Understanding the 75 Countries Visa Pause

Wayne Gill
4 days ago
4 min read

Imagine you have spent months gathering documents, filling out forms, and waiting for that final interview to start your new life in the United States. You finally get an appointment, but then you hear the news: the door isn't closed, but the line has stopped moving indefinitely.

This is the reality for thousands of people following the recent announcement by the U.S. Department of State. Effective January 21, 2026, the U.S. has placed an indefinite pause on immigrant visas for nationals from 75 specific countries.

If you are confused about whether this applies to you, you are not alone. Let’s break this down into a clear story so you can understand exactly what is happening, who is affected, and what you can still do.

1. The Core Update: What Just Happened?

The U.S. government has pressed the "Pause" button, not the "Stop" button.

The Action: U.S. Embassies and Consulates around the world have been instructed to stop issuing (printing and giving out) Immigrant Visas to nationals of 75 specific countries.
The Reason: The Department of State is conducting a review to ensure that new immigrants will not become a "public charge" (meaning they won't rely on government welfare). Until this review is finished, they are not finalizing these specific visa cases.

2. Is Your Country on the List?

This policy is massive, affecting nations across South America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Eastern Europe. While the full list includes 75 nations, it covers many countries where immigration demand is high.

Commonly affected countries include:

Americas: Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, Nicaragua.
Europe/Eurasia: Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Armenia.
Middle East/Asia: Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Thailand.
Africa: Nigeria, Ethiopia, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya.

Important: This 75-country visa pause is based on your nationality (the passport you hold), not necessarily where you currently live.

3. Which Visas Are Frozen?

This is the most critical part. Many people panic thinking all travel is banned. It is not.

🛑 The Pause Affects: Immigrant Visas (Green Cards)

These are visas for people who intend to move to the U.S. permanently. This includes:

Spouses of U.S. Citizens applying from abroad.
Parents or children of U.S. Citizens.
Employment-based immigrants (moving for a permanent job).
Diversity Visa (Lottery) winners.

✅ The Pause Does NOT Affect: Non-Immigrant Visas (Temporary)

If you are planning a temporary trip or have a specific talent, you are likely safe. The indefinite pause on immigrant visas generally does NOT apply to:

Tourists: (B1/B2 Visas)
Students: (F1 Visas)
Temporary Workers: (H-1B, L-1 Visas)
Extraordinary Ability & Athletes: This is crucial, O-1 Visas (Individuals with Extraordinary Ability) and P-1 Visas (Internationally Recognized Athletes/Entertainers) are considered non-immigrant visas. Therefore, they are exempt from this specific pause and are still being processed.

4. You Can Enter the Room, But You Can't Leave

Think of the immigration process like a factory line.

Filing (USCIS): The paperwork starts here. (Still Active)
Processing (NVC): Documents are reviewed. (Still Active)
Interview (Consulate): You talk to an officer. (Still Active, but tricky)
Issuance: The visa is stamped in your passport. (PAUSED)

Even if you are affected by the 75 countries visa pause, the Embassy might still schedule your interview. You will go, present your documents, and the officer might say, "Everything looks good, but I cannot give you the visa right now." Your application will sit in "Administrative Processing" until the government lifts the pause.

5. The "Safe Zones" and Exceptions

Is there any way around this?

The Dual National Loophole: If you are a citizen of a paused country (e.g., Brazil) but also hold a passport from a non-paused country (e.g., Italy), you can apply using the non-paused passport.
Inside the U.S. (Adjustment of Status): If you are already inside the U.S. and applying for your Green Card (Adjustment of Status) through USCIS, this specific pause does not apply to you right now. It only affects those applying at consulates abroad.

Summary Table

Feature	Status
Tourist / Student Visas	✅ Open (Business as usual)
Extraordinary Talent (O-1 / P-1)	✅ Open (Not affected by this pause)
Green Cards (Inside US)	✅ Open (Adjustment of Status)
Green Cards (Outside US)	🛑 Paused (For 75 Countries)
Visa Interviews	⚠️ May occur, but no visa was issued at the end
Duration of Pause	⏳ Indefinite (Until review is complete)

To survive in 2026, you can no longer apply, you must strategize, audit, and negotiate your way in. Check out our latest blog on U.S. Immigration Changes that Could Affect You in 2026.

What Should You Do Now?

If you are affected by the indefinite pause on immigrant visas, the most important thing is patience and preparation. Do not cancel your applications. Continue gathering your financial documents, as the government's main concern is your financial self-sufficiency. Strong financial evidence will be your best defense once the door opens again.

Frequently Asked Questions about U.S. Immigration Changes

1. Does the 75 countries visa pause affect tourist or student visas?

No, generally it does not. The 75 countries visa pause specifically targets "Immigrant Visas" (those for permanent residence or Green Cards). Non-immigrant visas like tourist (B1/B2), student (F1), and extraordinary ability (O-1/P-1) visas are typically exempt and continue to be processed, provided you meet the standard requirements.

2. How long will the indefinite pause on immigrant visas last?

As the name suggests, the duration is currently undefined. The indefinite pause on immigrant visas is in effect while the Department of State conducts a comprehensive review of public charge protocols. The pause will only be lifted once this review is finalized and new directives are issued to U.S. Embassies.

3. I am a current student (F-1). Does the "Fixed 4-Year Admission" rule apply to me immediately, or only to new students?

Do not cancel your appointment unless instructed by the Embassy. Even with the 75 countries visa pause in place, consulates may still conduct interviews to keep cases moving through the system. However, instead of receiving the visa immediately, your case will likely be placed in "Administrative Processing" until the pause is lifted.