The United States has announced a sweeping pause in immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries. The change, due to start on January 21, 2026, will affect long-term stays and permanent relocation plans for many travellers and families. This action marks one of the broadest visa shifts in recent US immigration policy history, focusing on strict financial self-sufficiency checks for applicants.
What the Visa Pause Means
Under the new policy, immigrant visa processing for nationals of the listed countries will be halted indefinitely. The suspension targets applicants viewed by US officials as likely to depend on government support after arrival. This measure does not apply to short-term visits. Tourist, student, business, and other non-immigrant visas continue to be processed normally, although screening may tighten.
People from affected nations can still submit applications and attend interviews, but approvals and visa issuance will remain on hold until the policy is reviewed or lifted. Dual nationals holding a passport from a country not on the list may be exempt from this pause.
European Nations in the Suspension List
Several European and nearby countries face the full suspension. These include:
- Albania
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Belarus
- Kosovo
- North Macedonia
- Moldova
- Montenegro
Applicants from these nations planning to move to the United States for work, family reunification, or residency will now face delays and uncertainty in processing.
Why Is the US Taking This Step?
The US government says this decision is part of efforts to tighten immigration rules and protect public resources. Authorities cite the public charge rule, a long-standing legal standard that allows visa denial if an applicant might rely on government benefits. Under the new approach, consular officers have been directed to assess financial independence more strictly.
Officials say the pause allows time to reassess screening procedures and ensure that new immigrants will not become dependent on welfare or public aid. Exceptions will be rare and carefully considered only when applicants clearly demonstrate financial stability.
Impact on Travel and Relocation Plans
This visa policy shift affects people planning permanent moves to the United States. Families waiting for reunification, workers seeking green cards, and migrants with long-term plans now face delays.
Even though the suspension doesn’t apply to visitor visas, the change could influence travel decisions. Many travellers weigh immigration policy stability when planning future moves, even for tourism or education. Uncertainty around visa timelines may prompt travellers to reconsider or delay plans.
Broader Immigration Policy Tightening
The immigrant visa freeze comes amid a wider tightening of US immigration policy. In recent months, the government has also expanded travel bans, paused certain asylum processing, and tightened eligibility checks for various visa types.
US officials argue these measures safeguard national interests and strengthen oversight of migration flows. Critics, however, say that broad pauses on legal immigration channels could harm international relations and disrupt lives of families and workers abroad.
Who Is Not Included?
Not all countries are affected by this pause. Some major travel partners and large sources of migrants, like India, are not on the list. This means Indian citizens and other exempt nationalities will continue routine immigrant visa processing without disruption.
What Travelers Need to Know
- Start date: The pause begins January 21, 2026.
- Effect: Immigrant visa processing halted indefinitely for citizens of 75 nations.
- Non-immigrant visas: Visitor, student and temporary visas remain unaffected.
- Exceptions: Rare and limited, mainly for those with strong financial proof or dual non-listed nationality.
- Interviews: Applicants may still attend interviews, but final decisions will be delayed.
Planning Ahead
If you are from one of the affected countries and considering travel or relocation tied to immigrant visas, plan carefully. Keep in regular contact with your local US embassy or consulate for updates. Consider consulting immigration professionals to understand how this pause may affect your specific situation.
The visa suspension represents a significant shift in US foreign mobility policy. It will reshape long-term travel and relocation planning for thousands of people around the world.
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