Visa suspension for 75 countries: who is affected

Visa Suspension to 75 Countries: Who is Affected

As of January 21, 2026, the U.S. has suspended the issuance of immigration visas (green cards) to citizens of 75 countries. Tourist, work, and student visas are functioning as usual.

If you were planning to obtain a green card through the consulate - the process is on hold. But there are workarounds: the O-1 visa allows entry into the U.S. and filing for a green card from within the country, bypassing the consulate.

Below we analyze: who is affected, who is not, the list of all 75 countries, what to do if you have an interview scheduled, and 7 strategies for those who are under restrictions.

Key Points

75 countries on the list

As of January 21, 2026. End date not announced.

~315K
visas/year affected
Almost 50% of the usual annual immigrant influx.

0 nonimmigrant visas affected

O-1, H-1B, B1/B2, F-1, L-1 are functioning as usual.

• Only immigrant visas are suspended (family, EB-1/2/3, DV Lottery). Tourist, student, H-1B, L-1, O-1 are functioning as usual. The separate pause on DV visa issuance announced in December 2025 has not been in effect since August 28, 2026 (court order in Medani v. Trump).
• Change of status within the U.S. is not affected. If you have an approved I-140 petition and are in the U.S. - this is your main path.
• O-1 remains available for citizens of all 75 countries and is a pathway to a green card through a change of status within the country.
• End date not announced. The State Department indicated "until further notice" - this could be weeks or months.

Situation

On January 14, 2026, the U.S. State Department announced the suspension of immigration visa issuance to citizens of 75 countries. The decision took effect on January 21, 2026.

Official Position travel.state.gov

What continues to work: Acceptance of applications and conducting interviews. Visas are not printed or issued, but the processing continues.
What is NOT affected: Previously issued visas are not revoked. Nonimmigrant visas (O-1, H-1B, B1/B2, F, J) are functioning as usual.
Exception: Citizens with dual citizenship can apply using a passport from a non-listed country.

Reason: Public charge - this is a rule under which the U.S. can deny a visa if it believes that a person will rely on benefits rather than work. The State Department stated that citizens of 75 countries "pose a high risk" of becoming such individuals.

In simple terms: if you won the green card lottery, the consulate looks at whether you can support yourself in America or if you will be asking for food, housing, and medical care from the government. Now for citizens of 75 countries, this question is "on hold" until further notice.

Where to follow updates: travel.state.gov - the official U.S. State Department website for visa issues. Specifically for this situation: suspension page.

Last update: January 14, 2026

"The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people."
Tommy Pigott, spokesperson for the State Department (Fox News, January 14, 2026)

Timelines: The end date of the suspension is not specified. The State Department has not announced when it plans to resume visa issuance. This could be a month, it could be a year - no one knows. The official wording: "until circumstances change."

Who is affected

In the USA, there are two types of visas: immigrant visas - grant a green card and the right to live in the USA permanently, and non-immigrant visas - temporary: tourist, work, student. The suspension applies only to immigrant visas.

What is suspended

• Employment-based immigrant visas: EB-1A/B/C (for individuals with extraordinary abilities, researchers, executives), EB-2 (professionals with advanced degrees), EB-3 (skilled workers), EB-5 (investors from $800,000).
• Family visas: IR visas for immediate relatives of US citizens (spouses, children, parents) and F1-F4 for more distant relatives (siblings, adult children).
• DV Lottery: Visas under the Diversity Visa program (green card lottery) are also suspended. Update: the December 2025 pause on DV visa issuance has not been in effect since August 28, 2026 (State Department guidance of August 31, 2026).

According to David Bier from the Cato Institute, the introduction of the ban could prevent the entry of about 315,000 immigrants per year - almost 50% of the usual annual influx.

Dual citizenship

If you personally have a second citizenship from a country NOT on the list, you can apply with that passport and avoid the restrictions.

How it came about:

• In Trump's first administration (2017-2021) there was a "Muslim Ban" - a ban on entry from several Muslim countries
• The U.S. Supreme Court confirmed that the president has the right to do this (case Trump v. Hawaii, 2018)
• On January 20, 2025 (the day of the inauguration of the second term), Trump signed an order: to find all countries that "poorly vet their citizens"
• In June 2025, the first list appeared - 19 countries
• In December 2025, the list was expanded to 39 countries and some exceptions were removed

Connection to the news about 75 countries: Proclamation 10998 and the "list of 75 countries" are different documents, but they work together. The proclamation is about security, the 75 countries are about public charge. But exceptions from the proclamation (dual citizenship, LPR, diplomats) apply to both.

Full text of Proclamation 10998 on whitehouse.gov

Proclamation 10998 (official text) "Any dual national of a country designated under sections 2, 3, 4, or 5 of this proclamation when the individual is traveling on a passport issued by a country not so designated" Translation: If you have two passports (for example, from Russia and Israel), and Russia is on the list, but Israel is not - you can apply with the Israeli passport and the restrictions do not apply to you.

State Department "Dual nationals applying with a valid passport of a country that is not listed above are exempt from this pause." Translation: Individuals with dual citizenship applying with a valid passport from a country not listed above are exempt from this pause.

Fragomen (largest immigration law firm) "Dual nationals applying for an immigrant visa with the passport of a country not listed above are exempt from the immigrant visa suspension." Translation: A second passport allows you to bypass the restrictions. The key phrase "with the passport" - it is important which passport you apply with.

NAFSA: Proclamation December 16, 2025 "The proclamation does not provide exemptions for derivative family members based on a relative's different nationality." Translation: Your second passport helps ONLY YOU. If your spouse or children do not have their own second passport from a country not on the list - they remain under the restrictions.

What to do if you have dual citizenship:

1. Check that your second passport is registered at the consulate
2. Ensure that the passport is valid (at least 6 months after the planned date of entry)
3. Monitor updates on travel.state.gov
4. Consult with a lawyer in mixed situations

If you do not have dual citizenship - consider the path through an O-1 visa, then a change of status within the U.S.

Who is NOT affected

Most visa categories are operating as usual. The State Department has officially confirmed that the issuance of non-immigrant visas will continue.

Why will tourist visas definitely not be frozen? In 2026, the U.S. will host the World Cup, and in 2028 - the Olympics in Los Angeles.

What works as usual

• Tourist and Business: B-1/B-2 visas are issued unchanged
• Educational: F-1 (student), J-1 (exchange programs, internships), M-1 (vocational training)
• Non-immigrant Work: H-1B, L-1, O-1 (for individuals with extraordinary abilities), E-1/E-2
• Other: K-1 (fiancé/fiancée visas), change of status within the U.S. through form I-485, already issued visas are not canceled

Already in the U.S. with approved I-140?

I-140 is an immigration petition. If it is approved, it means the U.S. has already recognized that you qualify for a green card.

If you are already in the U.S. (for example, on O-1 or H-1B) and I-140 is approved - apply for Adjustment of Status (form I-485). This is the process of changing status from temporary to permanent resident without leaving the country. It is processed by USCIS (the immigration service within the U.S.), not by a consulate abroad. The suspension does NOT apply to you.

But keep in mind

Although non-immigrant visas are formally not suspended, applicants from 75 countries should expect more thorough scrutiny. According to Associated Press, consulates have been instructed to scrutinize even tourists and students more closely. Prepare financial documents in advance, even for a tourist visa.

Processes within the U.S.

The suspension only affects the State Department. USCIS is operating as usual: status changes (I-485), work permits (EAD), naturalization.

List of 75 Countries

The complete list is published in the leaked State Department memo. Note: China, India, and Mexico are not on the list.

Europe and CIS (14): Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, Moldova, Armenia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro

Middle East (13): Egypt, Iran, Sudan, Algeria, Iraq, Morocco, Yemen, Syria, Tunisia, Jordan, Libya, Lebanon, Kuwait

Africa (20): Nigeria, Ethiopia, DR Congo, Tanzania, Uganda, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Somalia, Senegal, Guinea, Rwanda, South Sudan, Togo, Sierra Leone, Congo, Liberia, Eritrea, Gambia, Cape Verde

Asia and Oceania (11): Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Nepal, Cambodia, Laos, Mongolia, Fiji, Bhutan

Latin America (17): Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, Haiti, Cuba, Nicaragua, Jamaica, Uruguay, Bahamas, Belize, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica

Not on the list: China, India, Mexico, Philippines, South Korea, Israel, EU countries, United Kingdom

Public Charge: Analysis of Justification

Public Charge is a test that determines whether an immigrant will become a "public burden" (dependent on benefits). The State Department uses this argument to justify the suspension.

The entire State Department memorandum is built around section 212(a)(4) of the immigration law - it prohibits entry to individuals who may potentially become a public burden.

Important: This is NOT a statutory ban - a consul can grant an exception. Unlike some other restrictions, the public charge ban can be waived on an individual basis.

How Requirements Have Changed

What benefits are considered "bad": Under Biden - only cash benefits (SSI, TANF). Under Trump - SNAP (food), Medicaid (medical), housing assistance (housing) were added.

What period of life is checked: Under Biden - only the current situation. Under Trump - the entire history ("totality of circumstances"). It doesn't matter if you have a good job now. If you received assistance 5 years ago - the consul will see it.

How often are denials: Under Biden - rarely (less than 0.3%). Under Trump - a significant increase is expected.

What critics say

Eloura Mukherjee, director of the immigrant rights clinic, Columbia University:

"This new announcement is effectively an immigration ban on a very significant portion of the world coming to the United States." (NPR)

Alan Viard, economist, American Enterprise Institute (conservative think tank):

Calls the approach "harmful and unnecessarily stringent." (AEI)

Analysis: why these countries specifically

The official justification is the fight against "public charge." But if you look closely at the list, questions arise.

Major sources of immigration NOT on the list

China. Only 7.8% of Chinese immigrants receive social assistance. The real reason: Chinese specialists are critically important for the tech industry.

India. Indian specialists receive about 70% of all H-1B visas. A blockade would paralyze the IT sector.

Mexico. The largest trading partner of the U.S. Trillions of dollars in trade. Border states depend on Mexican labor.

4 reasons why China, India, and Mexico are not on the list

1. Technical: connection to the DV Lottery. China, India, and Mexico do not participate in the DV lottery - they already have a high flow of immigration. "75 countries" is largely a list of countries eligible for the lottery.

2. Diplomatic and economic. India is a key supplier of IT personnel (H-1B). Mexico is a neighbor and ally, with whom the 2026 World Cup is jointly held.

3. Legal vulnerability. By scattering the list around the world, authorities can argue economic rather than racial criteria.

4. Parallel restrictions are already in place. The H-1B fee has been raised to $100,000 for certain categories, Trump Gold Card, etc.

Oddities in the list

Did not make it, although it would be logical: Turkmenistan, Ukraine.

Unexpectedly included: Caribbean countries (Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dominica), Kazakhstan.

In summary: The H-1B pool is protected. The economy is more important. The list correlates more with geopolitics than with statistics on benefits.

How countries on the list reacted

Official protests rarely change anything in the short term. Don't expect your government to "solve the issue." Look for personal alternatives.

What to do if an interview is scheduled

The State Department confirmed: interviews continue to be scheduled and conducted. But visas will not be issued during the pause.

Comment from attorney Thomas M. Lee:

"A pause is not the same thing as a permanent ban. Your case still exists."

A pause is not a denial. If you pass the interview after January 21, your case will not be rejected (refused). Instead, it will be placed on administrative hold under section 221(g).

Three Scenarios

Interview before January 21. Go as planned. If the visa is approved - it will be issued.

Interview after January 21. The interview will be conducted, but the visa will not be issued - it will be put on hold (221g). The case remains active, not denied.

Visa already issued but not used. Already issued visas are NOT revoked. Consider entry before January 21.

Details from the memorandum:

• Interview passed, visa approved but not printed: Passport will be returned with a 221(g) paper
• Visa glued in, but passport still at the consulate: The visa will be canceled (stamp "cancelled"), passport will be returned with a 221(g)
• Passport with visa already with the applicant: The visa is valid, it will not be canceled

Refusal vs Denial - Important Distinction

Denial - final decision. Refusal (221g) - procedural refusal, the case remains open. After January 21, there will be refusals, not denials.

Validity of Medical Examination

The medical examination is usually valid for 6 months. If the delay extends, you will have to undergo it again.

I-140 Approved and Priority Date Current?

Your petition remains valid. The NVC continues to process documents. When the pause ends, you will be in line.

Alternative: If you can enter the USA on a non-immigrant visa (O-1, H-1B, L-1), you can apply for Adjustment of Status within the country. This completely bypasses the consulate.

Subtle Nuances and Exceptions

Scheduled Interviews

Be prepared for cancellation or rescheduling. But still go to the interview if it is scheduled. Formally, the case will remain in "Administrative Processing (221g)" until the moratorium is lifted.

Petitions I-130, I-140, DV Lottery in Process

The new policy does not stop the processing of USCIS petitions. But even after approval, the consular stage will not be completed with a visa until the ban is lifted.

Particular pain for lottery applicants: Visas "expire" after September 30. The DV program operates on a "use it or lose it" principle.

Who is NOT Affected by the Ban

Official Exceptions from Proclamation 10998

Restrictions do NOT apply to:

• Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) - permanent residents of the USA
• Dual nationals - individuals with dual citizenship entering on a passport from a country NOT on the list
• Diplomatic visas - A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1-G-4, NATO-1-NATO-6
• Athletes of the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics
• SIV (Special Immigrant Visa)
• Religious minorities from Iran - facing persecution
• Refugees and asylees

Proclamation 10998: Two Types of Restrictions

Full Ban - 19 countries + PA documents: ALL visas are prohibited. Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Burma, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Mali, Niger, PA documents, Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Yemen

Partial Ban - 20 countries: Immigration + B-1, B-2, F, M, J visas are prohibited. Work visas (H-1B, O-1, L-1) are NOT affected.

Citizenship vs. Residence

Citizenship is the key criterion; residence does not matter. A citizen of Kazakhstan in the UAE is under restrictions. A citizen of Germany in Nigeria is free.

What to Do for Those Affected: 7 Strategies

Strategy 1: AOS Instead of the Consulate

If you already have an approved petition, consider the option of entering the USA on a non-immigrant visa and applying for a green card within the country. AOS is not subject to the ban.

Strategy 2: Keep the case alive

Continue the process: send documents to the NVC, pay fees, prepare the affidavit. Do not miss deadlines for responses to requests from the NVC or the consulate, otherwise, the case may be closed for inactivity.

Strategy 3: Monitoring

• Monitor travel.state.gov
• Check your email: official notifications may come from the NVC or the embassy

Strategy 4: Second citizenship

If you have the right to citizenship in another country - obtaining a second passport will lift restrictions.

Strategy 5: Financial documents

Gather statements about savings, real estate, investments. If there is a co-sponsor with a high income - secure their support. Strengthen the Affidavit of Support in advance.

Strategy 6: Plan B

Canada, Europe, Australia - if you have the opportunity to emigrate there, do not ignore it. In the coming year, the USA may be closed to half the world.

Strategy 7: Collective actions

Legal steps are already being taken in the USA. If you have relatives who are US citizens, let them write to their representatives in Congress.

O-1 as an alternative: path to a green card

O-1 is a non-immigrant visa, it is NOT subject to the suspension. Moreover, it is a path to a green card that completely bypasses consular processing.

Why O-1 works:

• Nonimmigrant visa - not subject to suspension
• No public charge test in the same sense
• Can be filed now while immigrant visas are frozen
• Path to a green card within the USA (without going to the consulate)

Path from O-1 to green card

Step 1: O-1 visa (2-4 months) -> Step 2: Entry to the USA -> Step 3: I-140 (EB-1A) (2-6 months) -> Step 4: I-485 (change of status) (6-12 months) -> Green card

Adjustment of Status (I-485) is processed by USCIS within the USA. You receive a green card without leaving the country.

Timelines and costs with Premium Processing

• O-1 petition: 15 calendar days, $2,965 (Premium)
• I-140 (EB-1A): 15 calendar days, $2,965 (Premium)
• I-485 (change of status): 8-18 months, Premium not available

O-1 and EB-1A use similar evidence (publications, awards, expert letters). If you qualify for O-1, you will likely qualify for EB-1A as well.

Two paths to a green card: which to choose

If you are outside the USA

1. Obtain a work visa and enter. H-1B, L-1, or O-1
2. Relocation to an international office.
3. Alternative countries. Canada, Australia, the UK, EU countries

Change of status within the country

Two different agencies: State Department (consulates, visas abroad) and USCIS (petitions, change of status within). The suspension only affects the State Department. USCIS has made no statements.

That is why the path "O-1 visa, then change of status within the USA" is a working strategy right now.

What lawyers say

When major immigration firms release official statements - it is a signal to the market.

Fragomen

#1 in the world in immigration law. 5000+ lawyers.

From official analytics:

• As of January 21, issuance is suspended indefinitely
• Applications can be submitted and interviews can be conducted, but visas will not be issued
• Dual citizenship allows bypassing the ban
• "This policy change will significantly impact families and employers. We anticipate legal challenges."

NAFSA

Voice of 10,000 universities. The largest lobby for international education.

From official statement:

• F-1 students, J-1 researchers, H-1B/L-1/O-1 workers - this does NOT apply
• 23 out of 75 countries are already under the restrictions of Proclamation 10998 - a double blow
• NAFSA called the data "deeply flawed"

"[This] will undoubtedly prevent some of the world's best and brightest students from contributing to US predominance in research, science, and innovation."

Capitol Immigration Law Group

From analytics:

• Continue to respond to consulate inquiries, even if the process is suspended
• USCIS has not announced similar measures for I-485 yet

Envoy Global

The #1 platform for corporate immigration. From analytics:

• The trend of "tightening the screws" will continue
• Employers should reconsider staffing strategies

What to expect next

• Lawsuits: AILA is coordinating with the American Immigration Council. Initial decisions may take 6-18 months
• Clarifications from the State Department: From a few days to a few weeks
• Recommendation from lawyers: Do not wait, but take action

Important: No major firm has said "it's all over." They said "the rules of the game are changing." The game continues, but the route is different.

Conclusion: what to do next

The situation is complex, but not hopeless.

For DV Lottery and family visas: the pause is real and may last up to 90 days. Prepare for delays, gather documents, do not make irreversible decisions.

For O-1 and work visas: this is a window of opportunity. Non-immigrant visas are not affected, and changing status within the US works.

Universal advice: if you have the opportunity to obtain O-1/L-1/H-1B, enter the US and apply for a change of status within the country - this is the safest path to a green card right now.

"If Trump wants only the best - become the best and come."

O-1 and EB-1A visas are a path that works even under current conditions. The criteria are broad: publications, awards, high income, expert letters. Start gathering evidence now.

The American immigration system is cyclical. The period of tightening will be followed by a period of loosening. Keep your "American dream" in sight.

Separated families:

"My wife is Brazilian, our I-130 case has been in process for 18 months. We thought it was almost over. And now what - wait an unknown amount of time?" - Reddit, r/immigration

"My father is a US citizen, I waited for reunification for 8 years under F2A. And now I'm told 'pause'. This is not a pause, it's a sentence." - VisaJourney

"My wife was supposed to arrive in a month. We already rented a bigger apartment, bought furniture for the nursery. And now I'm sitting alone in this apartment and don't know what to do." - Reddit

DV Lottery winners:

"I never thought winning the lottery could turn into a worthless piece of paper. We sold the car, quit our jobs, the kids said goodbye to their friends. And now what?" - Telegram chat

"I applied for the lottery for three years in a row. Finally won. And won exactly in the year when everything was canceled." - DVLottery

Employers:

"I am the HR director at a tech company. We have 15 employees waiting for green cards through the consulate. What should I tell them at the Monday meeting?" - LinkedIn

Advice:

"Definitely go to the interview if it is scheduled. Let them tell you 'sorry, pause'. This will be a step forward."

FAQ

Related

Reference material, not legal advice: rules and practice change - check the primary sources and consult a licensed attorney where needed.

Related materials - Get the visa and enter

• NVC and Consular Path After EB-1/EB-2 Approval
• Immigrant visa medical exam: panel physician, vaccines
• Real Timelines by Stage: From Petition to Visa
• Schengen for Warsaw Interview: Practical Logistics
• How the consular interview works
• The medical exam inside the US (I-693)
• Green card photo: requirements, online check, mistakes
• Child turns 21 without a green card: CSPA explained
• O-1 visa for Russian and Belarusian citizens: validity

All articles in «Get the visa and enter»

Next stepInterview prepReach the interview calmly: question rehearsal with self-check plus a readiness checklist.

From community discussions

• «They also ask about the essence of the extraordinary ability. And they may doubt that the person really did and does what's written in the petition. If a person flounders in their own petition, then that's a reason for the officer to wonder whose extraordinary achievements are so nicely described in the petition.»

  community member · from public community chats

• «A recommendation letter is not a criterion. It's in support of the petition. In the letter you can flaunt the names of these companies, but you need to reflect the fact of what exactly YOU did for these companies.»

  community member · from public community chats

• «I had a very serious RFE for EB1. It looked very scary, they asked for a lot of details, even ones we'd already submitted. We submitted again, but in more detail, lots of additional letters. In the end my RFE exceeded the case in page count, and ultimately they even gave the green card without an interview. You have to respond to an RFE, even if you'd already given this evidence, just give it in more detail, deeper, with additional letters. An RFE is not a denial, it's normal!»

  community member · from public community chats

Personal opinions of community members from public discussions, not legal advice.

Did this answer help?

YesNo