Immigrant visa rules can change quickly. On January 14, 2026, the U.S. Department of State announced an immigrant visa issuance pause for nationals of certain countries while it reviews policies related to “public charge” / public benefits usage.
In short
Starting January 21, 2026, immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of the listed countries may still apply and attend interviews, but no immigrant visas will be issued during the pause. Dual nationals may have an exception if they apply using a passport from a country not on the list.
What is changing?
According to the Department of State, this guidance is focused on immigrant visa issuance (permanent residence pathways) and is tied to a review of factors used for assessing whether a person is likely to become a “public charge.” The pause applies to immigrant visa issuance for applicants who are nationals of the affected countries.
Who is affected?
You may be impacted if you are:
- Applying for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy/consulate abroad, and
- You are a national of one of the affected countries (the official list includes Nepal, among others).
Important: This is about immigrant visas (permanent residence). It is not a blanket pause on all travel categories.
What if I already have an interview scheduled?
The State Department’s posted guidance says applicants may still:
- Submit the immigrant visa application, and
- Attend the interview, and
- Continue to be scheduled for appointments,
but no immigrant visas will be issued to affected nationals during the pause. In many cases, interviews may still occur but the case could remain pending until further guidance is issued.
Are there any exceptions?
An important exception listed in the official guidance:
- Dual nationals applying with a valid passport of a country that is not listed may be exempt from this pause.
Does this affect my current visa?
The Department of State states that no immigrant visas have been revoked as part of this guidance. For admission questions at a U.S. port of entry, the Department of State refers travelers to DHS.
Does this apply to tourist or student visas?
The posted guidance states this pause is specifically for immigrant visa applicants. Tourist visas are nonimmigrant visas. (However, visa interviews and adjudication can still involve detailed questions about finances and eligibility.)
What to do next (practical steps)
If you or your family are affected, here are practical steps that can help you plan:
-
Do not skip your interview unless instructed
Attend scheduled appointments and follow consulate instructions. -
Document financial readiness
Bring clear evidence of income, assets, support arrangements, and sponsorship where applicable. -
If you are a dual national, confirm which passport you will use
The official guidance describes an exemption for dual nationals applying with a passport from a non-listed country. -
Get case-specific advice before making irreversible decisions
If you have deadlines, a pending interview, or urgent family timing, it can help to speak with counsel before changing plans.
Official sources
- U.S. Department of State (Travel.State.Gov):
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/immigrant-visa-processing-updates-for-nationalities-at-high-risk-of-public-benefits-usage.html - U.S. Visas (Travel.State.Gov) — Newsroom & current updates:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html - U.S. Visas News index page (Travel.State.Gov):
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news.html
What to do next
If you’re affected by an immigrant visa delay, bring your priority dates, interview details, and any notices you’ve received. We can help you understand options and next steps.
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