USA Suspends Immigrant Visas for 75 Countries in 2026: What It Means for Pakistan and Others

The United States of America has announced a major change in its immigration policy for 2026. Immigrant visas for 75 countries, including Pakistan, have been temporarily paused. This unexpected decision has shocked millions of applicants worldwide.

What Is the USA Immigrant Visa Suspension 2026?

The U.S. government has temporarily stopped issuing immigrant visas for citizens of selected countries. This applies to family-based, employment-based, and diversity visas.

Key Points:

Why Did the USA Pause Immigrant Visas?

The main goal is to reassess visa screening standards under U.S. immigration law. The U.S. government wants to ensure that new immigrants are financially self-sufficient and will not rely on government assistance after moving to the country.

Core Reasons Behind the Policy:

Concerns about applicants becoming a public charge
Evaluating financial stability and employment prospects
Assessing healthcare costs and risks
Preventing long-term dependency on U.S. government aid

It’s important to note: This is not a ban. It is a temporary administrative pause while policies are reviewed.

Official Statement from the U.S. State Department

Tommy Piggott, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, confirmed the policy. He stated:

The suspension is based on existing legal authority
The goal is to protect U.S. taxpayers from potential financial burdens
The pause is law-driven, not political

Countries Affected by the 2026 Visa Suspension

A total of 75 countries are impacted, including nations from South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

Region	Countries
South Asia	Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal
Middle East	Iran, Iraq, Syria, Yemen
Africa	Nigeria, Somalia, Sudan, Ethiopia
Europe	Russia, Belarus, Moldova
Americas	Haiti, Cuba, Guatemala
Asia-Pacific	Thailand, Mongolia, Laos

Pakistan is officially included, so all immigrant visa approvals for Pakistani applicants are on hold until further notice.

Which Types of US Visas Are Affected?

Not all U.S. visas are affected by this suspension.

Affected Visas:

Family-based immigrant visas
Employment-based immigrant visas
Diversity Visa (DV) lottery

Not Affected:

Tourist visas (B1/B2)
Student visas (F-1, M-1)
Work visas (H-1B, L-1)
Diplomatic visas
Other non-immigrant visas

This means students, tourists, and temporary workers can still apply and travel to the USA.

New Screening Rules Explained

The U.S. government has issued new, stricter screening criteria for immigrants. Visa officers are instructed to assess applicants more thoroughly.

Factors Being Reviewed:

Age of applicant
Chronic health conditions
English language ability
Employment prospects
Financial stability
Medical insurance coverage

Applicants with long-term illnesses, limited income, or past public assistance use may face a higher risk of visa denial.

Who Is Most Likely to Be Rejected?

Based on current guidance, certain groups may face challenges:

Elderly applicants
Applicants with chronic illnesses or health issues
Individuals with past public assistance history
Low-income applicants without sponsors
People with previous institutionalization or government support

What Happens to Pending Visa Applications?

If you have already applied for an immigrant visa:

Your application is paused, not cancelled
No interviews will take place during the suspension
No approvals will be issued
Your application remains on record until policies are updated

Can You Appeal or Reapply?

At this stage:

Appeals are not accepted
Reapplications will face the same freeze
Legal challenges may take time
Experts recommend waiting for official reopening announcements

How Long Will the Suspension Last?

There is no official end date for this pause.

The suspension will continue until:

New vetting rules are finalized
Evaluation criteria are approved
Embassies receive fresh instructions

This process could take several months, so applicants must remain patient.

What Should Pakistani Applicants Do Now?

If you are from Pakistan or another affected country, here are steps you can take:

Recommended Actions:

Monitor updates from the U.S. embassy or consulate
Prepare stronger financial documents
Ensure you have valid medical insurance
Improve English language proficiency if needed
Avoid misinformation on social media
Stay alert for official announcements

FAQs About the US Visa Suspension 2026

Q1: Is the USA banning immigrants in 2026?

No. The U.S. is temporarily pausing immigrant visas for selected countries, not banning immigration.

Q2: Is Pakistan included in this policy?

Yes, Pakistan is officially listed among the 75 affected countries.

Q3: Are student visas affected?

No. Student visas (F-1, M-1) and tourist visas continue as normal.

Q4: When will US immigrant visas reopen?

There is no confirmed reopening date yet. Applicants must wait for official updates.

Q5: Can I still apply for a US tourist visa?

Yes. Non-immigrant visas are not affected by this suspension.

Conclusion

The USA immigrant visa suspension for 75 countries in 2026 is a significant change in global immigration policy.

For applicants from Pakistan:

Patience is essential
Preparation is key (financial, health, and documentation)
Stay updated with official US embassy announcements

This is not a ban; it is a temporary administrative pause aimed at reviewing policies and ensuring that new immigrants can support themselves without relying on government aid.

Being informed, prepared, and patient will help applicants navigate this pause until visa processing resumes.