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State Department to Pause Visa Processing for 75 Countries Starting Jan. 21

The department will apply stricter public charge screening to bar applicants likely to rely on U.S. benefits.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio makes a statement to reporters while meeting with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan at the State Department in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)
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Overview

  • The pause begins Jan. 21 and will continue indefinitely while the State Department reassesses visa screening procedures.
  • Consular officers are directed to refuse visas under existing law for applicants deemed likely to become a public charge, weighing factors such as health, age, English proficiency, finances, and potential long‑term care needs.
  • Exceptions will be very limited and available only after an applicant clears public charge considerations.
  • Reported affected countries include Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, and Yemen, with the full 75‑country list not yet posted on the department’s website.
  • The action follows a November 2025 cable tightening screening and is separate from a Jan. 1 proclamation covering 39 countries, with officials saying the goal is to protect public resources.