As of January 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of State has implemented a temporary freeze on immigrant visa issuances for nationals of 75 countries. This policy is part of a broader review of public charge concerns. It directly affects individuals seeking green cards through U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.
If you are a national of one of the affected countries, you need to understand what this means for your visa application, which visas remain available, and why this freeze does not directly affect applicants inside the United States.
Currently: Blocked Immigrant Visas
The new policy temporarily pauses immigrant visa issuances for nationals of the 75 designated countries. Immigrant visas include family-based categories, employment-based categories, special immigrant categories, and diversity visas.
If you are applying for a green card through consular processing, your case will likely face delays. The affected categories include:
Family-Based Immigrant Visas
These include IR and CR visas for immediate relatives and conditional residents, as well as preference-based family petitions.
Employment-Based Immigrant Visas
EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, and other employment-based green card categories fall under the suspension.
Diversity Visa Program
If you won the DV lottery and are from one of the 75 affected countries, your immigrant visa will not be issued during the freeze.
Other Immigrant Categories
This affects any green card category that requires consular processing, including special immigrant visas.
What the Freeze Means in Practice
U.S. consulates may still conduct interviews and review applications. However, they will not issue immigrant visas during the suspension period. This creates delays for applicants who are otherwise eligible.
This is a suspension of visa issuance, not a cancellation of applications. Interviews and other adjudicatory steps may still move forward.
How the 221(g) Refusal Affects Applicants
For many applicants from the affected countries, the immediate result will be a 221(g) refusal. Even if the consular officer finds the applicant eligible, the embassy will refuse to issue the visa under section 221(g) and place the case on hold.
This is not a permanent denial. The case enters administrative processing until the Department of State lifts the suspension. There is no clear timeline for how long these delays may last.
Applicants should monitor updates from the Department of State and their local U.S. embassy.
Which Visas Are Still Being Processed
The freeze does not apply to non-immigrant visas. Temporary visas continue to be processed, including:
Tourist visas such as B-1 and B-2
Student visas such as F-1 and J-1
Work visas such as H-1B, L-1, and O-1
Other temporary nonimmigrant classifications
Applicants from affected countries may still experience heightened scrutiny, but the visa issuance process for these categories remains active.
What About Adjustment of Status Inside the United States
The immigrant visa freeze does not directly affect individuals who are physically inside the United States and applying for Adjustment of Status through USCIS.
If you are filing Form I 485 to adjust status, USCIS processing should continue as normal. However, public charge rules still apply and USCIS has not issued detailed guidance on how the 75 country suspension may influence Requests for Evidence or case review standards.
USCIS will provide further clarification.
What Happens Next
The Department of State has described the suspension as temporary. No official timeline has been provided for when immigrant visa issuance will resume.
It remains unclear whether additional countries will join the list or how long 221(g) refusals will continue.
Applicants should stay informed and monitor official announcements.
What You Can Do Now
If you come from one of the 75 affected countries and have a pending immigrant visa case, consider the following steps:
- Monitor official updates from the Department of State
- Check your case status through the National Visa Center or your U.S. embassy
- Keep your contact information updated
- Consult with an experienced immigration attorney
If you are inside the United States and applying for Adjustment of Status, continue monitoring USCIS announcements and prepare for potential policy clarifications.
Protect Your Immigration Case
If you or someone you know is experiencing the immigrant visa freeze or a 221(g) refusal, do not delay. Immigration policy changes can move quickly and strategic guidance is critical.
Call Shepelsky Law Group at 718-769-6352 for experienced immigration representation, or book a consultation to discuss your options and protect your future in the United States.