US suspends immigrant visa processing for 75 countries on the 14th of January, 2026, and here is what that means for immigrants from these countries.
The United States has announced a major change to its immigration process, suspending immigrant visa applications from 75 countries. The announcement was made on January 14, 2026, and has already raised serious concerns among people hoping to relocate permanently to the US.
This decision is part of a broader immigration policy shift under President Donald Trump, with officials citing national security and the need for stricter screening procedures.
What Is Happening
According to a spokesperson from the US State Department, immigrant visa processing for the affected countries will be paused starting January 21, 2026. The suspension does not have a clear end date and will remain in place until the government completes a review of its visa screening and vetting systems.
A memo seen by Fox News Digital indicates that US consular officers have been instructed to refuse immigrant visa applications during this period, based on existing immigration laws.
This policy affects only immigrant visas, which are issued to people seeking permanent residence in the United States. Non immigrant visas such as tourist or student visas were not mentioned in the announcement.
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Countries Affected
The suspension affects countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas and Oceania, making it one of the broadest immigration restrictions in recent years.
Africa
- Algeria
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Cote d’Ivoire
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Egypt
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Liberia
- Libya
- Morocco
- Nigeria
- Republic of the Congo
- Rwanda
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Tanzania
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Uganda
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Asia
- Afghanistan
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- Burma
- Cambodia
- Georgia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Lebanon
- Mongolia
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Syria
- Thailand
- Uzbekistan
- Yemen
Europe
- Albania
- Belarus
- Bosnia
- Kosovo
- Macedonia
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- Russia
North America and the Caribbean
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Cuba
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Haiti
- Jamaica
- Nicaragua
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
South America
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Uruguay
Oceania
- Fiji
Why This Matters
The suspension affects thousands of individuals and families who were in the process of applying for permanent residency in the US. For many, it means delays, uncertainty and disrupted plans involving work, education and family reunification.
While US officials say the move is aimed at strengthening security and improving vetting procedures, critics argue that such broad suspensions place an unfair burden on ordinary applicants who pose no security risk.
As the review continues, affected applicants are being advised to monitor official updates from US embassies and the State Department for any changes or clarifications.
This policy adds another layer to the ongoing global debate over immigration, border control and national security, with real human consequences for people around the world.
Sources
- The full list of 75 countries where Trump is suspending visa processing – The Guardian
- Which 75 countries are on Trump’s travel ban list?
- Which countries’ fans are banned from US World Cup games? BBC
- A Guide to the Countries on Trump’s Travel Ban List
- Explore Tourism and Travels – Tadexprof
