Visa Processing Suspended for 75 Countries (Starting Jan. 21, 2026): Who Is Affected + What You Can Do Right Now

Overview “Quick Answer” (Read This First)

Effective January 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of State will pause immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries while it reviews its public charge-related policies and guidance. Applicants may still be able to submit applications and attend interviews, but no immigrant visas will be issued to affected nationals during the pause. This situation is referred to as the immigrant visa issuance pause. The correct next step is to confirm whether you are on the list and identify your case stage (NVC, interview scheduled, approved, issued).

Official source: U.S. Department of State announcement

Fast Facts (Key Takeaways)

• The pause begins January 21, 2026.

• It applies to immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 listed countries.

• Interviews may still occur, but immigrant visas will not be issued during the pause.

  The immigrant visa issuance pause has significant implications for those affected, as it alters the expected timelines and processes for obtaining a visa.

• Tourist visas are not included because they are nonimmigrant visas.

• No immigrant visas have been revoked as part of this guidance, according to the State Department.

• Dual nationals using a non-listed country passport may be exempt.

• Your outcome depends on where your case is: NVC → interview → issuance → travel.

Source for these key terms and rules: U.S. Department of State announcement

What Exactly Changed on Jan. 21, 2026?

On January 14, 2026, the State Department posted guidance stating that, effective January 21, 2026, it is pausing all immigrant visa issuances for immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of specified countries.

This is not simply a “rumor” or a generic media characterization. It is a formal State Department policy notice published on travel.state.gov.

Official reference: Immigrant Visa Processing Updates for Nationalities at High Risk of Public Benefits Usage

What This Policy Does (In Plain English)

This policy does not mean “all immigration stops.”

It means:

• If you are a national of a listed country and you need an immigrant visa from a U.S. consulate abroad, the U.S. government may:

  • let you proceed with steps like submission and interview, but

  • refuse to issue the immigrant visa while the pause is in effect.

The State Department’s own FAQ states that applicants may still attend interviews and be scheduled, but no immigrant visas will be issued during the pause.
Official wording: State Department FAQ on the pause

Who Is Affected by the 75-Country Immigrant Visa Issuance Pause?

You are likely affected if all of the following apply:

1. You are applying for a U.S. immigrant visa (green-card type visa)

2. You are processing through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad

3. You are a national of one of the listed countries

This impacts high-intent, real-life immigrant pathways such as:

• spouse and family immigrant visas

• employment-based immigrant visas via consular processing

• certain other immigrant categories processed abroad

Who Is NOT Affected? (Read This First)

1) This does NOT apply to tourist visas (B-1/B-2)

The State Department explicitly states this pause is specifically for immigrant visa applicants and that tourist visas are nonimmigrant visas.
Official source: State Department FAQ — “Does this apply to tourist visas?”

2) This does NOT automatically revoke existing valid immigrant visas

The State Department states: “No immigrant visas have been revoked as part of this guidance.”
Official source: State Department FAQ — “Does this affect my current valid visa?”

3) Dual nationals may be exempt in certain cases

The State Department states that dual nationals applying with a valid passport of a country that is not listed are exempt from this pause.
Official source: State Department FAQ — “Are there any exceptions?”

4) Many USCIS “inside the U.S.” processes are different

This policy is about immigrant visa issuance abroad through consular processing.

If you are in the United States pursuing a USCIS process (like adjustment of status), your case is not the same pipeline as immigrant visa issuance at a consulate. That does not mean “no risk”—it means you need process-specific analysis.

What About Already-Approved Visas or Cases in Final Stages?

This is where families lose months (or years) because they rely on incorrect assumptions.

First: “Approved” can mean several different things

In practice, families often use “approved” to mean:

• “My petition was approved by USCIS”

• “NVC accepted my documents”

• “My interview is done and the officer said yes”

• “My visa is printed in my passport”

These stages are not the same.

Below is a high-clarity decision tree you can follow.

Scenario A: Your immigrant visa is already issued in your passport

Likely outcome: You may be able to travel normally before the visa expires.
What to do right now:

• Check the expiration date printed on the visa

• Do not delay entry past validity

• Travel with copies of your civil documents and approval history

Important: The State Department says it has not revoked immigrant visas as part of this guidance.
Official source: State Department FAQ

Scenario B: Your interview happened, and you were told “approved,” but the visa is not printed yet

Risk level: HIGH.
Under the State Department’s posted rule, the main operational reality is: no immigrant visas will be issued to affected nationals during the pause.
Official source: State Department announcement

What to do right now:

• Save screenshots of “issued / refused / administrative processing” updates

• Do not buy nonrefundable tickets

• Email the embassy a short confirmation request (use the script below)

Scenario C: Your immigrant visa interview is scheduled after Jan. 21, 2026

The State Department states interviews may still occur and appointments may still be scheduled, but issuance will pause for affected nationals.
Official source: State Department FAQ — interview appointment question

What to do right now:

• Keep preparing your documentation

• Attend the interview if instructed

• Expect the possibility of “we cannot issue now” even if the case is otherwise approvable

Scenario D: Your case is at NVC (National Visa Center)

If you are documentarily complete at NVC, your case may be ready for scheduling—but issuance may still be paused if you are a national of a listed country.

What to do right now:

• Make sure civil documents are correct, legible, translated, and current

• Check if any police certificates might expire before issuance

• Preserve all communications and upload confirmations

Official List: The 75 Countries Affected (State Department)

Per the U.S. Department of State, the pause applies to nationals of the following countries:

1. Afghanistan

2. Albania

3. Algeria

4. Antigua and Barbuda

5. Armenia

6. Azerbaijan

7. Bahamas

8. Bangladesh

9. Barbados

10. Belarus

11. Belize

12. Bhutan

13. Bosnia and Herzegovina

14. Brazil

15. Burma

16. Cambodia

17. Cameroon

18. Cape Verde

19. Colombia

20. Cote d’Ivoire

21. Cuba

22. Democratic Republic of the Congo

23. Dominica

24. Egypt

25. Eritrea

26. Ethiopia

27. Fiji

28. The Gambia

29. Georgia

30. Ghana

31. Grenada

32. Guatemala

33. Guinea

34. Haiti

35. Iran

36. Iraq

37. Jamaica

38. Jordan

39. Kazakhstan

40. Kosovo

41. Kuwait

42. Kyrgyz Republic

43. Laos

44. Lebanon

45. Liberia

46. Libya

47. Moldova

48. Mongolia

49. Montenegro

50. Morocco

51. Nepal

52. Nicaragua

53. Nigeria

54. North Macedonia

55. Pakistan

56. Republic of the Congo

57. Russia

58. Rwanda

59. Saint Kitts and Nevis

60. Saint Lucia

61. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

62. Senegal

63. Sierra Leone

64. Somalia

65. South Sudan

66. Sudan

67. Syria

68. Tanzania

69. Thailand

70. Togo

71. Tunisia

72. Uganda

73. Uruguay

74. Uzbekistan

75. Yemen

Official source for this list: U.S. Department of State announcement

Why These 75 Countries? What Is the Government’s Rationale?

Quick Answer

The U.S. government says the 75-country immigrant visa issuance pause is tied to a public benefits / public charge risk framework, meaning it is targeting nationalities it considers statistically more likely to rely on certain public assistance programs after immigrating. The stated rationale is administrative and policy-based, not individualized to a particular applicant’s personal finances.

Official source: U.S. Department of State announcement

The policy’s stated justification (what the government says it is doing)

In the State Department’s published guidance, the Department frames the pause as an immigrant visa issuance suspension while it reviews policies, regulations, and guidance connected to nationalities it describes as being at “high risk of public benefits usage.”
Official source: State Department guidance

This matters because the “public charge” concept has historically been used as a screening mechanism in immigrant visa adjudications—often focusing on whether the applicant is likely to become primarily dependent on government support.

What “public charge” concerns generally mean in real-life cases

Although the legal and policy details can evolve, “public charge”-style screening typically centers on factors such as:

• income and assets

• employment history

• sponsor support (e.g., Affidavit of Support in many family cases)

• household size

• health considerations

• history of receiving certain benefits (when relevant under applicable rules)

The key point for families: the policy targets nationality groups categorically, not the individualized strength of a particular applicant’s sponsorship package.

Why these countries and not others?

Readers will immediately ask why the list includes countries that are:

• politically diverse

• geographically broad (Latin America, Africa, Eurasia, Middle East, Caribbean)

• not limited to any single region or single conflict zone

From a legal-process perspective, a list structured this way suggests a risk-model approach, meaning the government is grouping countries it believes meet a threshold of “risk indicators” for public benefits usage.

What is known (high certainty):

• The list exists and is published in the State Department guidance.
  State Department list and FAQ

What is not publicly explained in detail (low certainty):

• The precise weighting formula or internal data model used to select the countries

• Whether the list will expand or shrink based on new metrics

• What agency-to-agency inputs were used (State, DHS, OMB, etc.)

What immigrant families should do with this information (practical guidance)

If your nationality is listed, the most productive response is not panic—it is document strength and case readiness:

• build a clean proof-of-support package (where relevant)

• ensure sponsor documentation is complete and consistent

• prepare for longer timelines

• avoid nonrefundable travel and irreversible job decisions

How Long Will the Pause Last? What Signals to Watch (End-Date Reality Check)

Quick Answer

The State Department describes the policy as a pause while it reviews policies, regulations, and guidance, and it does not provide a guaranteed end date. Families should treat this as an open-ended suspension until official updates state otherwise. The best predictor of change is not rumor—it is new State Department announcements, embassy practice changes, and Federal Register or White House updates.

Official source: State Department guidance

What “indefinite pause” means operationally

When an agency uses terms like “pause pending review,” the real-world effect is usually:

• cases can remain “alive,” but stuck

• interview scheduling can become inconsistent

• approvals can occur, but issuance is withheld

• families experience extended separation and uncertainty

This is not a denial. It is a processing/issuance shutdown for affected nationals.

The three timelines families should plan around

To make the article extremely useful, give readers three planning horizons:

1) The 30-day horizon (damage control)

• confirm affected status

• identify case stage

• preserve records/screenshots

• avoid irreversible decisions

2) The 90-day horizon (document durability)

• re-check police certificate validity windows

• keep translations updated

• watch for expiring medical exam timing (if applicable)

• maintain sponsor/employment documentation

3) The 6–12 month horizon (life planning)

• housing plans

• childcare planning

• employment arrangements

• school enrollment decisions

• mental health and family support planning during extended separation

What to watch: concrete signals that the pause may be changing

Tell readers to watch for these specific triggers, not vague “news”:

1. A revised State Department FAQ
   State Department guidance page

2. Embassy interview issuance behavior changing

   • interviews resume with issuance

   • “issued” status begins appearing again for affected nationals

3. Formal publication updates

   • changes referenced through official U.S. government channels such as:
     State Department Visa News index

Note: Until the government publishes an official update lifting or narrowing the pause, affected applicants should assume immigrant visa issuance will not occur—even if an interview is scheduled.

 Is This a “Travel Ban”? How It Compares to 2025 Entry Restrictions

Quick Answer

This is best described as an immigrant visa issuance pause, not a traditional “travel ban.” A travel ban usually restricts entry, while this policy restricts visa issuance at consulates for affected nationals. The practical impact can be similar (people cannot immigrate), but the legal mechanism is different.

For official classification and scope, use:
State Department guidance

What You Can Do Right Now (A Practical 48-Hour Plan)

Most viral coverage tells people what to think. Immigrant families need a plan.

Step 1: Confirm you are (or are not) on the official list

Start here and do not rely on reposted lists:

• Official State Department 75-country list

Step 2: Identify your exact case stage (this determines your outcome)

Use one label only:

• USCIS petition approved

• NVC case created

• Documentarily qualified

• Interview scheduled

• Interview completed (pending issuance)

• Visa issued

Step 3: Preserve proof and timelines

• Screenshot your status page

• Save all emails from NVC and the embassy

• Create a dated folder for every update

Step 4: Fix document problems now

Common case-killers during delayed issuance:

• missing translations

• expired police certificates

• wrong civil document format

• name mismatch across records

• missing proof of relationship (for family cases)

Step 5: Stop irreversible decisions

• Do not quit jobs based on “we think the visa will arrive”

• Do not buy nonrefundable flights

• Do not move children out of school until you have an issued visa and a travel plan

Step 6: If you have urgent humanitarian or medical circumstances, document them immediately

If you will request any expedited review later, the quality of documentation matters:

• medical records

• physician letters

• caregiver needs

• disability/dependency proof

• time-sensitive employer documentation

Step 7: Get a strategy review if your case is time-sensitive

If your family has deadlines (birth, surgery, caregiver crisis, expiring eligibility), a case-specific plan matters.

If you need individualized guidance, you can schedule here:

• Book a consultation with Herman Legal Group

Copy/Paste Script Block (Email to Embassy or NVC)

Use this exactly. Keep it neutral and short.

Subject: Request for Status Confirmation – Immigrant Visa Issuance Pause Effective Jan. 21, 2026

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am requesting confirmation regarding my immigrant visa case status in light of the U.S. Department of State announcement regarding a pause in immigrant visa issuance for nationals of certain countries effective January 21, 2026.

Case Number:
Applicant Name:
Date of Birth:
Visa Category:
Interview Date (if scheduled):
Embassy/Consulate Location:

Could you please confirm whether my case is affected and whether any additional action is required at this time?

Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely,
[Full Name]
[Phone]
[Email]

Official link to reference (optional):

• State Department announcement

Risk-Based Scenarios (Low / Medium / High)

1) U.S. citizen sponsoring spouse abroad (CR-1 / IR-1)

Risk level: HIGH if the spouse is a national of a listed country.
Likely outcome: Interview may occur, but visa issuance may not happen during the pause.
What to do now:

• keep documents current

• preserve proof of relationship

• prepare for timeline extension

2) Green card holder sponsoring spouse/child (F2A / F2B)

Risk level: HIGH (timelines already constrained).
What to do now:

• monitor NVC updates

• maintain eligibility documentation

• prepare for delay-based family hardship planning

3) Employer-sponsored immigrant visa abroad (employment-based)

Risk level: MEDIUM to HIGH depending on role urgency.
What to do now:

• employer should plan for start-date disruption

• preserve job offer/support letters

• maintain communication logs

4) Interview completed, passport held, visa not printed

Risk level: HIGH.
What to do now:

• monitor case status daily

• request written confirmation

• avoid irreversible relocation steps

5) NVC case complete, waiting on interview

Risk level: HIGH (queue stall risk).
What to do now:

• keep police certificates current

• maintain updated contact details

• prevent document expiration issues

6) Applicant already inside the U.S. eligible for adjustment of status

Risk level: LOW to MEDIUM depending on eligibility.
What to do now:

• confirm eligibility before taking action

• avoid travel that forces consular processing

• preserve lawful status strategy where possible

How This Compares to the 2025 Travel Bans (What’s Similar—and What’s Different)

Many readers are asking: “Is this the same thing as the 2025 travel bans?”

It is related in effect (restriction), but different in mechanism.

The simplest difference: “issuance pause” vs “entry ban”

• This 2026 action is explicitly about immigrant visa issuance by consulates.

• A classic “travel ban” is typically framed as entry restrictions, sometimes by nationality and category, sometimes with broader scope.

The most important similarity: nationality-based restriction

Both models involve categorical rules tied to nationality.

Why the difference matters for families

A travel/entry ban creates the question:

• “Can I enter the U.S. at the airport?”

A visa issuance pause creates the question:

• “Can the embassy issue the visa at all?”

That is why “already-approved but not yet issued” cases feel especially urgent under this model.

If you want a reader-friendly comparison for context, major outlets have described this as a modern travel-ban iteration:

• The Guardian reporting

Printable Checklist Image Concept

Title: “Jan. 21, 2026 Immigrant Visa Issuance Pause: 10 Steps to Take Today”
Style: black-and-white, printable, checkbox blocks, one page

Sections:

• Confirm your nationality is on the official list (QR to State Dept page)

• Identify your case stage (USCIS / NVC / Interview / Issuance / Issued)

• Screenshot and save all case updates

• Document refresh checklist (police certs, translations, civil docs)

• “Do NOT do these 3 things” (nonrefundable travel, job resignation, relying on rumors)

• Copy/paste email script QR

• Consultation/strategy reminder for urgent cases

Official list source for QR: State Department announcement

 

What To Do If Your Family Is Separated: Housing, School, Work, and Caregiver Planning During an Indefinite Visa Freeze

When immigrant visa issuance pauses unexpectedly, the hardest part is often not the paperwork—it is the life disruption: children in school, leases ending, job start dates approaching, aging parents needing care, and families forced to live in two countries at once.

This section is a calm, practical playbook for protecting your family, finances, and stability during an extended visa delay.

Quick Answer (Practical Summary)

If your family is separated during an indefinite visa freeze, prioritize four things: (1) stable housing, (2) school continuity for children, (3) income and job protection, and (4) caregiver coverage for elderly or medically vulnerable relatives. Document all decisions, avoid irreversible moves based on optimistic timelines, and build a 90-day plan that can extend to six months or longer.

Step 1: Build a “90-Day Reality Plan” (Even If You Hope It Ends Sooner)

Most families lose money and stability by planning for the best-case timeline only.

Create a simple plan for the next 90 days that answers:

• Where will each family member live?

• Who will pay which bills?

• Who can pick up children from school?

• Who has legal authority to make medical decisions if needed?

• What happens if the delay continues another 90 days?

Rule of thumb: If your plan only works when the visa is issued “soon,” it is not a plan.

Step 2: Housing — Prevent Lease Mistakes and “Two Homes” Financial Collapse

Housing is usually the biggest financial shock during a separation.

If the sponsored family member is abroad

• Do not terminate U.S. housing too early based on predicted issuance.

• If you are keeping a U.S. residence, avoid signing a lease that requires a long commitment unless you can carry it comfortably.

• If you must relocate temporarily, choose a housing option with flexibility (month-to-month if possible).

If the U.S. petitioner is considering moving abroad temporarily

Before making that decision, confirm:

• the impact on your job and income stability

• childcare and school continuity

• insurance coverage

• whether the move could create new immigration complications later (case-specific)

Practical protection moves

• Negotiate lease extensions early

• Put all landlord communications in writing

• Keep proof of payments and notices

• Avoid co-signing new housing obligations for others unless you can sustain it

Step 3: School — Protect Continuity for Children (The #1 Stability Factor)

Children experience immigration delays as uncertainty and disruption. Your goal is continuity.

If children are in the U.S.

Do not change schools mid-year unless necessary.

Maintain:

• consistent attendance

• stable routines

• one primary caregiver responsible for school communications

• updated emergency contact lists

If a move might happen “soon”

Avoid telling schools or children that relocation is imminent unless it is certain.

Instead, plan in phases:

• Phase 1 (0–90 days): stay enrolled, remain stable

• Phase 2 (90–180 days): contingency decisions (transfer planning if truly required)

“School documents folder” checklist

Keep digital and printed copies of:

• report cards and transcripts

• enrollment letters

• IEP/504 plans (if applicable)

• immunization records

• custody documentation (if relevant)

• emergency contact authorization letters

Step 4: Work and Income — Stabilize Cash Flow Before Anything Else

Visa freezes often cause families to lose money in predictable ways:

• job start dates collapse

• spouses stop working “to prepare” and lose income unnecessarily

• travel purchases become unrecoverable

If a job start date depends on immigration timing

Treat it like a business risk problem:

• communicate early with HR

• ask for flexibility in writing

• request a revised start window rather than a fixed date

For the petitioner supporting two households

Do this immediately:

• review your monthly expenses line-by-line

• pause optional spending

• avoid new major purchases

• build a three-month cushion where possible

If your employer needs a clean explanation

Use a one-paragraph, neutral statement such as:

“Immigrant visa issuance has been paused for nationals of certain countries. We are monitoring the consular timeline and can provide updates as we receive official guidance.”

Step 5: Caregiver Planning (Parents, Disability, Medical Needs)

If the family separation affects a parent, child, or spouse with a medical need, the delay becomes more than inconvenient—it becomes operationally dangerous.

Caregiver planning checklist (do this now)

• Identify the primary caregiver and backup caregiver

• Confirm transportation capacity (appointments, pharmacy access)

• Create a medication list and refill schedule

• Gather medical records and provider contact information

• Confirm insurance status and coverage restrictions

• Put a permission letter in writing if a caregiver needs authority to act

If the intended caregiver is abroad and cannot enter

Plan alternatives early:

• paid home care (if financially feasible)

• relative support with defined responsibilities

• temporary local assistance networks

Do not wait until a medical crisis forces rushed decisions.

Step 6: Documents and Authority — Don’t Create New Legal Problems While Waiting

During long delays, families often “patch” problems in ways that create new legal exposure.

Do not do these things

• Do not submit inconsistent information across forms “to move faster”

• Do not rely on fake documents or shortcuts

• Do not make relocation decisions that require later backtracking without understanding legal consequences

• Do not ignore expiration-sensitive documents (police certificates, passports, civil documents)

Do these instead

• keep all originals and certified copies organized

• maintain a “one folder” digital archive

• record all case updates (screenshots with date/time)

• keep translations consistent and professional

Step 7: Communication Rules for Separated Families (Reduce Conflict + Stress)

Separation creates predictable pressure points:

• resentment about delays

• arguments about timelines and money

• blame and miscommunication with relatives

Set two routines:

• Weekly planning call (30 minutes): logistics only (money, school, care)

• Daily check-in (10 minutes): connection, not case speculation

Avoid: turning every conversation into “any news yet?”
That pattern exhausts everyone and changes nothing.

Step 8: Financial “Freeze-Proofing” (Simple Controls That Prevent Crisis)

Even stable families can spiral financially during long waits.

Use these controls:

• one shared budget sheet

• a spending pause rule for non-essential expenses

• cash reserve priority (even small amounts)

• cancel or renegotiate subscriptions temporarily

• avoid adding new debt if possible

If travel was booked:

• request airline credits/refunds immediately

• save denial confirmations for future dispute options

Step 9: If You Must Make a Hard Choice, Choose the Most Reversible Option

During an indefinite visa freeze, families should prioritize reversibility.

Examples of reversible decisions:

• temporary housing extensions

• remote work requests

• delaying school transfers

• postponing travel

Examples of hard-to-reverse decisions:

• quitting a job

• breaking a lease without a plan

• selling a home prematurely

• withdrawing children from school too early

• moving internationally without financial stability

A good guiding sentence is:

“If we do this today and the visa is delayed another six months, will we still be okay?”

Step 10: When You Should Get Legal Help Immediately

Consider a legal strategy review if any of these are true:

• your case is already at the interview/issuance stage

• you have an urgent medical or caregiver situation

• a child’s school year or custody plan is affected

• an employer deadline cannot move

• you have multiple nationalities or complex travel history

• a mistake could trigger unlawful presence or other bars

If you need a plan tailored to your specific timeline and risk exposure, you can schedule here:
Book a consultation with Herman Legal Group

Bottom Line

A visa freeze is not just a government policy change—it becomes a family operations problem. The families who do best are the ones who treat separation as a planning challenge: stabilize housing, protect children’s school continuity, preserve income, and build caregiver coverage now rather than later.

If the pause lifts quickly, the plan was still worth it. If it lasts months, the plan prevents crisis.

FAQ

1) Is the U.S. really suspending immigrant visa processing for 75 countries starting Jan. 21, 2026?

Yes. The U.S. Department of State posted guidance stating that effective January 21, 2026, it is pausing immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 listed countries.
Source: State Department announcement

2) Who is affected by the pause?

Immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of one of the listed countries and would need issuance through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad are affected. The impact depends heavily on case stage (NVC, interview, issuance pending, issued).
Source: State Department announcement

3) Who is NOT affected?

Many applicants are not affected, including people who are not nationals of the listed countries, and applicants using different visa categories or processes. Dual nationals using a passport from a non-listed country may be exempt.
Source: State Department FAQ

4) Does the pause apply to tourist visas (B-1/B-2)?

No. The State Department states this pause is specifically for immigrant visa applicants and tourist visas are nonimmigrant visas.
Source: State Department FAQ

5) What happens to my immigrant visa interview appointment?

The State Department states affected nationals may still submit applications and attend interviews and that the Department may continue scheduling appointments, but no immigrant visas will be issued during the pause.
Source: State Department FAQ

6) Does this affect my current valid visa?

The State Department states no immigrant visas have been revoked as part of this guidance. For admission questions, it refers individuals to DHS.
Source: State Department FAQ

7) What if my visa was “approved” but not issued?

If you are a national of a listed country, the key issue is that issuance is paused. Even if the interview proceeds, issuance may not occur during the pause. You should preserve proof, avoid nonrefundable travel, and request written clarification.

8) Is there an end date?

The State Department describes the action as a pause while it reviews policies, regulations, and guidance. If no end date is specified, families should plan for uncertainty and monitor official updates.
Source: State Department announcement

9) Are there any exceptions?

The State Department states that dual nationals applying with a valid passport of a country not listed are exempt from this pause.
Source: State Department FAQ

10) What should families do right now?

Confirm whether the applicant is a national of a listed country, identify the case stage, preserve documentation and screenshots, stop irreversible travel/job decisions, keep civil documents current, and seek a case-specific plan for urgent situations.

11) What should employers do right now?

Employers should expect start-date disruption for consular immigrant cases involving listed-country nationals, preserve documentation, and consider contingency planning. A written timeline plan reduces operational risk.

12) Can I “switch” from consular processing to adjustment of status?

Sometimes—but only if you are eligible and physically present in the U.S. with a lawful path to file. This is case-specific and should not be attempted without strategy review, because mistakes can trigger bars or denials.

13) Does this affect refugees or asylum seekers?

Refugee and asylum processes are legally distinct from standard immigrant visa issuance. People should not assume the same rules apply without verifying the exact pathway and authority governing that case.

14) How do I confirm whether my country is on the list?

Use the official State Department list:

• State Department 75-country list

15) What’s the single biggest mistake people make in situations like this?

Assuming “approved” means “visa will be issued soon.” Visa issuance depends on the final issuance stage—and this policy is specifically an issuance pause for affected nationals.

What This Means Going Forward

The State Department’s January 2026 policy creates immediate uncertainty for many families and employers pursuing consular immigrant visas. The most important move is to confirm whether the applicant is a national of a listed country, identify the case stage, and preserve all documentation and communications. Until official guidance changes, affected applicants should plan for delays and avoid irreversible travel, relocation, or employment commitments based on optimistic timelines.

If your case is urgent or already at a late stage, you may benefit from a case-specific plan:

• Schedule a consultation with Herman Legal Group

Resource Directory (Official Sources + Practical Tools + HLG Guidance)

Official U.S. Government Sources

Use these links to confirm the policy scope, affected nationalities, and any updates.

• U.S. Department of State — Immigrant Visa Processing Updates for Nationalities at High Risk of Public Benefits Usage (Official 75-country list + FAQ)

• U.S. Department of State — U.S. Visas News (All official visa policy updates)

• U.S. Department of State — U.S. Visas (Main portal)

• Federal Register — Presidential Documents (Official proclamations and federal actions archive)

Case Tracking + Status Tools (What Families Should Check Daily)

These are the tools that matter most when a case is stuck at the “waiting” stage.

• CEAC Visa Status Check (Consular cases)

• CEAC Immigrant Visa Application Portal (DS-260 / consular workflow)

• USCIS Case Status Online (Petition & USCIS filings)

• USCIS Processing Times (USCIS stage planning)

Public Charge / Self-Sufficiency Context (Why This Policy Exists)

For readers trying to understand the government’s stated rationale, these provide grounding context.

• U.S. Department of State — Official “Public Benefits Usage” rationale and FAQ

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) — Public Charge resources hub

Trusted Media Confirmation (Secondary Support, Not the Legal Source)

These outlets help readers confirm what’s happening and monitor developments, but the government links above remain the primary authority.

• Financial Times — U.S. to pause immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries

• The Guardian — Full list of 75 countries (reader-friendly presentation)

Family Safety + Travel Planning (If You’re Deciding Whether to Move, Travel, or Wait)

These are high-risk moments for mistakes, especially when families assume “approved” means “safe to travel.”

• HLG — Is it safe to travel while an immigration case is pending?

• HLG — Can I travel on a B-2 visa while my I-130 is pending? (2025 guide)

• HLG — Best practices for extending or changing to B-1/B-2 visitor status (I-539 guidance)

Enforcement Preparedness (If Families Are Experiencing Fear or ICE Activity)

Even when the topic is visa processing, families often need broader “what to do right now” guidance.

• HLG — What to do if ICE comes to your door: 10 smart things

• HLG — What to say if ICE stops you in public (script)

• HLG — Can ICE pull me out of my car or break in?

• HLG — The conservative case against ICE overreach (2025–2026)

“What’s Next” Monitoring (Policy Change Alert Links)

These sources help journalists, researchers, and families track whether the pause is narrowing, expanding, or converting into a broader entry restriction framework.

• U.S. Department of State — Visa News (monitor for updates lifting or expanding the pause)

• Federal Register — Presidential Documents (watch for new proclamations)

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Need Case-Specific Strategy

If your case is time-sensitive (medical needs, expiring documents, child schooling, job start dates, urgent reunification), individualized legal planning can prevent months of preventable delay.

• Book a consultation with Herman Legal Group