Washington, D.C. (January 2026) : The United States has declared a significant change to their immigration policy, halting the issuance of immigrant visas to citizens of 75 countries, including Pakistan. This is an order issued by the U.S State Department which has an immediate effect of stopping the processing of immigrant visas at embassies and consulates around the world.
Under formal directives posted to diplomatic missions, the suspension comes into effect on January 21, 2026, and will last until further notice. The relocation will concern thousands of families, skilled workers, and long-term applicants who were scheduled to depart to the U.S. in 2026.
Immigrant Visas Suspended for 75 Countries
U.S embassies have been directed to suspend all visa services to immigrants under the new order, though the non-immigrant visa services will be maintained. The suspension is also included in a larger review of tightening immigration vetting processes and enforcement of the protections of the so-called public charge.
Officials clarified that this is an administrative suspension rather than a blanket immigration ban.
Why the U.S. Stopped Immigrant Visas
According to the U.S. authorities, the policy is designed to ensure that the future immigrants do not become financially reliant on American public welfare programs.
Key Reasons Behind the Decision
- Re-evaluation of immigrant screening procedures
- Stricter enforcement of public charge rules
- Protection of taxpayer-funded social programs
- Increased scrutiny of financial stability, income, and employability
- Ensuring long-term immigrants do not create future medical or welfare burdens
In late 2025, a confidential memo was circulated that advised visa officers to use the available refusal codes with more aggression as new criteria are formulated.
Stricter Screening Criteria Now in Effect
Visa officers will now conduct an increased scrutiny on the applicants according to internal guidance. Factors include:
- Age and long-term health conditions
- History of chronic illness
- Applicant’s income level and financial independence
- English language proficiency
- Job prospects in the U.S.
- Prior use of public or medical assistance
- Potential future healthcare expenses
Assessors indicate that senior candidates, those with low income or those who have low employment opportunities may have a much bigger chance of rejection.
Official U.S. Response
When the state department spokesperson Tommy Piggott was asked to defend the suspension he responded that it is legal in the department.
He underlined the fact that the suspension does not have any political foundation and the processing can continue as soon as the new screening standards are developed.
Full List of Affected Countries
The suspension does not cover applicants of the following 75 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
Non-Immigrant Visas Not Affected
The suspension does not apply to:
- Tourist visas (B1/B2)
- Student visas (F-1, J-1)
- Work visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1)
- Diplomatic or transit visas
Impact on Pakistani Applicants
The policy has been of major concern in Pakistan whereby thousands of applicants were at the U.S. immigration process finishing stages. Many had already:
- Completed medical examinations
- Attended interviews
- Paid immigration fees
- Been marked as “documentarily qualified”
Is the Suspension Permanent?
According to the U.S. officials, the decision is temporary yet indefinite. Immigration analysts believe that more explicit guidelines will be released either in mid or late 2026, although no timeline has been issued.
Conclusion
Suspension of immigrant visa to 75 countries is one of the most drastic change in U.S. immigration policy in recent years. Although financial protection and system review are the primary reasons provided by the American government, the ruling has caused thousands of families to be left in uncertainty.
They are now encouraging the applicants to follow the official updates and to ignore fake news and get ready to face more intense financial and eligibility checks once the processing is reinstated.
