The United States Department of State has announced a pause on issuing immigrant visas to nationals from dozens of countries as part of a wider review of screening and vetting procedures.
According to the notice, the measure took effect on January 21, 2026, and follows a directive by Donald Trump that immigrants must be financially self-sufficient and not become a public burden in the United States.
The State Department said immigrant visa applicants from listed countries may still submit applications and attend scheduled interviews, but visa issuance has been paused while the review is underway.
The countries listed are: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, 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.
The department said dual nationals travelling on a valid passport from a country not on the list are exempt. It also said children being adopted by American families may qualify for exemptions under national interest provisions.
Officials clarified that no existing immigrant visas have been revoked under the guidance. Tourist visas and other nonimmigrant visas are not affected. (Newswire)
