Recent guidance from the U.S. Department of State has introduced a pause in immigrant visa issuance for nationals of certain countries. This development has raised questions for individuals applying for a green card through consular processing, particularly those who already have visa interviews scheduled at U.S. embassies or consulates abroad.
Below, we outline what the immigrant visa issuance pause means, who may be affected, and what applicants can expect while the pause remains in effect.
What exactly is being paused?
The State Department notice is about immigrant visas, meaning the visas you receive at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the United States as part of consular processing for a green card. The State Department notice says that, effective January 21, 2026, the State Department is pausing all immigrant visa issuance to immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of the listed countries.
Does that mean my case stops completely?
Not necessarily. The notice says immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of affected countries may still submit visa applications and attend interviews, and the Department will continue to schedule applicants for appointments. But it also says that no immigrant visas will be issued to those nationals during the pause. So, for many people, you still prepare your case and go to the interview, but you may not receive the immigrant visa issuance at the end of the process while the pause is in place.
Are there any exceptions?
Yes. The notice states that dual nationals applying with a valid passport of a country not listed are exempt from the pause.
Does this affect tourist visas?
No. The notice says the pause is specifically for immigrant visa applicants, and tourist visas are nonimmigrant visas.
Does this affect my current valid visa?
The notice says no immigrant visas have been revoked as part of this guidance.
Which countries are covered by the State Department pause?
The State Department notice lists the following countries:
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.
Final Thoughts
If you are applying for a green card through a U.S. embassy or consulate and you are a national of one of the listed countries, your interview may continue, but immigrant visa issuance is paused during this review.
Summary: The State Department has announced a pause on issuing immigrant visas to nationals of certain listed countries, meaning interviews may continue but visa issuance may be delayed for affected applicants.
If you have questions about how the State Department’s immigrant visa pause may affect your green card application or consular processing, or if you need guidance on next steps during this period, schedule a consultation with us to discuss your strategy.
