USA Stops Immigrant Visas for 75 Countries Including Pakistan. The United States has announced a major immigration policy shift that directly impacts thousands of hopeful migrants worldwide. Under a new directive issued by the US State Department, immigrant visa processing has been indefinitely suspended for citizens of 75 countries, including Pakistan.
This decision has raised serious concerns among families, skilled workers, and long-term immigrants who were preparing to move to the US in 2026. Below is a complete, easy-to-understand breakdown of what this suspension means, why it was introduced, who is affected, and what applicants should do next.
USA Suspends Immigrant Visas for 75 Countries
According to an internal State Department directive, US embassies and consulates worldwide have been instructed to pause the issuance of immigrant visas. The suspension takes effect on January 21, 2026, and will remain active until further notice.
The pause applies specifically to immigrant visas, not all visa categories. The decision is part of a broader reassessment of the US immigration screening and vetting system.
Why Did the USA Stop Immigrant Visas?
The US government stated that the main goal of this move is to prevent future immigrants from becoming dependent on public assistance programs.
Key Reasons Behind the Decision
- Re-evaluation of visa screening procedures
- Stronger enforcement of public charge rules
- Protection of US taxpayer-funded welfare programs
- Increased scrutiny of applicants’ financial stability
Visa officers have been instructed to use existing legal provisions to refuse applications while updated evaluation standards are finalized.
Stricter Screening Criteria Explained
A confidential memo circulated to US embassies in November 2025 outlines expanded screening standards for immigrant visa applicants.
Factors Now Considered More Strictly
Visa officers will closely assess:
- Age of the applicant
- Overall health condition
- History of chronic or long-term illness
- Financial stability and income level
- English language ability
- Employment prospects in the US
- Prior use of public assistance
- Potential future medical expenses
Applicants who are elderly, unemployed, or have limited income may now face higher rejection risks, even if they qualify under previous rules.
Official US Statement
US State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott defended the policy, stating that the department is exercising its legal authority to ensure immigrants do not place an undue financial burden on American taxpayers.
The spokesperson emphasized that the suspension is administrative, not political, and may be revised once new screening criteria are finalized.
List of Countries Affected by the USA Immigrant Visa Suspension
Below is the complete list of 75 countries whose citizens are affected by the immigrant visa suspension:
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| South Asia | Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal |
| Middle East | Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon |
| Africa | Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda |
| Europe | Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia, Georgia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Russia, Ukraine |
| Caribbean | Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis |
| Latin America | Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Guatemala, Nicaragua |
| Asia-Pacific | Bhutan, Cambodia, Fiji, Laos, Mongolia, Thailand, Uzbekistan |
Does This Affect Non-Immigrant Visas?
No. This suspension does not apply to:
- Tourist visas (B1/B2)
- Student visas (F-1, J-1)
- Work visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1)
- Transit or diplomatic visas
Only immigrant visas intended for permanent residence are affected.
Impact on Pakistani Applicants
For Pakistani citizens, this decision creates significant uncertainty. Many applicants had already:
- Completed interviews
- Submitted medical exams
- Paid visa fees
- Received documentarily qualified status
All such cases are now paused, not cancelled. However, approvals will not move forward until further notice.
What Should Affected Applicants Do Now?
If you are from an affected country, follow these steps:
1. Do Not Reapply Immediately
Reapplying will not bypass the suspension and may lead to unnecessary expenses.
2. Monitor Embassy Updates
Check official US embassy websites and email notifications regularly.
3. Prepare Financial Documentation
Stronger proof of income, employment, and sponsor support may be required once processing resumes.
4. Avoid Immigration Scams
Only rely on official US government announcements. No agent can “fast-track” visas during suspension.
Is the Suspension Permanent?
At this stage, the US government has described the policy as temporary but indefinite. Processing may resume once updated screening guidelines are approved and implemented.
Immigration experts expect further clarity in mid-to-late 2026.
FAQs
Is Pakistan included in the US visa suspension?
Yes, Pakistan is among the 75 affected countries.
When does the suspension start?
The policy takes effect on January 21, 2026.
Are green card interviews cancelled?
Interviews are paused, not cancelled.
Does this affect family-based immigration?
Yes, family-sponsored immigrant visas are included.
Can applicants still submit documents?
Yes, but approvals will remain on hold.
Conclusion
The decision by the United States to suspend immigrant visa processing for 75 countries marks one of the most significant immigration policy changes in recent years. While the move aims to protect public resources, it has created uncertainty for thousands of families and skilled workers worldwide.
For now, affected applicants should stay informed, avoid misinformation, and prepare for stricter financial and eligibility reviews once visa processing resumes.
