US Suspends Permanent Residency Visa Processing for 75 Countries

The US State Department has announced that permanent residency visa processing will be suspended for nationals of 75 countries starting January 21, 2026. The affected nations span Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Europe, including Brazil, Pakistan, Nigeria, Thailand, Albania, Russia, Uruguay, and Egypt.

What This Means for Applicants

While visa applications can still be submitted and interviews scheduled, they will not progress to the point of visa issuance. The suspension applies only to permanent residency applications—current valid visas remain unaffected, and the suspension does not impact temporary work visas, tourist visas, or other non-immigrant visa categories.

Dual nationals may still apply using a passport from a non-listed country. However, the duration of this suspension remains unclear, with concerns it could be indefinite.

Rationale Behind the Policy

The administration states the measure aims to ensure immigrants are "financially self-sufficient" and do not become reliant on public welfare programs. The policy builds on existing "public charge" inadmissibility grounds, which allow immigration officers to assess whether applicants are likely to depend primarily on government assistance.

Previous expansions of these rules during Trump's first term were overturned in 2022, but new proposed changes by the Department of Homeland Security are expected to take effect later this month.

Broader Immigration Restrictions

This suspension is part of wider immigration policy changes in 2026, including:

• Travel bans affecting 39 countries
• A historic low refugee admission cap of 7,500 for 2026
• Increased H-1B visa fees to a minimum of $100,000
• Record deportations of 605,000 people in 2025

Impact on Visitors and Temporary Workers

The suspension does not directly affect tourist visas, business travel, or temporary work visas such as H-1B, O-1, or P-1 visas commonly used by performers, athletes, and skilled professionals. However, increased scrutiny and processing delays may occur across all visa categories.

Paramount Visas' Guidance

For clients affected by these changes, we recommend reviewing your visa status and travel plans carefully. If you hold a current visa from an affected country, it remains valid. For those planning to apply for permanent residency or other US visas, early consultation is essential to understand your options and navigate the evolving regulatory landscape.

Contact Paramount Visas for expert guidance on US visa applications and immigration planning during this period of heightened restrictions.