On January 14, 2026, the Department of State released an update that it would pause the issuance of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries.
The immigrant visa is the last phase in the green card process for individuals who apply for their green card at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
This pause does not apply to individuals applying for their green card within the United States via an Adjustment of Status (Form I-485), which is the primary pathway for our firm clients. The pause also does not apply to nonimmigrant visas like H-1B’s, J-1’s, or F-1’s.
This policy is effective January 21, 2026, and applies to the following countries:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, The Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen
Additionally, the pause on immigrant visas does not apply to dual nationals who hold a passport from a country not included in the above list.
Applicants for immigrant visas should still attend scheduled interviews, but the immigrant visa will not be issued at this time.
Bernstein Shur will continue to monitor this pause and will provide updates as they are released.
Bernstein Shur’s Immigration Law practice group helps employers navigate an increasingly complex immigration landscape through proactive, compliant strategies that support recruitment, retention, and long-term workforce planning. The group advises businesses across industries—particularly in health care and highly regulated sectors—on matters ranging from temporary work visas and employment-based green cards to I-9 compliance and audit preparedness.
Michael Murray is a shareholder and Chair of the Immigration Law group who advises employers on health care and business immigration strategy, including visa planning, compliance frameworks, and workforce planning to support recruitment, retention, and long-term stability. He can be reached at [email protected].
Olivia Shaw is an associate in the Immigration Law group who advises employers on obtaining temporary work authorization and permanent residence for their employees, with particular experience in health care immigration and business immigration strategies. She can be reached at [email protected].