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U.S. Halts Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries Beginning Jan. 21

The State Department says the pause is part of a public‑charge review, with non‑immigrant travel remaining available.

Overview

  • Processing of family-, employment- and humanitarian immigrant visas, the Diversity Visa lottery and SB returning-resident permits is suspended until further notice.
  • The freeze does not cover non‑immigrant categories such as B1/B2, F, M, J, Q or L, which continue under normal procedures.
  • Countries listed include Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, Uruguay and Haiti, as well as Somalia, Iran and Russia, among others.
  • Officials confirmed the measure will start on January 21, 2026 and remain indefinite pending procedural review.
  • Experts say attendance at events like the 2026 World Cup and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics should be unaffected because visitors use non‑immigrant visas.