US Suspends Visa Processing Of 75 Nations Indefinitely Starting Jan 21, 2026

Title: US Suspends Visa Processing of 75 Nations Indefinitely starting Jan 21, 2026

In an unprecedented move, the Trump government has slammed the Visa processing of 75 countries, and this includes prominent nations like Somalia, Russia, Iran, Pakistan, Brazil, Nigeria and Thailand. Two Caribbean Nations - Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda are among the list of nations facing travel ban amidst the “Golden” Visa concerns due to Citizenship by Investment, and also quoting security risks associated with the “Golden Visa” program. 

According to the State Department, such a ban freezing the Immigrant Visa processing of the nationals from 75 Nations is seen as an attempt to thwart the immigration process, as there is likelihood of applicants from these nations supposedly becoming a public charge. The ban shall remain in place unless the department re-evaluates screening and vetting measures.

The public charge provision had been in effect for many decades in the US Immigration Law, its extent of enforcement has been mixed depending on the administrations and the governments. 

According to the provisions within the US Immigration Law, consular offices are strictly instructed to repudiate visas to applicants of 75 nations who rely on the public benefits viz-a-viz health, age, English proficiency, finances as well as long-term medical attention.

Aged applicants and those who are overweight could be denied US Visa, and along with it the individuals who have in the recent years or before made use of the government cash support or institutionalization.

"The State Department has the right to implement long-standing authority to think of ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge in the United States and abuse the generosity offered by American people," as put forth by the State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott.

Nations facing Immigration Visa Processing Suspension by the US State Department:

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote 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, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, 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. 

Impact on Global Travel, Families, and Skilled Migration

The suspension is expected to have wide-ranging implications for global mobility, particularly affecting families awaiting reunification, students pursuing long-term education in the US, and professionals applying under employment-based immigration categories. Travel and aviation experts anticipate a decline in passenger demand from the affected regions, which could influence airline routes, ticket pricing, and overall international travel trends involving the United States.

What This Indefinite Suspension Means for Applicants

Although the policy does not permanently revoke visa eligibility, the indefinite freeze on processing introduces significant uncertainty for applicants already in the system. Ongoing cases may experience extended delays, stricter scrutiny, or possible refusals during re-evaluation. Applicants from impacted countries are strongly advised to follow official State Department announcements, prepare for enhanced vetting procedures, and consider consulting immigration experts to navigate alternative legal pathways where available.