Effective Jan. 21, 2026, the Trump Administration is pausing the issuance of immigrant visas to applicants from 75 countries. The directive applies to those seeking to immigrate permanently to the United States from the 75 countries, including immediate family members of U.S. citizens. The pause does not apply to nonimmigrant visas, which are issued to people seeking to temporarily enter the United States for purposes such as training (i.e., J-1 and H-1B visas), business, tourism, study, or temporary work.
This announcement does not change or override existing U.S. entry restrictions imposed under the June and December 2025 Presidential Proclamations. Where there is overlap between countries subject to the new immigrant visa pause and countries subject to existing travel bans, the travel ban restrictions continue to apply independently.