, with no timeline announced for resumption.

The move applies strictly to immigrant visas, while temporary travel and diplomatic visas remain unaffected.

What the US State Department Announced

In a statement shared on social media platform X, the State Department explained that the decision aims to prevent misuse of public assistance programs by incoming immigrants.

“This freeze will remain active until the U.S. can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people,” the department said.

In another post, it added:

“The Trump Administration will always put America First.”

Officials clarified that the policy does not introduce new laws but enforces existing legal provisions more rigorously.

How the ‘Public Charge’ Rule Is Being Enforced

Existing Law, Stricter Screening

According to a State Department memo cited by Fox News Digital, consular officers have been directed to refuse immigrant visas under existing law while screening and vetting procedures are reviewed.

The decision is based on the long-standing “public charge” provision of US immigration law, which allows visa denial if an applicant is deemed likely to rely on government assistance.

Official Explanation

Tommy Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the State Department, said the department will use its authority to:

“deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States.”

Factors Considered During Review

Key Evaluation Criteria Include

• Applicant’s age and health condition

• Financial resources and employment prospects

• English language proficiency

• Past use of government assistance

• Likelihood of long-term medical care

Officials emphasized that no new legislation has been introduced; instead, enforcement of current standards has been tightened.

Full List of Countries Affected by the US Immigrant Visa Freeze

The pause applies to nationals from the following countries:

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, 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.

What Happens to Pending Immigrant Visa Applications

Applications Put on Hold

The State Department confirmed that applications from affected countries will not move forward during the pause. Pending cases will remain on hold until further notice.

No Timeline for Resumption

Officials have not provided any indication of when visa processing may resume, stating only that the review process is ongoing.

Temporary travel visas, student visas, and diplomatic visas are not impacted by this decision.

Why This Matters

The move signals a broader shift toward stricter immigration scrutiny, particularly for permanent residency pathways. Analysts note that the decision could significantly impact family reunification, employment-based immigration, and diversity visa applicants across multiple regions.