U.S. Pauses Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries in Temporary Review, Not a Ban
On January 14, 2026, the U.S. State Department announced a temporary pause in immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026.
U.S. officials have stressed that this is not a travel or immigration ban, but rather a temporary pause in immigrant visa processing intended to allow for increased scrutiny and enhanced vetting of applications.
What the Policy Means
Under the new policy, the U.S. government will halt the issuance of new immigrant visas, visas that lead to permanent residency (green cards), for nationals of the affected countries while the review is underway. The pause applies broadly to family-based, employment-based, and diversity immigrant visa categories.
The stated purpose of the pause is to allow the State Department to reassess screening standards, particularly those related to applicants’ likelihood of becoming a “public charge,” meaning someone who may rely on U.S. government assistance programs after arrival.
Countries Impacted
The list of 75 countries spans Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean, reflecting a wide geographic scope. The State Department has indicated that the list may be revisited as part of the ongoing review.
Certain exceptions may apply, including:
- Dual nationals traveling on passports from countries not subject to the pause.
What This Means for EB-5 Investors
For applicants pursuing permanent residence through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, the pause may result in delays at the consular processing stage. While the policy does not suspend the filing or adjudication of EB-5 petitions by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), investors from affected countries may experience temporary delays in completing final visa issuance abroad while the review is underway.
EB-5 applicants already in the United States and eligible to file for adjustment of status may experience fewer disruptions, depending on individual circumstances. Investors are encouraged to work closely with immigration counsel to assess timing strategies, demonstrate financial self-sufficiency, and plan next steps while consular processing is temporarily paused.
What Happens Next
The State Department may release more details soon. For now, applicants and businesses should stay informed and may wish to consult with immigration counsel to navigate this evolving situation.
