The United States has paused immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, including Pakistan, marking a major shift in U.S. immigration policy. According to internal government instructions circulated to U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, the decision places an indefinite freeze on U.S. immigrant visas while screening and vetting rules undergo a comprehensive review.
This U.S. immigration visa news today has created uncertainty for thousands of families, skilled workers, and diversity visa applicants who were preparing to move to the United States.
U.S. Freezes Immigrant Visas For 75 Countries, Including Pakistan
The decision that the USA stops immigrant visas for 75 countries, including Pakistan, represents one of the most significant changes in recent U.S. immigration visa policy. While described as a procedural review, its impact on families, workers, and future immigrants is substantial.
Applicants should remain informed, financially prepared, and legally guided as U.S. visa suspension policies continue to evolve.
USA Stops Immigrant Visas – What Happened?
Under the new directive, consular officers have been instructed to pause approvals of immigrant visas until revised eligibility and screening standards are finalized.
The policy applies to immigrant visas only and does not officially include non-immigrant visas such as tourist, student, or temporary work visas, though applicants should expect stricter scrutiny across all categories.
When Did the U.S. Visa Suspension Take Effect?
The U.S. immigrant visa pause takes effect from January 21 and will remain in place until further notice. No official end date has been announced, meaning the freeze could last several months or longer depending on policy outcomes.
Why Did the USA Freeze Immigrant Visa Processing?
According to U.S. officials, the decision is part of a broader reassessment of how immigrants are evaluated before entering the country.
Main Reasons Behind the U.S. Visa Freeze
- Review of financial self-sufficiency requirements
- Prevention of reliance on government-funded assistance
- Strengthening of public charge rules
- Expanded background and eligibility checks
U.S. authorities have emphasized that this move is not country-specific discrimination, but a procedural pause linked to updated vetting standards.
US Visa Ban 75 Countries List (Including Pakistan)
The U.S. visa freeze list includes countries from Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
Countries Where the USA Stops Immigrant Visas
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan | Macedonia |
| Albania | Moldova |
| Algeria | Mongolia |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Montenegro |
| Armenia | Morocco |
| Azerbaijan | Nepal |
| Bahamas | Nicaragua |
| Bangladesh | Nigeria |
| Barbados | Pakistan |
| Belarus | Republic of the Congo |
| Belize | Russia |
| Bhutan | Rwanda |
| Bosnia | Saint Kitts and Nevis |
| Brazil | Saint Lucia |
| Burma | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Cambodia | Senegal |
| Cameroon | Sierra Leone |
| Cape Verde | Somalia |
| Colombia | South Sudan |
| Côte d’Ivoire | Sudan |
| Cuba | Syria |
| Democratic Republic of Congo | Tanzania |
| Dominica | Thailand |
| Egypt | Togo |
| Eritrea | Tunisia |
| Ethiopia | Uganda |
| Fiji | Uruguay |
| Gambia | Uzbekistan |
| Georgia | Yemen |
| Ghana | Iran |
| Grenada | Iraq |
| Guatemala | Jamaica |
| Guinea | Jordan |
| Haiti | Kazakhstan |
| Kosovo | Kyrgyzstan |
| Kuwait | Afghanistan |
| Laos | Albania |
| Lebanon | Algeria |
| Liberia | Antigua and Barbuda |
| Libya | Armenia |
How the New U.S. Visa Screening Rules Work
A confidential memo from the U.S. Department of State outlines expanded vetting criteria for immigrant visa applicants.
Factors Now Reviewed More Strictly
- Applicant’s age
- Health condition and chronic illnesses
- Financial stability and income
- Employment history and job prospects
- English language proficiency
- Likelihood of using public assistance
- Past use of welfare or government aid
Applicants who previously qualified may now face refusal under the updated standards.
Who Is Most Likely to Be Affected?
The U.S. immigrant visa suspension is expected to impact:
- Elderly applicants
- Individuals with long-term medical conditions
- Applicants with weak financial profiles
- Families without strong sponsors
- Applicants with prior public benefit usage
What Does This Mean for Pakistani Applicants?
For Pakistani citizens, the U.S. immigration visa from Pakistan faces new uncertainty.
Key Impacts For Pakistan USA Stops Immigrant Visas
- Pending immigrant visa cases may face indefinite delays
- New applications will undergo stricter scrutiny
- Financial documents will become more critical
- Sponsorship requirements may tighten further
Non-immigrant visas (student, visit, temporary work) are not officially suspended, but delays and enhanced checks are expected.
Legal Authority Behind the U.S. Visa Freeze
U.S. immigration law already permits visa officers to deny applicants deemed likely to become a “public charge.” The current pause relies on these existing legal provisions.
A State Department spokesperson confirmed the action is within U.S. legal authority to protect public resources and ensure long-term economic sustainability.
Is This a Permanent U.S. Visa Ban?
No. Officials describe the policy as temporary but indefinite:
- ❌ Not a permanent ban
- 🔄 May be lifted or modified
- 📜 New eligibility rules will likely replace the pause
However, applicants should prepare for long delays and higher documentation requirements even after processing resumes.
What Should Applicants Do Now?
Recommended Steps
- Do not withdraw applications without legal advice
- Strengthen financial documents and affidavits of support
- Consult a licensed U.S. immigration attorney
- Monitor official U.S. embassy updates
- Avoid misinformation on social media
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the U.S. immigrant visa ban permanent?
No, it is indefinite but not permanent.
Are student and work visas affected?
Officially no, but enhanced scrutiny is expected.
Why is Pakistan included?
Pakistan is part of the broader group under revised vetting procedures.
Can approved visas be canceled?
Some approved cases may still face delays or additional checks.
