In January 2026, the federal government decided to pause visa processing for potential immigrants from 75 different countries. Reports noted that the goal was to select immigrants who would be self-sufficient, removing any financial burden on the U.S. For instance, the government was reluctant to hand out visas to those who may need government benefits once they arrive.
However, as of August 21, 2026, this pause has been overturned. It is no longer in effect. This means that visas can be processed once again.
Which countries are affected?
There are 75 different countries that were affected by this order. They are as follows:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, The Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Macedonia, 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.
According to the most recent developments, the State Department now has a mandate to resume issuing these visas. If visas were denied based on this pause, those applicants also need to be reconsidered.
It is important to note that the original pause applied merely to immigrant visas. Nonimmigrant visa applications were not affected, and there is not any change now that the pause has been overturned. Examples of these visas include F, J, H-1B and TN.
But for those who are applying for other types of immigrant visas, who may not have heard anything about the progress of their case for months, it is crucial to understand that this process should begin moving forward once again. That does not mean that they will get an immediate response, but the indefinite pause has been lifted.
Experienced legal guidance
Changes to immigration law have been frequent, and they often contradict one another. This is just one example of how that can happen, and it helps to show the complexities of immigration law in 2026. Those who are navigating this process may benefit by working with an experienced immigration attorney.
