Immigrant Visa Processing Paused for 75 Countries: What We Know, Who It Impacts, and What It Means for Families.
A major visa update—without a lot of breathing room
If you or a loved one is waiting on an immigrant visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate, you’ve probably felt that familiar immigration “plot twist” energy.
On January 14, 2026, reporting indicated the U.S. State Department will pause immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, with the pause scheduled to begin January 21, 2026.
This announcement has been described as part of a broader push to tighten entry standards, particularly around concerns that some applicants may be more likely to rely on public assistance in the U.S.
At AG Law Firm (New Brunswick, NJ), we’re sharing what’s known right now in plain English—so families can make calm, informed decisions instead of panic-refreshing the internet at 2 a.m.
What exactly is being paused?
According to the reporting and State Department statements cited, the pause applies to immigrant visa processing for citizens of the listed countries.
What’s an “immigrant visa”?
In everyday terms: an immigrant visa is typically what someone applies for outside the U.S. (through a consulate/embassy) to enter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
That can include things like:
Family-based immigrant visas (spouses, parents, children, siblings—depending on category)
Employment-based immigrant visas
Other pathways that result in permanent residence through consular processing
If your case is going through the National Visa Center (NVC) and headed to a consular interview, this update may matter a lot.
What is not included (based on what’s been reported)?
The reporting says the pause does not apply to non-immigrant visas (temporary visas like tourist/business).
However—there’s an important detail: reporting also describes a separate notice/cable encouraging consular officers to screen non-immigrant applicants for the possibility they may seek public benefits, placing the burden on applicants to prove they won’t.
So even if non-immigrant visa categories aren’t paused, applicants may still experience more scrutiny depending on individual circumstances.
Why is the government saying it’s doing this?
The State Department’s position (as reported) is that the pause is meant to prevent the entry of individuals deemed more likely to become a “public charge” (a concept in immigration law connected to whether someone is likely to rely on certain government resources).
The pause is also described as tied to earlier guidance and a broader approach to tightening entry standards, building on prior restrictions involving dozens of countries.
What critics and advocates are saying
Immigration policy experts and advocates have raised concerns that policies like these can:
Narrow legal immigration substantially
Disproportionately impact older adults, low-income applicants, and medically vulnerable individuals depending on how “public charge” considerations are applied
Create fear and confusion that could discourage eligible families from getting help they qualify for.
In other words: supporters frame this as protecting taxpayers and reducing fraud; critics warn it could block or delay lawful immigration for many families and increase uncertainty.
Both perspectives matter—because both affect what happens next.
Full list: the 75 countries named in reporting
Here is the country list included in the reporting:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Congo, Cuba, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, 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 these changes could mean for immigrants and families (practically)
If you’re from one of the listed countries and applying for an immigrant visa abroad, possible impacts include:
1) Interview delays or “processing pauses”
Cases may be placed on hold at the consular stage (even if you’ve been waiting a long time).
2) Longer family separation timelines
If a spouse or parent is abroad waiting for the final step, a pause can mean real emotional and financial strain—especially for families juggling housing, childcare, and work across borders.
3) Increased documentation expectations
Even outside the pause itself, reporting suggests a broader trend toward more intensive screening, especially around financial stability and benefit use.
4) More importance placed on “strategy”
This is where a lot of people get stuck: the process isn’t just paperwork—it’s timing, eligibility, and risk management.
Smart next steps (no panic, just power)
Here are practical steps many applicants can take right now:
Confirm where your case is currently located
Is it at USCIS, NVC, or already at the consulate/embassy?Avoid “DIY guessing” on what applies to you
Two people from the same country can have very different outcomes depending on case type, category, and history.Prepare financial and sponsorship evidence carefully
In many family-based cases, the Affidavit of Support and financial documentation matter a lot—especially in any environment where public charge scrutiny increases.If you’re in the U.S., ask whether adjustment of status is an option
Some family-based applicants may be eligible to pursue a U.S.-based process instead of consular processing—but it depends heavily on facts.Get legal review before responding to any new request
If you receive a notice, checklist, refusal, or administrative processing update—don’t reply blindly.
How AG Law Firm can help.
At AG Law Firm, we support clients by:
Reviewing your case stage (USCIS/NVC/consular) and mapping your options
Identifying whether an alternative pathway may exist (when legally possible)
Building strong documentation packages (especially financial/sponsorship evidence)
Helping families plan for timelines and reduce avoidable delays
If your case may be impacted by this pause, we can help you understand what’s happening and what you can do next—without the fear spiral.
Final reminder
Immigration policies can shift fast, and implementation details can evolve. If you’re affected, don’t let uncertainty make your decisions for you.
Get clarity. Get a plan. Then move.