Suspension of Immigrant Visas for 75 Countries Due to “Public Charge” Risk
15.01.2026
On January 14, 2026, the U.S. Department of State announced that it will temporarily suspend the issuance of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries. The goal is to ensure, as part of a comprehensive review, that immigrants are financially self-sufficient and will not become a “public charge,” i.e., a burden on public funds in the United States.
The suspension will take effect on January 21, 2026, and will remain in place indefinitely. The Department has not yet announced an end date. President Trump has repeatedly emphasized that immigrants should not place a strain on American social welfare systems.
Which countries are affected?
Nationals of the following 75 countries are affected: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, 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, 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.
Importantly, this is a temporary pause on visa issuance, not a ban on filing visa applications or attending interviews. Interviews will generally continue to take place, but the actual issuance of immigrant visas for these nationalities will be suspended while the pause remains in effect.
What happens to my immigrant visa interview appointment?
Applicants for an immigrant visa who are nationals of an affected country may continue to submit visa applications and appear for their consular interviews. The Department will also continue scheduling appointments. However, during the period of the suspension, no immigrant visas will be issued to these nationals.
Are there any exceptions?
Dual nationals who apply using a valid passport from a country that is not on the above list should be exempt from this pause.
Does this policy affect my currently valid visa?
No. No immigrant visas that have already been issued are being revoked under this measure. For questions regarding admission to the United States and inspection at the port of entry, the responsible authority is the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Does this suspension also apply to non-immigrant visas such as E and L visas?
No. The suspension explicitly applies only to immigrant visas. Non-immigrant visas, in particular work and business visas, but also the B2 tourist visa, are not covered by this regulation.
Below is an overview of the categories affected by the suspension:
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Betroffen: |
|---|---|
| |
Priority Workers (exceptional skills, outstanding professors/researchers, managers/executives of multinational companies) |
| EB-2 | Professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional skills |
| EB-3 | Skilled workers, professionals and other employees |
| EB-4 | Certain special immigrants (e.g. religious workers) |
| EB-5 | Investors (Employment Creation) |
| F-1 | Unmarried sons/daughters of U.S. citizens |
| F-2 | Spouses, children and unmarried sons/daughters of GC holders |
| F-3 | Married sons/daughters of U.S. citizens |
| F-4 | Brothers/sisters of U.S. citizens |
| IR-1 | Family reunification (spouses of U.S. citizens) |
| IR-2 | Children of U.S. citizens, under 21, unmarried |
| IR-3 | Orphans of U.S. citizens living outside the USA |
| IR-4 | Orphans of U.S. citizens for adoption within the USA |
| IR-5 | Parents of U.S. citizens |
| |
Family reunification (spouses of U.S. citizens) |
The following visa categories are not affected: A visa, B visa, C visa, D visa, E visa, F visa, G visa, H visa, I visa, J visa, K visa, L visa, M visa, N visa, O visa, P visa, Q visa, R visa, S visa, T visa, U visa and V visas.
What does this mean for those affected?
For many individuals, family reunification or a planned permanent move to the United States may be significantly delayed. Nevertheless, it is not currently advisable to abandon pending cases. Applications can still be prepared and filed so that applicants are in a strong position to benefit from a resumption of visa issuance as soon as the suspension is lifted.
It is also expected that future procedures may include stricter requirements for financial evidence and, where applicable, integration criteria such as language skills in order to minimize the risk of reliance on public benefits. However, concrete new thresholds or additional documentation requirements have not yet been officially published.
WINHELLER supports with all immigration visas
Our U.S. immigration law experts will work with you to assess how this suspension affects your specific case and whether alternative strategies – such as applying on the basis of a second nationality or using other visa categories – may be available. We will gladly schedule a consultation to help you plan your next steps and prepare your documentation so that you are ready to move forward once immigrant visa processing resumes.
The best way to reach us is by e-mail (info@visum-usa.com) or by phone (+49 69 76 75 77 85 26).
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