Trump Administration Halts Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries Amid Policy Review

On Wednesday, U.S. Department of State announced that it is suspending immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries. The pause starts January 21 and is part of a broader immigration crackdown aimed at tightening screening and vetting procedures. 

The pause affects nations across Latin America, the Balkans, South Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean, and targets applicants deemed at risk of becoming a “public charge” reliant on U.S. government benefits. While non-immigrant visas remain unaffected by this announcement, the move follows previous directives emphasizing financial self-sufficiency for immigrants and reflects the administration’s aggressive stance on both illegal and legal immigration, including higher fees for skilled worker visas. The $100,000 H-1B fee announced via presidential proclamation remains the subject of active litigation. 

This development underscores the growing complexity of U.S. immigration policy and its far-reaching implications for global mobility, workforce planning, familial relationships, and international relations. Again, federal officials have clarified that this does NOT apply to non-immigrant visas—only to immigrant visas. 

We are closely monitoring these developments and will offer further analysis as or when new information is available. In the meantime, please reach out if you have any questions about how the immigrant visa processing pause may impact your business or future plans.