Immigrant Visa Ban 2026: Is Your Country on the List—and What Can You Do?

Trump Suspends Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries: Full List and What It Means in 2026

In a major immigration policy shift, the Trump administration has announced the suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, a decision that will significantly affect legal pathways to permanent residence in the United States.

The measure took effect on January 21, 2026, and is set to pause the processing of immigrant visas only—those leading to lawful permanent residence (green cards). Temporary visas for tourism, study, or short-term employment remain unaffected.

This policy is part of a broader review of immigration standards, particularly tied to financial self-sufficiency requirements under the public charge rule.

Why Is the U.S. Suspending Immigrant Visa Processing?

According to U.S. officials, the suspension allows the government to reassess whether immigrant visa applicants are likely to become financially dependent on public benefits after arriving in the United States.

The administration has emphasized that the goal is to strengthen screening procedures and ensure that new immigrants can demonstrate economic self-support. However, immigration advocates warn that the policy could delay or block family reunification and employment-based immigration for thousands of applicants worldwide.

Full List of the 75 Countries Affected by the Immigrant Visa Suspension

Immigrant visa processing is suspended for nationals of the following countries:

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

This list may be subject to updates as the policy evolves.

What Visas Are NOT Affected?

Despite widespread confusion, the suspension does not apply to non-immigrant visas, including:

• Tourist and business visas (B-1/B-2)

• Student visas (F and M)

• Temporary work visas (H-1B, L-1, O, etc.)

• Exchange visitor visas (J-1)

Applicants with dual nationality may still apply for immigrant visas using a passport from a country not included in the suspension.

How This Policy Impacts Immigrants and Families

The suspension has far-reaching implications, including:

• Delays in family-based green card petitions

• Pauses in employment-based immigrant visa processing

• Increased uncertainty for applicants already waiting abroad

While the policy is described as temporary, no official end date has been announced, leaving many families and employers in limbo.

What should people do who have cases already pending?

It’s important to discuss your pending case with an immigration attorney. In many cases, the person should continue with the application process so that they can at least remain on a wait list if there are any changes in the current policy. If a consular interview is approaching, a strategy should be discussed with an attorney to decide on the best course of action.

Conclusion

The suspension of immigrant visa processing for 75 countries marks one of the most expansive restrictions on legal immigration in recent years. While temporary visas remain available, the policy significantly alters long-term immigration planning for families and professionals seeking permanent residence in the U.S.

Those affected by this change should stay informed, monitor official updates, and consider consulting an immigration professional to explore alternative strategies.

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