The U.S. Department of State has announced that effective January 21, 2026, it will pause all immigrant visa issuances for nationals of a large group of countries identified as being at elevated risk of using public benefits. This action is part of a broader policy review to ensure immigrants are financially self-sufficient and do not become public charges.
This pause does not revoke existing visas and does not prevent applicants from attending scheduled interviews, but no immigrant visas will be issued to affected nationals while the pause is in place.
What Is Affected
- Immigrant visa processing at U.S. consulates abroad for nationals of the 75 countries.
- All visa applicants (immigrant and nonimmigrant) will undergo enhanced public charge vetting.
What Is Not Affected
- Immigrant visa petitions filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) inside the United States.
- Nonimmigrant visas (e.g., visitors visas, such as B 1/B 2; work-based visas, such as H 1B or L 1; and student visas, such as F 1).
- Existing valid immigrant visas (previously issued immigrant visas are not being revoked under this guidance).
Countries Affected
Nationals of the following countries will not be issued immigrant visas at U.S. consulates abroad, beginning January 21, 2026:
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, and Yemen.
Exception
Applicants who have dual nationalities may qualify for an exemption if they apply using a valid passport from a country that is not included on the affected list. To be eligible, the individual must be a dual national and must present and apply under the passport from the non listed country.
The Alston & Bird Immigration Team is monitoring this issue closely and will continue to keep you informed of any developments. For guidance tailored to your specific circumstances, please contact our Immigration Team.
If you have any questions, or would like additional information, please contact one of the attorneys on our Immigration team.
You can subscribe to future advisories and other Alston & Bird publications by completing our publications subscription form.