Per BBC News, the measure does not apply to non‑immigrant visas such as tourist or business travel, which will continue to be processed. However, immigrant visa applicants from the affected nations now face a freeze that could delay or halt their plans to live permanently in the United States.
The State Department says exceptions may be made for dual nationals with a valid passport for a country not on the list or if the applicant is able to demonstrate their travel would service an “America First” national interest.
If a visa has already been approved but has not yet been printed, consular officers “must refuse the case.”
Critics of the policy argue it adds another layer to the administration’s hardline stance on immigration, which has included expanded travel restrictions, cuts to asylum processing, and record revocations of existing visas.
Supporters contend it is an effort to strengthen controls on legal immigration and reduce potential use of public benefits by new arrivals. With uncertainty for families and long‑term applicants growing, immigrant communities around the world are watching closely as the effective date approaches.
How the suspension will change immigrant visa processing
The new policy stems from expanded application of the “public charge” rule, a provision of U.S. immigration law that allows officials to refuse visas for people they believe may become dependent on government welfare programs.
Under current guidance, consular officers evaluate applicants based on factors including age, health, English proficiency, finances, and potential future need for long‑term medical care. Nations added to the suspension list include both fragile states and long‑standing partners of the United States.
Human rights advocates and immigration experts have condemned the suspension, saying it punishes entire populations based on their country of origin rather than individual merit or need.
Some argue it will separate families and disrupt legal pathways for people seeking to work, reunite with loved ones, or escape conflict.
Opponents have noted that immigrants historically contribute to labor markets, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange in host countries, and say this change could harm U.S. economic interests.
Proponents have defended the policy by saying the country must ensure that new immigrants are financially self‑sufficient and not likely to draw on public welfare programs.
They argue the rule gives consular officials broader discretion in evaluating who qualifies for immigration on merit‑based criteria.
As January 21 approaches, state department posts around the world are preparing to implement the suspension and communicate changes to affected applicants and their families.
The full list of 75 affected countries
Here is the comprehensive list of nations where immigrant visa processing will be suspended starting January 21, 2026:
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
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Lebanon
Liberia
Libya
North Macedonia
Moldova
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Nepal
Nicaragua
Nigeria
Pakistan
Republic of the Congo
Russia
Rwanda
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Sudan
Sudan
Syria
Tanzania
Thailand
Togo
Tunisia
Uganda
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Yemen
This list spans continents and includes nations with diverse economic, political, and security conditions. The suspension will apply unless an applicant qualifies for one of the limited exceptions, the department has outlined.