The U.S. State Department is suspending immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries as part of a new effort to tighten screening for individuals deemed likely to become a public charge.
Under an internal directive, U.S. embassies and consulates have been instructed to pause immigrant visa decisions beginning Jan. 21 while the department reviews and updates its vetting procedures under existing immigration law. The move is designed to strengthen oversight of permanent residency applications.
The suspension comes as the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 World Cup, an event expected to draw millions of international visitors. State Department officials clarified that the pause applies only to immigrant visas — not non-immigrant visas such as tourist, business, or temporary travel permits. As a result, World Cup athletes, team staff, and visiting fans seeking short-term entry will not be affected.
A department spokesperson confirmed that immigrant visa processing has been temporarily halted for the designated countries but emphasized that routine non-immigrant visa services will continue.
The affected countries include:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Burma, 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.
Officials have not indicated how long the suspension will remain in effect, saying only that processing will resume once the review of vetting procedures is complete.
