USA Pauses Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries (2026 Update)

Breaking news, the USA has paused visa processing for 75 countries. This means that you cannot get a green card or permanent residency if you come from the 75 countries. However, this only affects immigrant visas. It does not affect non immigrant visas such as tourist or student visas. Here is a list of the affected countries. Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua, Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Botswana, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Irma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cape Devoir, 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, Liberia, 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, Yemen. The immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of affected countries may submit visa applications and attend interviews and the department will continue to schedule applicants for appointments. But no immigrant visas will be issued to these nationals during this pause. The reason for the pause is because the department of state is undergoing a full review of all policies, regulations and guidance to ensure that immigrants from these high risk countries do not utilize welfare in the United States or become a public charge. Make sure to follow me so you keep updated on All the latest visa rules coming out of the USA.