In January 2026, the U.S. government announced a broad visa suspension, pausing immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries deemed “high-risk” under the public charge rule. The decision, set to take effect on January 21, 2026, was formally communicated by the U.S. Department of State and affects a wide range of global applicants. Particularly from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and parts of Eastern Europe.
The Department of State communicated this major shift in U.S. immigration policy. Therefore, generating uncertainty for thousands of applicants already in process or planning to begin their path to permanent residency.
Which Visas Are Affected?
This visa suspension affects immigrant visas directly. These visas allow individuals to live permanently in the United States and often lead to a Green Card. For this reason, the freeze includes the following categories:
Family-based immigrant petitions (e.g., spouses, parents, children of U.S. citizens or residents)
Diversity Visa Lottery winners
Other special immigrant categories
U.S. embassies and consulates may continue scheduling interviews, but they will not issue immigrant visas to citizens of the 75 listed countries during the suspension.
Which Visas Are Not Affected?
Importantly, non-immigrant visas are not subject to this suspension. This includes:
Immigrant visa holders can still enter the United States because their visas remain valid. In addition, the government only applies this suspension to new immigrant visa requests. It excludes renewals and entries that consular officers already approved.
Countries Affected by the Visa Suspension
The list includes 75 countries from various regions, among them:
Colombia
Brazil
Uruguay
Cuba
Guatemala
Honduras
Nigeria
Pakistan
Vietnam
Sudan, and others
These countries’ applicants may experience indefinite delays unless they meet the strict exception criteria.
Are There Any Exceptions?
A few exceptions apply under the rules established by the Department of State:
Dual nationals using the passport of a non-listed country may proceed.
Some applicants who demonstrate no risk of becoming a public charge may be individually cleared.
Humanitarian and national interest waivers may apply in rare cases.
However, officials apply these strict limits and review each case one by one.
Why Was This Visa Suspension Implemented?
The official memo links the decision directly to the enforcement of the public charge rule, which denies entry to immigrants who may rely on government aid. As a result, the policy follows earlier Trump-era measures and reinforces a broader push for immigration self-sufficiency.
Consequently, critics describe it as a ‘de facto immigration ban’ aimed at low- and middle-income applicants. In contrast, supporters believe it preserves the long-term viability of public benefit programs.
What Should Affected Applicants Do Now?
Immigration attorneys strongly recommend that applicants:
Do not abandon your immigration process. Existing applications are still valid and may resume once the suspension is lifted.
Consult an immigration attorney to assess eligibility for exceptions or alternative pathways.
Gather strong financial documentation to demonstrate economic independence (e.g., income, assets, sponsor affidavits).
Act quickly if holding dual citizenship that may allow continued processing under a different passport.
How Loigica Can Help With The Visa Suspension
At Loigica, we understand the legal, emotional, and financial weight this visa suspension places on individuals and families across the globe. That’s why our immigration attorneys offer:
- Case-by-case legal evaluation for affected countries
- Strategic guidance on exceptions and documentation
- Support for non-immigrant visa pathways still available
- Application management and real-time policy updates
Facing visa delays or unsure of your next move? Contact Loigica now for a personalized immigration strategy.
