🔥 Gündem US Immigrant Visa Pause: What You Need to Know

The "immigrant visa pause" refers to a significant policy change implemented by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) that began on January 21, 2026, indefinitely halting the issuance of immigrant visas to applicants from a list of 75 countries ¹⁵. This action is part of a broader effort by the U.S. government to review and potentially revise its procedures, particularly concerning "public charge" determinations for immigrants ⁵.

Background and Rationale for the Pause

The primary reason cited by the State Department for this pause is to address concerns about migrants who utilize public welfare benefits at "unacceptable rates" ²⁵. The freeze is intended to remain active until the U.S. can establish mechanisms to ensure that new immigrants will not unduly burden the public benefits system ². This move reflects a policy decision to re-evaluate how visa applications are processed and approved, rather than indicating any wrongdoing on the part of the applicants themselves ⁴.

The pause is also seen as part of a larger crackdown on both lawful and undocumented immigration by the Trump administration, aiming to limit access to the U.S. for certain groups ¹⁰.

Who is Affected by the Immigrant Visa Pause?

The pause specifically targets individuals applying for immigrant visas from outside the United States ⁷. These are visas that lead to permanent residency (Green Cards) and are processed through U.S. embassies and consulates abroad ⁷.

Who is NOT Affected?

• Applicants within the U.S. (Adjustment of Status): If you are already inside the U.S. and are applying for a Green Card through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) via an "Adjustment of Status," this specific pause does not apply to you ⁶.
• Non-immigrant visas: The pause primarily concerns immigrant visas, not non-immigrant visas (such as tourist, student, or temporary work visas).

Scope of the Pause

Initially, in November 2025, a State Department policy affecting visa approvals was changed ¹. Then, on January 21, 2026, the indefinite halt on immigrant visa processing for 75 countries took effect ¹⁵. A full list of these 75 countries has been distributed by the State Department to U.S. embassies and consulates ⁸.

In some instances, federal courts have intervened. For example, a federal court blocked a sweeping pause on legal immigration for nationals of 39 countries, which had led USCIS to suspend the granting of all applications for immigration benefits, including naturalization, green cards, work permits, and visa petitions for those countries ³. This highlights the dynamic and sometimes contested nature of these policy changes.

Implications for Applicants

For those affected, the pause means that their immigrant visa applications, which are processed at consulates abroad, are currently on hold. It is important to understand that a "pause" is not the same as a "denial"; it signifies a temporary suspension of processing rather than a final rejection ⁴. However, the indefinite nature of the pause creates uncertainty for applicants from the designated countries.

The situation remains fluid, with ongoing legal challenges and potential policy revisions. Individuals from the affected countries who are considering applying for an immigrant visa are advised to consult with immigration legal professionals to understand their specific situation and potential strategies ⁶.