Effective January 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of State has halted immigrant visa issuance for dozens of nationalities as it reviews screening and eligibility rules.
The U.S. Department of State has confirmed an open-ended pause on immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, a move that will affect applicants seeking permanent residence in the United States. The suspension takes effect from January 21, 2026, and applies to immigrant visas only—those that typically lead to a U.S. green card.
According to guidance circulated internally to U.S. consular posts, officers have been instructed not to issue immigrant visas from the affected countries while the Department reassesses its screening and vetting framework under existing immigration law.
Why the U.S. Is Pausing Immigrant Visas
U.S. officials say the temporary halt is linked to a broader review of how applicants are assessed, particularly around the “public charge” standard. This rule evaluates whether an immigrant is likely to depend on government assistance after moving to the United States.
The Department of State has not provided a timeline for when immigrant visa processing will resume, stating only that the pause will remain in place until updated procedures are finalized.
Non-Immigrant Visas Not Affected
Importantly for travelers, students, and professionals, the suspension does not apply to non-immigrant visas. Tourist (B-2), business (B-1), student (F-1), and most temporary work visas are not included in the blanket pause, although applicants may still face stricter individual scrutiny.
Countries Affected by the Suspension
While the U.S. government has yet to release an official public list, reporting based on internal memoranda and confirmed sources indicates that immigrant visa processing has been paused for nationals of 75 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
Notably for readers in Southeast Asia, Thailand is included among the affected countries, alongside neighbors such as Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. This means Thai nationals applying for U.S. immigrant visas through consular processing will face delays until further notice.
What This Means for Expats and Employers in Thailand
For expats living in Thailand and multinational companies operating in the region, the announcement has immediate implications:
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Family-based and employment-based green card cases processed through U.S. embassies or consulates may be delayed.
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HR and global mobility teams should review timelines for staff transfers or relocations involving permanent U.S. residency.
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Applicants already in process are advised to stay in close contact with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate handling their case and monitor official State Department updates.
Those already in the U.S. adjusting status through domestic immigration channels may not be affected in the same way, as the pause specifically targets consular immigrant visa issuance abroad.
What Happens Next
The Department of State says the suspension will remain in effect while it updates screening and vetting procedures. Immigration lawyers and mobility specialists are closely watching for formal guidance or an official country list, which could clarify how long the pause may last and whether any exemptions will apply.
For now, affected applicants particularly in Thailand should plan for delays and rely only on information released through official U.S. government channels as the situation continues to evolve.
Complete List of Countries Affected by the U.S. Immigrant Visa Suspension
Based on reporting from multiple confirmed sources and internal U.S. State Department memoranda, immigrant visa processing has been paused for nationals of the following 75 countries. The official list may be revised if formal public guidance is issued.
Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Antigua and Barbuda
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belize
Bhutan
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Brazil
Burma (Myanmar)
Cambodia
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Colombia
Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
Cuba
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Dominica
Egypt
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Fiji
Gambia
Georgia
Ghana
Grenada
Guatemala
Guinea
Haiti
Iran
Iraq
Jamaica
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kosovo
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Lebanon
Liberia
Libya
North Macedonia
Moldova
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Nepal
Nicaragua
Nigeria
Pakistan
Republic of the Congo
Russia
Rwanda
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Sudan
Sudan
Syria
Tanzania
Thailand
Togo
Tunisia
Uganda
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Yemen
Editor’s Note
This list is based on reporting from multiple sources citing internal U.S. State Department guidance. The Department of State has not yet released a formal public list, and details may change as official announcements are made.
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