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U.S. Pauses Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries, Effective Jan. 21

Officials cite public‑charge rules to bar applicants judged likely to rely on U.S. welfare.

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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A general view of a U.S. State Department sign outside the U.S. State Department building in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 11, 2025. REUTERS/Annabelle Gordon/File Photo
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Overview

  • The State Department confirmed an indefinite halt for immigrant visas, while non‑immigrant visas such as tourist, business and student categories are not affected.
  • An internal memo first reported by Fox News directs consular officers to refuse applications during a vetting reassessment, and the department has not publicly released the full list of affected countries.
  • Reported countries include Somalia, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, Brazil, Nigeria, Thailand, Egypt, Iraq and Yemen, with the total covering 75 nations across multiple regions.
  • The move follows November guidance that tightened public‑charge screening and expanded reviews to include social‑media checks and factors such as health, age, finances and potential long‑term care needs.
  • Earlier this week, the department reported revoking more than 100,000 visas in 2025, including about 8,000 student and 2,500 specialized visas, with many linked to criminal cases.