The US State Department will pause immigrant visa processing beginning Jan 21st for applicants from 75 countries, including Nigeria, Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Thailand and Yemen, as part of a review of visa screening under the public charge provision of immigration law.
This is due to an internal State Department memo directing consular officers to refuse visas under existing law while the department reassesses screening and vetting procedures.
Indefinite pause on visa processing
According to the memo, the pause will apply to immigrant visa processing and will remain in effect until the State Department completes its review. No end date has been announced. Fox News cites that consular officers are instructed to continue applying current law during the pause and to deny visas to applicants deemed likely to become a public charge.
The memo lists several countries affected by the pause, including Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand and Yemen. The full list of 75 countries has not been publicly released.
Use of public charge provision
The visa pause is tied to the public charge provision of US immigration law, which allows the government to deny entry to individuals who are likely to rely on public benefits. Under the directive, consular officers are required to make determinations based on existing standards while the department reviews how those standards are applied.
The State Department said the review is focused on ensuring immigrant visa applicants are properly screened under the law before being approved for entry into the United States.
Expanded screening guidance issued earlier
Reports cite that in November 2025, the State Department sent a cable to US embassies and consulates worldwide instructing officers to enforce expanded screening criteria when reviewing immigrant visa applications. The guidance directed officers to consider factors such as health, age, English proficiency, financial resources and potential need for long-term medical care.
The guidance also allows visa denials for applicants who have previously used government cash assistance or who have been institutionalized. Officers are instructed to weigh all factors when making a public charge determination.
State Department statement
State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said the department is acting within its authority.
“The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge in the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people,” Piggott said.
“Immigration from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassess immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits,” he added.
The department has not said when the reassessment will be completed or whether permanent changes to visa processing will follow.
