US Pauses Immigrant Visa Processing For 75 Countries Including Russia And Iran

Last Updated:January 14, 2026, 21:55 IST

According to a US State Department memo circulated to consular posts, officers have been directed to refuse visas under existing immigration law.

The pause is set to begin on January 21 and will remain in effect indefinitely.

The US State Department is pausing immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries as part of a renewed effort to block entry to people deemed likely to rely on public welfare benefits. According to a State Department memo circulated to consular posts, officers have been directed to refuse visas under existing immigration law while the department reassesses its screening and vetting procedures. The pause is set to begin on January 21 and will remain in effect indefinitely.

Countries affected include Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand and Yemen, among others.

A State Department spokesperson said the move reflects stricter enforcement of the “public charge" provision of US immigration law, which allows authorities to deny entry to individuals considered likely to depend on government assistance.

News world US Pauses Immigrant Visa Processing For 75 Countries Including Russia And Iran

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