Earlier yesterday, we shared initial media reporting on anticipated changes to US immigrant visa processing for nationals from certain countries.
Building on those reports, the US Department of State (DOS) has now released formal guidance outlining how immigrant visa processing will change for individuals from countries identified as having a higher likelihood of public benefits usage.
Policy Overview
Effective January 21, 2026, DOS will pause the issuance of immigrant visas to applicants who are nationals of designated “high‑risk” countries for potential public benefits usage. According to the announcement, the agency is conducting a broader review of policies and procedures to ensure alignment with the administration’s focus on financial self‑sufficiency among intending immigrants.
While the issuance of immigrant visas will be temporarily halted, applicants may still submit their cases, complete all required steps, and attend scheduled interviews. The pause applies solely to the final step – visa issuance.
Affected Nationalities
This pause applies to immigrant visa applicants from the following countries:
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, Côte 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, and Yemen.
Summary of Impact
- Visa interviews will continue, and applicants may still submit required documents and attend appointments; however, no immigrant visas will be issued to affected nationals during the pause.
- Dual nationals applying with a valid passport from a country not included in the designated list are not subject to this pause.
- Existing valid visas remain unaffected. DOS has not revoked any immigrant visas under this guidance; individuals with valid visas may continue to travel.
(For entry‑related questions, applicants should consult DHS/CBP.) - Nonimmigrant visas (including tourist visas) are not impacted by this policy. The pause applies only to immigrant visa categories.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.