Immigrant Visa Processing Update for Nationals Identified as High Risk for Public Benefits Use
Last Updated: January 14, 2026

The U.S. Department of State has announced a significant policy action following President Trump’s directive emphasizing that immigrants to the United States must be financially self-sufficient and not become dependent on public benefits.

As part of a comprehensive review of existing policies, regulations, and guidance, the Department of State is taking steps to ensure that immigrant visa applicants from certain countries do not become a public charge in the United States.

Effective January 21, 2026, the Department of State will pause the issuance of immigrant visas to applicants who are nationals of the following countries:

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, The Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Macedonia, 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, and Yemen.

What This Means for Immigrant Visa Applicants:

If you are an immigrant visa applicant from one of the countries listed above, this new Department of State policy may directly affect the timing and outcome of your case. While the pause does not cancel immigrant visa applications, it does temporarily prevent visas from being issued.

You can still move forward with your case, but final approval will be delayed:
Applicants may continue to submit immigrant visa applications, complete required documentation, and attend scheduled visa interviews. U.S. embassies and consulates will also continue to schedule interviews as usual. However, even if your interview is successful, an immigrant visa will not be issued while the pause remains in effect.

• This is a pause, not a denial or revocation:
  The Department of State has confirmed that no immigrant visas have been revoked as part of this policy. Cases are not being denied solely due to nationality under this guidance, but they may remain pending until further notice.

• Dual nationals may still be eligible:
  If you hold dual citizenship and apply using a valid passport from a country not included in the pause, you may be exempt and eligible for immigrant visa issuance.

• Nonimmigrant visas are not affected:
  This policy applies only to immigrant visas, which are intended for permanent residence. Tourist visas and other nonimmigrant visa categories are not included in this pause.

• Expect delays and uncertainty:
  Because this policy is tied to an ongoing review of public charge and financial self-sufficiency standards, there is currently no announced end date. Applicants should be prepared for extended processing times and closely monitor official updates.

Applicants are encouraged to:

• Attend all scheduled appointments

• Continue submitting requested documentation

• Monitor updates from the Department of State

• Consult with an immigration attorney to understand how this pause may affect their specific case

Sapon Immigration will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as additional guidance becomes available.