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2w ago

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

The State Department says the freeze stems from public‑charge concerns during a vetting review.

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)
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 pause applies only to immigrant visas and does not cover student, tourist or business visas, according to officials.
  • The suspension is indefinite, with consular posts directed to refuse applications under existing law during the review.
  • An internal memo reported by Fox News lists affected nations including Brazil, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Thailand, Egypt, Yemen and Somalia.
  • Officials link the action to expanded screening measures, including social‑media checks and a “continuous vetting” effort.
  • The department separately reported revoking more than 100,000 visas in 2025, including about 8,000 student and 2,500 specialized visas.