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Visa Suspension — Visa Suspension & Bans
Contents
A full breakdown of the suspension of immigrant visa issuance for 75 countries: who is affected, who is not, what to do and what alternatives exist. Analysis based on the text of the proclamation, lawyers’ responses, and community experience.
Summary
As of January 21, 2026, the United States has suspended issuance of immigrant visas (green cards) for citizens of 75 countries. Tourist, work, and student visas continue to operate as usual.
If you planned to get a green card through a consulate — the process is on hold. But there are workarounds: the O-1 visa allows entry to the U.S. and filing for a green card from inside the country, bypassing the consulate.
Below we cover: who is affected, who is not, the full list of 75 countries, what to do if you have an interview, and 7 strategies for those subject to the restrictions.
Key points
Effective January 21, 2026. End date not announced.
Nearly 50% of the usual annual immigrant inflow.
O-1, H-1B, B1/B2, F-1, L-1 operate as usual.
- Only immigrant visas are suspended (family, EB-1/2/3, DV Lottery). Tourist, student, H-1B, L-1, O-1 remain available.
- Change of status inside the U.S. is not affected. If you have an approved I-140 and are in the U.S. — that’s your primary route.
- O-1 remains available to citizens of all 75 countries and is a route to a green card via change of status inside the U.S.
- End date not announced. The State Department said “until further notice” — this could be weeks or months.
Situation
On January 14, 2026, the U.S. State Department announced a suspension of immigrant visa issuance for citizens of 75 countries. The decision takes effect on January 21, 2026.
Official statement travel.state.gov
What is suspended: Issuance of immigrant visas to citizens of 75 countries starting January 21, 2026.
What continues: Acceptance of applications and conducting interviews. Visas are not printed or issued, but adjudication proceeds.
What is NOT affected: Previously issued visas are not revoked. Nonimmigrant visas (O-1, H-1B, B1/B2, F, J) operate as usual.
Exception: Dual nationals may apply using the passport of a country not on the list.
Reason: Public charge — this is the rule allowing the U.S. to deny a visa if it believes a person will rely on public benefits rather than work. The State Department said citizens of the 75 countries “pose a high risk” of becoming such persons.
Put simply: if you won the green card lottery, the consular officer looks at whether you can support yourself in the U.S. or will seek food, housing, and medical benefits from the government. Now for citizens of 75 countries that question is put “on pause” until further instruction.
Where to follow updates: travel.state.gov — the State Department’s official visa site. The page specifically about this situation: page on the suspension.
Last update: January 14, 2026
"The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people."
Tommy Piggott, State Department spokesperson (Fox News, January 14, 2026)
Timing: No end date was specified. The State Department did not announce when it plans to resume visa issuance. It could be a month or a year — no one knows. Official phrasing: “until circumstances change.”
How the story unfolded in 48 hours
9:00 AM ET, January 14. Fox News Digital publishes an exclusive labeled “FIRST ON FOX,” citing a leaked internal State Department cable. Headline: “US freezes all visa processing for 75 countries.” The word “all” sparked panic in chats — many assumed the ban covered every visa.
17 minutes later Fox edits the headline: “immigrant visa processing” instead of “all visa processing.” The difference is huge, but hundreds had already contacted lawyers.
By midday. The State Department confirmed the suspension through spokesperson Tommy Piggott. Major media picked it up: CNN, NBC News, PBS, NPR, Reuters, Bloomberg, Al Jazeera.
Evening. The State Department clarified that nonimmigrant visas (tourist B1/B2, work, student) are not included in the pause.
January 15 — an important clarification. The State Department clarified: acceptance of new applications and holding interviews does NOT stop. Consulates continue to process documents, but visa issuance will not occur while the moratorium is in effect.
This was not entirely sudden. In November 2025, the State Department had already sent a cable to consuls worldwide with instructions to tighten “public charge” checks.
Softening of language over time:
- At first: “ban on ALL visas for 75 countries”
- Then: “only immigrant visas”
- Later: “only for those who may become a public charge”
The rhetoric has been toned down. If you know how U.S. bureaucracy works, don’t expect a quick lifting of the ban. At minimum several months.
This is not the first restriction — context
The suspension for 75 countries is part of a series of immigration restrictions in recent months:
- December 2025: Suspension of the DV Lottery. 129,516 winners of DV-2026 are in limbo (The Guardian).
- January 1, 2026: Presidential Proclamation 10998 — entry restrictions for citizens of 39 countries.
- Since January 2025: Over 100,000 visas revoked (Reuters).
- January 14, 2026: Suspension of immigrant visas for 75 countries (this news).
What this means: The administration is steadily tightening immigration policy. Don’t expect a rapid reversal — this appears to be a systemic policy shift rather than an isolated decision.
Who is affected
There are two types of visas in the U.S.: immigrant visas — which provide a green card and the right to live permanently in the U.S., and non-immigrant visas — temporary (tourist, work, student). The suspension concerns only immigrant visas.
What is suspended
- Employment-based immigrant visas: EB-1 A/B/C (for people with extraordinary ability, researchers, executives), EB-2 (professionals with advanced degrees), EB-3 (skilled workers), EB-5 (investors from $800,000).
- Family visas: IR visas for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, children, parents) and F1-F4 for more distant relatives (siblings, adult children).
- DV Lottery: Visas under the Diversity Visa program (green card lottery) are also suspended.
Special situation: DV Lottery winners
129,516 DV-2026 winners are in a critical situation:
- The DV Lottery was suspended back in December 2025
- Deadline September 30, 2026 — after that date the win expires
- This deadline cannot be extended — it is set by law
If you are a lottery winner: time is short. Consider alternative routes (O-1, student visa) now.
According to David Bier of the Cato Institute, the ban could prevent roughly 315,000 immigrants from entering in a year — nearly 50% of the usual annual inflow.
Important: even approved visas may be delayed
According to a leaked internal State Department cable, consular officers were instructed to hold visas that had already been approved but not yet printed or affixed to passports.
Good news: Previously issued visas (already affixed to passports) will not be revoked.
Dual citizenship
If you personally have a second citizenship of a country NOT on the list, you can apply using that passport and avoid the restrictions.
What Proclamation 10998 is — in plain language
In short: This is a presidential proclamation by Trump that bans or restricts visa issuance to citizens of 39 countries. Signed December 16, 2025, effective January 1, 2026.
How it came about:
- In Trump’s first term (2017–2021) there was the “Muslim Ban” — entry restrictions on several majority-Muslim countries
- The U.S. Supreme Court confirmed that the president has authority to issue such orders (case Trump v. Hawaii, 2018)
- On January 20, 2025 (second inauguration day) Trump signed an order to identify countries that “do not adequately vet their nationals”
- In June 2025 the first list (19 countries) was released
- In December 2025 the list expanded to 39 countries and some exceptions were removed
Relation to the 75-country news: Proclamation 10998 and the “75-country list” are different documents but operate together. The proclamation concerns security; the 75-country list concerns public charge. However, exceptions in the proclamation (dual nationals, LPRs, diplomats) apply to both.
Proclamation 10998 (official text)
"Any dual national of a country designated under sections 2, 3, 4, or 5 of this proclamation when the individual is traveling on a passport issued by a country not so designated"
Translation: If you have two passports (for example, Russia and Israel), and Russia is on the list but Israel is not — you can apply with the Israeli passport and the restrictions don’t apply to you.
"Dual nationals applying with a valid passport of a country that is not listed above are exempt from this pause."
Translation: Individuals with dual citizenship applying with a valid passport of a country not listed above are exempt from this pause.
Important: each family member is a separate applicant
Exemption applies to each family member individually based on their own passport. If the principal applies with a passport of a country NOT on the list, this DOES NOT exempt a spouse or children who only hold passports of countries on the list.
Fragomen (largest immigration law firm)
"Dual nationals applying for an immigrant visa with the passport of a country not listed above are exempt from the immigrant visa suspension."
Translation: A second passport allows you to bypass the restriction. The key phrase is "with the passport" — the passport you apply with matters.
NAFSA: Proclamation December 16, 2025
"The proclamation does not provide exemptions for derivative family members based on a relative's different nationality."
Translation: Your second passport helps only YOU. If your spouse or children do not have their own second passport of a country not on the list — they remain subject to the restrictions.
A real community story (November 2025)
"My EB-2 NIW interview was friendly. They asked a few questions: petition category, where I plan to work, when we got married, which countries we lived in for more than 6 months. They asked my husband about his job.
At the end the officer said medical results were needed to complete the check. But regarding my husband they said they had to refuse him because his country of citizenship is on a presidential proclamation list.
Now I’ll have to travel alone with three kids. We don’t know when this ban will end."
A member of the “Talent in Everyone” chat. Family of 5: principal passed, husband denied under the ban.
What to do if you have a second citizenship:
- Confirm your second passport is registered with the consulate
- Make sure the passport is valid (at least 6 months beyond planned entry date)
- Monitor updates on travel.state.gov
- Consult an attorney in mixed situations
If you don’t have a second citizenship — consider the route via an O-1 visa, then change of status inside the U.S.
Who is NOT affected
Most visa categories operate normally. The State Department officially confirmed that nonimmigrant visa issuance will continue.
Why tourist visas definitely won’t be frozen? The U.S. hosts the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
What operates as usual
- Tourist and business: B-1/B-2 visas are issued without changes
- Educational: F-1 (student), J-1 (exchange, internships), M-1 (vocational)
- Nonimmigrant work: H-1B, L-1, O-1 (for people of extraordinary ability), E-1/E-2
- Other: K-1 (fiancé visas), change of status inside the U.S. via form I-485, previously issued visas are not revoked
Already in the U.S. with an approved I-140?
I-140 is the immigrant petition. If it’s approved, the U.S. has already recognized you qualify for a green card.
If you are already in the U.S. (for example on O-1 or H-1B) and your I-140 is approved — file for Adjustment of Status (form I-485). This is the process of changing from temporary to permanent resident without leaving the country. It’s handled by USCIS (immigration service inside the U.S.), not the consulate abroad. The suspension does NOT affect this.
But note
Although nonimmigrant visas are formally not suspended, applicants from the 75 countries should expect more rigorous scrutiny. According to the Associated Press, consulates were instructed to perform more thorough checks even for tourists and students. Prepare financial documents in advance, even for a tourist visa.
Processes inside the U.S.
The suspension affects only the State Department. USCIS operates as usual: changes of status (I-485), work authorizations (EAD), naturalization.
List of 75 countries
The full list was published in a leaked State Department cable. Note: China, India, and Mexico are not on the list.
Europe and CIS (14): Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, Moldova, Armenia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro
Middle East (13): Egypt, Iran, Sudan, Algeria, Iraq, Morocco, Yemen, Syria, Tunisia, Jordan, Libya, Lebanon, Kuwait
Africa (20): Nigeria, Ethiopia, DR Congo, Tanzania, Uganda, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Somalia, Senegal, Guinea, Rwanda, South Sudan, Togo, Sierra Leone, Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Eritrea, Gambia, Cabo Verde
Asia and Oceania (11): Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Nepal, Cambodia, Laos, Mongolia, Fiji, Bhutan
Latin America (17): Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, Haiti, Cuba, Nicaragua, Jamaica, Uruguay, Bahamas, Belize, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica
Not on the list: China, India, Mexico, Philippines, South Korea, Israel, EU countries, United Kingdom
Public Charge: breakdown of the rationale
Public Charge is the test that determines whether an immigrant will be a “public charge” (dependent on benefits). The State Department uses this argument to justify the suspension.
The entire State Department memorandum is built around section 212(a)(4) of immigration law — it bars admission of people likely to become a public charge.
Important: This is NOT a statutory ban — a consular officer can grant exceptions. Unlike some other restrictions, the public charge criterion can be waived on a case-by-case basis.
Which benefits the State Department refers to
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): food assistance for low-income people. Up to $994/month for a family of 4. Food only.
- Medicaid: government health insurance for low-income people. 83 million beneficiaries, $880 billion/year budget.
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income): cash assistance for disabled and elderly. $994/month per person. For immigrants: typically requires 5+ years of lawful residence.
- TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families): temporary cash assistance for families with children. Lifetime limit: 5 cumulative years.
How requirements changed
Which benefits count as “bad”: Under Biden — only cash benefits (SSI, TANF). Under Trump — SNAP (food), Medicaid (medical), and housing assistance were added.
What period of life is checked: Under Biden — current circumstances only. Under Trump — the entire history (“totality of circumstances”). It doesn’t matter if you have a good job now. If you received benefits five years ago — the consul will see it.
How often denials occur: Under Biden — rare (less than 0.3%). Under Trump — a significant increase is expected.
Timeline of public charge rule changes
- 2019: Trump 1.0 — new regulation (84 FR 41292) broadened the concept. Waves of lawsuits followed.
- 2021–22: Biden — the rule was rescinded. The narrow definition returned.
- November 2025: Trump 2.0 — DHS proposed repealing Biden’s rule.
Contradiction: Under federal law PRWORA 1996, lawful immigrants DO NOT receive federal benefits for the first 5 years after receiving a green card. A person obtaining an immigrant visa today cannot immediately “go on benefits.”
What consuls specifically check (November guidance)
Factors: age, health, English ability, education, occupation, available financial resources, marital status, need for medical care.
Groups at higher risk of denial:
- Elderly applicants
- People with obesity (as a factor for medical expenses)
- Those who previously received cash assistance from the state
- Those who have been dependent on public support
What critics say
Elora Mukherjee, director of immigrant rights clinic, Columbia University:
“This new announcement is effectively an immigration ban on a very significant portion of the world coming to the United States.” (NPR)
Alan Viard, economist, American Enterprise Institute (conservative think tank):
Calls the approach “harmful and unnecessarily stringent.” (AEI)
Analysis: why these countries
The official rationale is fighting “public charge.” But looking closely at the list raises questions.
Major immigrant source countries NOT on the list
China. Only 7.8% of Chinese immigrants receive welfare. Real reason: Chinese specialists are critical for the tech industry.
India. Indian professionals account for about 70% of H-1B visas. Blocking them would cripple the IT sector.
Mexico. Largest trading partner. Border states depend on Mexican labor.
Four reasons China, India, and Mexico are not on the list
1. Technical: link to DV Lottery. China, India, Mexico don’t participate in the DV Lottery — they already have high flows. The “75 countries” list largely overlaps with countries eligible for the lottery.
2. Diplomatic and economic. India supplies essential IT talent (H-1B). Mexico is a critical neighbor and partner, co-hosting the 2026 World Cup.
3. Legal vulnerability. By distributing restrictions globally, the administration can argue economic, not racial, criteria.
4. Parallel restrictions already in place. H-1B fee hikes to $100,000 for some categories, Trump Gold Card, etc.
Oddities in the list
Missing though logical: Turkmenistan, Ukraine.
Unexpectedly included: Caribbean states (Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dominica), Kazakhstan.
Summary: The H-1B pool is protected. The list correlates more with geopolitics than with welfare statistics.
How countries on the list reacted
Official protests rarely change short-term outcomes. Don’t expect your government to “solve it” quickly. Seek personal alternatives.
[details=“Reactions by country”]
Russia. In 2024 Russians received 5,200 immigrant visas and 59,200 nonimmigrant visas. Since September 2025 Russians have been submitting documents only in Warsaw or Astana. Sources: RBC, Meduza
Brazil. Lula’s government was caught off guard. In South America only Brazil, Colombia, and Uruguay are on the list. Argentina — an ally of Trump’s pick Milei — is not included. Source: CNN Brasil
Nigeria. Over 18,000 Nigerian immigrants affected. The Nigerian community in the U.S. is one of the most educated immigrant groups. Sources: Punch, Guardian NG
Pakistan. Pakistan’s foreign ministry said it is “in contact with the American side.” Interviews continue, but visas are not being issued — passports are returned with 221(g) status. Source: Express Tribune
Chinese community: Relief that China is not on the list. Advice: strengthen financial documentation, consider change of status inside the U.S.
Indian media note the contrast with neighbors. All neighbors (Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan) are on the list, while India is not.
Russia: Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov said Russia “does not intend to respond in kind.”
What to do if you have an interview
The State Department confirmed: interviews continue to be scheduled and conducted. But visas will not be issued during the pause.
Attorney comment Thomas M. Lee:
“A pause is not the same thing as a permanent ban. Your case still exists.”
A pause is not a denial. If you have an interview after January 21, your case will not be refused (denied). Instead it will be put on administrative hold under 221(g).
Three scenarios
Interview before January 21. Attend as scheduled. If the visa is approved — it will be issued.
Interview after January 21. The interview will be conducted, but the visa will not be issued — the case will be put on hold (221g). The case remains active, not refused.
Visa already issued but unused. Visas already issued are NOT being revoked. Consider traveling before January 21 if feasible.
Details from the memorandum:
- Interview completed, visa approved, but not printed: Passport is returned with 221(g)
- Visa printed but passport still at the consulate: The visa may be cancelled (stamp “cancelled”), passport returned with 221(g)
- Passport with visa already in applicant’s possession: The visa remains valid and will not be revoked
Refusal vs Denial — important difference
Denial (refusal) — final decision. Refusal (221g) — procedural hold, the case remains open. After January 21 there will be holds, not final denials.
Medical exam validity
Medical exams are usually valid for 6 months. If delays extend longer — you may need to repeat the exam.
Approved I-140 and current priority date?
Your petition remains valid. NVC continues processing documents. When the pause ends, you will be in line.
Alternative: If you can enter the U.S. on a nonimmigrant visa (O-1, H-1B, L-1), you can file for Adjustment of Status inside the country. This completely bypasses the consulate.
Edge cases and exceptions
Scheduled interviews
Be ready for cancellation or rescheduling. Still attend the interview if scheduled. Formally your case will be placed in “Administrative Processing (221g)” until the moratorium is lifted.
Petitions I-130, I-140, DV Lottery in process
The new policy does not stop USCIS petition adjudication. But even after approval, the consular stage will not result in a visa until the ban is lifted.
Particular pain for lottery winners: Visas “expire” after September 30. The DV program operates on a “use it or lose it” basis.
Who the ban DOES NOT affect
Critical to understand: The ban applies ONLY to those who, on the effective date, are outside the United States AND do not already hold a valid visa.
DOS News Alert (December 19, 2025)
"Foreign nationals, even those outside the United States, who hold valid visas as of the effective date are not subject to Presidential Proclamation 10998. No visas issued before January 1, 2026 at 12:01 a.m. EST, have been or will be revoked pursuant to the Proclamation."
Visas issued before January 1, 2026 have not been and will not be revoked.
Official exceptions under Proclamation 10998
The restrictions DO NOT apply to:
- Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) — U.S. permanent residents
- Dual nationals — persons with dual citizenship traveling on a passport of a country NOT on the list
- Diplomatic visas — A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1–G-4, NATO-1–NATO-6
- Athletes for the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics
- SIV (Special Immigrant Visa)
- Persecuted religious minorities from Iran
- Refugees and asylees
Important change: Proclamation 10998 REMOVED exceptions for immediate family visas (IR-1/CR-1, IR-2/CR-2, IR-5), adoptions, and Afghan SIV. These categories are no longer exempt.
Detailed coverage
Proclamation 10998: two types of restrictions
Full Ban (19 countries + PA documents): All visas prohibited. Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Burma, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Mali, Niger, PA documents, Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Yemen
Partial Ban (20 countries): Immigrant visas plus B-1, B-2, F, M, J restricted. Work visas (H-1B, O-1, L-1) are NOT affected.
Citizenship vs. place of residence
Citizenship is the key criterion; place of residence doesn’t matter. A Kazakh citizen in the UAE is subject to restrictions. A German citizen in Nigeria is exempt.
What affected people should do: 7 strategies
Strategy 1: AOS instead of consular processing
If you already have an approved petition, consider entering the U.S. on a nonimmigrant visa and filing for Adjustment of Status inside the U.S. AOS is not covered by the suspension.
Important
Do not obtain a nonimmigrant visa by misrepresentation. Traveling as a tourist with a hidden intent to remain is risky. If you have a genuine route — study, work, O-1 — use it.
Strategy 2: Keep the case alive
Continue the process: submit documents to NVC, pay fees, prepare the affidavit. Don’t miss deadlines to respond to NVC or the consulate, or your case could be closed for inactivity.
Strategy 3: Monitoring
- Monitor travel.state.gov
- Check your mail: official notices may come from NVC or the embassy
Strategy 4: Second citizenship
If you are eligible for another citizenship — obtaining a second passport will remove restrictions.
Strategy 5: Financial documents
Gather bank statements, proof of savings, real estate, investments. If you have a co-sponsor with high income — secure their support. Strengthen your Affidavit of Support in advance.
Strategy 6: Plan B
Canada, Europe, Australia — if you can emigrate there, don’t ignore the option. The U.S. may be closed to half the world over the next year.
Strategy 7: Collective action
Legal challenges are already underway in the U.S. If you have close contacts who are U.S. citizens, encourage them to contact their congressional representatives.
What NOT to do:
- Don’t cancel an interview on your own — wait for the consulate’s notification
- Don’t file urgent “just in case” applications indiscriminately
- Beware of scammers offering “ban bypasses for a fee”
- Any immigration-law violation now could close the door permanently
O-1 as an alternative: a route to a green card
O-1 is a nonimmigrant visa, and it is NOT part of the suspension. Moreover, it’s a route to a green card that completely bypasses consular processing.
Why O-1 works:
- Nonimmigrant visa — not subject to the suspension
- The public charge test is not applied in the same way
- You can apply now while immigrant visas are frozen
- Path to a green card from inside the U.S. (no departure for consular processing)
Path from O-1 to green card
Step 1: O-1 visa (2–4 months) → Step 2: Enter the U.S. → Step 3: I-140 (EB-1A) (2–6 months) → Step 4: I-485 (change of status) (6–12 months) → Green Card
Adjustment of Status (I-485) is processed by USCIS inside the U.S. You receive a green card without leaving the country.
Timelines and costs with Premium Processing
- O-1 petition: 15 calendar days, $2,965 (Premium)
- I-140 (EB-1A): 15 calendar days, $2,965 (Premium)
- I-485 (change of status): 8–18 months, Premium not available
O-1 and EB-1A use similar evidence (publications, awards, expert letters). If you qualify for O-1, you likely qualify for EB-1A as well.
Two routes to a green card: which to choose
| Factor | Adjustment of Status (inside the U.S.) | Consular processing |
|---|---|---|
| Affected by suspension? | No | Yes |
| Where you must be | In the U.S. (with valid status) | Outside the U.S. |
| Can you work during the process? | Yes (via EAD) | No |
| Can you travel outside the U.S.? | Yes (via Advance Parole) | Unlimited |
| Current timelines | 8–18 months | Uncertain (for the 75 countries) |
If you are outside the U.S.
- Obtain a work visa and enter the U.S. H-1B, L-1 or O-1
- Relocate via an international office transfer.
- Alternative countries. Canada, Australia, UK, EU
Change of status inside the U.S.
Two different agencies: State Department (consulates, visas abroad) and USCIS (petitions, change of status inside). The suspension affects only the State Department. USCIS has not announced similar measures.
That is why the “O-1 visa, then change of status inside the U.S.” route is a viable strategy right now.
What lawyers say
When major immigration firms issue official statements — it signals the market.
Fragomen
#1 in the world for immigration law. 5,000+ lawyers.
From official analysis:
- Visa issuance suspended from January 21 for an indeterminate period
- Applications and interviews can continue, but visas will not be issued
- Dual citizenship allows bypassing the suspension
- “This policy change will significantly impact families and employers. We anticipate legal challenges.”
More: what Fragomen says about Public Charge
November 2025 changes: The State Department circulated new guidance. Now the “negative factors” include:
- Diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Sleep apnea, cancer, obesity
- Respiratory, neurological, metabolic diseases, mental disorders
Shocking detail: Consuls must now consider the health of family members who are not applying for a visa themselves.
NAFSA
The voice of 10,000 universities. Largest international education lobby.
From official statement:
- Students F-1, researchers J-1, workers H-1B/L-1/O-1 — not affected
- 23 of 75 countries are already covered by Proclamation 10998 — a double hit
- NAFSA called the data “deeply flawed”
“[This] will undoubtedly prevent some of the world’s best and brightest students from contributing to US predominance in research, science, and innovation.”
Capitol Immigration Law Group
From analysis:
- Continue to respond to consulate requests even if processing is paused
- USCIS has not announced similar measures for I-485
Envoy Global
Platform #1 for corporate immigration. From analysis:
- The trend of “tightening the screws” will continue
- Employers should reassess workforce strategies
What to expect next
- Lawsuits: AILA coordinates with the American Immigration Council. First rulings may take 6–18 months
- State Department clarifications: From several days to several weeks
- Lawyers’ recommendation: Don’t wait — act
Important: No major firm said “all is lost.” They said “the rules changed.” The game continues, but the route is different.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my tourist B1/B2 visa affected?
No. B1/B2 is a nonimmigrant visa. The suspension concerns only immigrant visas. Tourist, student (F-1), work (H-1B, L-1, O-1) visas operate as usual.
I already have an approved I-140. What should I do?
If you are in the U.S. — consider Adjustment of Status (form I-485). This is NOT affected by the suspension.
If you are outside the U.S. — wait for State Department clarifications. Your approved petition is not revoked.
How long will the suspension last?
There is no official end date. The State Department cable says: “until further guidance.” Lawyers recommend not waiting and exploring alternatives now.
Why aren’t China and India on the list?
No official explanation. Experts suggest:
- H-1B pool: China and India are primary sources of IT specialists
- Trade relations: Major trading partners of the U.S.
- Political logic: The list correlates more with geopolitics than welfare statistics
I’m from Russia/Belarus. Is O-1 available to me?
Yes. O-1 is a nonimmigrant visa and is NOT part of the suspension. Citizens of all 75 countries can apply for O-1.
Route to green card: enter on O-1 → file EB-1A → Adjustment of Status inside the U.S.
My interview was canceled. What to do?
- Keep the cancellation notice
- Monitor updates from the consulate
- Keep documents up to date
- Consider alternatives (O-1, change of status if you’re in the U.S.)
- Consult an attorney
I have dual citizenship. One passport is from a listed country, the other is not.
You’re lucky. The State Department: “Dual nationals applying with a valid passport of a country that is not listed above are exempt from this pause.” Apply with the passport of the country NOT on the list.
I’m in the U.S. on O-1. Can I switch to EB-1 now?
Yes, if you file via change of status (form I-485) inside the U.S. This process is regulated by USCIS, not the State Department.
What if my interview is scheduled after January 21?
From the State Department FAQ: the interview will be conducted, but the visa will not be printed into your passport until the pause ends.
What about denaturalization?
From 1990 to 2017 there were on average 11 cases a year. In 2025 about 20 cases, 8 were successful. Denaturalization requires serious proven fraud. Rare cases. But: after getting a green card, continue working in your field and do not lie on documents.
What if I received an RFE?
Respond as usual. An RFE is part of petition adjudication, not consular visa issuance. Different agencies.
Detailed analysis
Should I continue gathering documents for EB-1?
Definitely continue. The suspension is temporary. The same documents are useful for O-1. I-140 continues to be adjudicated. You can enter on O-1 and change status to a green card inside the U.S.
Questions from the ‘Talent in Everyone’ chat
Question: “I’m Belarusian applying for EB-1, and my spouse and children are Russian. Will I be approved while they aren’t?”
Answer: Belarus is also on the list, so the whole family is affected.
Question: “Those already in the U.S. on O-1 — is switching to EB-1 blocked from the 21st?”
Answer: No. Change of status inside the U.S. is handled by USCIS and is not affected.
Question: “O-1 remains available for Russians, but EB-1 was paused?”
Answer: Not paused permanently. It’s a suspension, not a total ban. It may reopen in months with new rules.
Interview report: Warsaw, January 15, 2026
“I just returned from an interview in Warsaw. They asked for a couple additional documents, but generally immigration visas are on pause. At the end they gave me a white 221(g) form indicating administrative processing.”
UPDATE: Some who finished interviews and were put on pause without additional document requests received emails inviting them back so the visa could be issued.
Conclusion: The situation is evolving. Some visas are still being issued. Monitor your mail.
Glossary: terms in plain language
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| ICE | Immigration and Customs Enforcement - U.S. immigration enforcement |
| DHS | Department of Homeland Security |
| USCIS | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services - immigration service (separate from the State Department) |
| State Department | Manages consulates and issues visas |
| AOS | Adjustment of Status - change of status inside the U.S. (form I-485) |
| Consular Processing | Obtaining a visa through a consulate abroad (suspended) |
| Immigrant Visa | Immigrant visa — leads to a green card (suspended) |
| Nonimmigrant Visa | Temporary visa: B1/B2, F-1, H-1B, O-1 (NOT affected) |
| O-1 | Visa for extraordinary ability — NOT affected. Path to green card via EB-1A |
| EB-1A | Green card for people of extraordinary ability |
| I-140 | Petition for an immigrant visa. Processed by USCIS |
| I-485 | Application for Adjustment of Status (AOS). Filed inside the U.S. |
| RFE | Request for Evidence — request for additional documents |
| Public Charge | Criterion of financial dependence on the government |
| DV Lottery | Diversity visa lottery (~55,000 visas/year) |
| DACA | Protection for immigrants brought as children |
| EAD | Employment Authorization Document (issued while awaiting a green card) |
| Advance Parole | Travel permission to leave and return while awaiting a green card |
Conclusion: what to do next
The situation is difficult but not hopeless.
For DV Lottery winners and family-based applicants: the pause is real and may last up to 90 days. Prepare for delays, gather documents, and avoid irreversible decisions.
For O-1 and work visas: this is an opportunity. Nonimmigrant visas are not affected, and change of status inside the U.S. works.
Universal advice: If you can obtain O-1/L-1/H-1B, enter the U.S., and file for change of status inside the country — this is the most secure route to a green card right now.
“If Trump only wants the best — become the best and come.”
O-1 and EB-1A are paths that work even under current conditions. Evidence is broad: publications, awards, high income, expert letters. Start collecting evidence now.
The American immigration system is cyclical. A period of tightening will be followed by easing. Keep your American dream in view.
[details=“Voices from the community: how people react”]
Separated families:
“My wife is Brazilian, our I-130 case has been pending 18 months. We thought it was almost done. Now what — wait an unknown time?” - Reddit, r/immigration
“My father is a U.S. citizen, I waited 8 years to reunite under F2A. Now they tell me ‘pause.’ This is not a pause, it’s a sentence.” - VisaJourney
“My wife was supposed to arrive in a month. We already rented a bigger apartment, bought kids’ furniture. Now I’m alone in the apartment not knowing what to do.” - Reddit
DV Lottery winners:
“Never thought a lottery win could become a worthless paper. We sold the car, quit jobs, kids said goodbye to friends. Now what?” - Telegram chat
“I applied three years in a row. Finally won. And won in the year everything was frozen.” - DVLottery
Employers:
“I’m an HR director at a tech company. 15 employees are awaiting green cards through consular processing. What should I tell them on Monday’s meeting?” - LinkedIn
Advice:
“Go to the interview if it’s scheduled. Let them tell you ‘sorry, it’s on pause.’ That will be your…”