U.S. Pauses Immigrant Visa Approvals for Nationals of 75 Countries

The United States has paused the final approval of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries starting January 21. The policy does not stop visa applications or interviews, but temporarily halts the issuance of immigrant visas for those seeking permanent residency. Nonimmigrant visas — including tourist, student, and work visas — are not affected. The pause is linked to enforcement of “public charge” rules, which allow officers to deny visas if they believe an applicant may rely on U.S. public benefits. Dual citizens are exempt if they apply using a passport from a country not on the list. U.S. officials say the policy focuses on financial self-sufficiency and does not amount to a full visa ban.