Washington (TDI): The United States government has announced a suspension of immigrant visa processing for Pakistan and 74 other countries from January 21, 2026.
The decision is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to tighten immigration rules and reevaluate who qualifies to become a permanent resident in the US.
Under the new directive issued by the US State Department, immigrant visas, including family-based, work-related, and diversity visas, will be paused while officials reassess the screening and vetting procedures.
The suspension is limited to immigrant visas and does not extend to non-immigrant categories such as tourist and business visas.
The policy, formally titled “Immigrant Visa Processing Updates for Nationalities at High Risk of Public Benefits Usage,” was last updated on January 14 and is set to take effect from January 21.
Authorities say the freeze is aimed at preventing the entry of applicants who might become a “public charge,” meaning they could end up relying on government welfare or public assistance after arriving in the US.
Read More: Pakistan Sees US Immigrant Visa Suspension as Short-Term Move
The policy affects countries across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Russia, Nigeria, Somalia, Haiti, and many others, with a total of 75 nations on the list.
Although visitor, tourist, and temporary business visas are not included in the suspension, immigrants hoping to settle permanently in the US will see their applications put on hold indefinitely or until further notice from US authorities
A State Department spokesperson, Tommy Pigott, said the pause will remain in place while the government ensures that future immigrants are less likely to depend on US taxpayer-funded benefits, part of what the administration has described as its “America First” immigration approach
For Pakistanis planning to move to the US, the decision could mean delays in travel, study, job opportunities, and family reunification plans.
Thousands of hopeful applicants, including students, professionals, and relatives of US citizens, may have to wait longer for visa interviews or final decisions. Pakistani missions in Washington and at US consulates are expected to issue guidance in the coming days on how applicants can navigate the changes.
