The US State Department has announced that it will temporarily suspend immigrant visa processing for Pakistan and 74 other countries effective January 21 2026. This pause applies to visas that lead to permanent residency including family sponsored employment based and diversity visas. Non immigrant visas such as tourist student and work visas will continue to be processed.
Reason for Suspension
Officials say the suspension is part of a broader immigration policy review aimed at reassessing vetting procedures. The goal is to reduce the number of immigrants who may become public charges meaning individuals likely to rely on US public benefits. The pause will remain in effect until the review is completed.
Countries Affected
Pakistan is officially included among the 75 nations affected. Other countries are spread across Asia the Middle East Africa Europe the Americas and Oceania. Nationals of these countries who are waiting for immigrant visa decisions may face delays or temporary holds on their applications.
US Immigrant Visa Suspension 75 Countries List
| Region (Ilaaqah) | Countries (Mulkon ke Naam) |
| South Asia | Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Nepal. |
| Middle East | Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen. |
| Central Asia | Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Mongolia. |
| East Asia & SE Asia | Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Laos, Thailand. |
| Europe & Caucasus | Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia. |
| Americas (Latin) | Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay, Nicaragua, Guatemala. |
| Caribbean Islands | Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Antigua & Barbuda, Belize. |
| Oceania | Fiji, Palau, Samoa, Tuvalu, Micronesia, Vanuatu. |
| North Africa | Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Sudan. |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | Nigeria, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Ghana, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, DR Congo, Somalia. |
Impact on Pakistani Citizens
The suspension means that thousands of Pakistanis applying for permanent residency or family based visas to the United States may experience delays. This does not affect temporary visas such as tourist student or work permits which will continue to be processed normally. Citizens planning long term relocation may need to adjust timelines based on this policy update.
Summary
In summary the US State Department will pause immigrant visa processing for Pakistan and 74 other countries starting January 21 2026. This is a temporary measure for policy review primarily affecting permanent residency visas while non immigrant visas remain unaffected.