USA stops immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries, including Pakistan, marking a significant shift in American immigration policy. The decision, announced through internal government instructions, places an indefinite pause on immigrant visa processing while screening and vetting rules undergo a major reassessment.
This move has created uncertainty for thousands of families, skilled workers, and diversity visa applicants who were preparing to begin a new life in the United States. Below is a complete, easy-to-understand breakdown of what this decision means, which countries are affected, why the policy was introduced, and how applicants may be impacted.
Why the USA Stops Immigrant Visas for Certain Countries
The reason the USA stops immigrant visas is tied to a broader review of how applicants are evaluated before entering the country. According to internal guidance circulated to embassies and consulates, immigration officers have been instructed to pause approvals while updated criteria are finalized.
The primary concern behind this policy is the possibility that some immigrants may rely on government-funded assistance after arriving in the United States. Authorities aim to ensure that future immigrants are financially self-sufficient and able to support themselves without becoming a public burden.
Officials have clarified that this suspension is not country-specific discrimination but rather a procedural halt linked to revised screening standards.
When Did the Visa Suspension Take Effect?
The suspension is scheduled to take effect on January 21 and will remain active until further notice. No official end date has been announced, which means the pause could last several months or longer depending on the outcome of the policy review.
Until new guidance is issued, consular officers worldwide are required to follow existing refusal provisions under U.S. immigration law.
List of Countries Affected by the USA Immigrant Visa Suspension
The decision affects 75 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and Latin America, including Pakistan.
Countries Where the USA Stops Immigrant Visas
- Afghanistan
- Albania
- Algeria
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bahamas
- Bangladesh
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Belize
- Bhutan
- Bosnia
- Brazil
- Burma
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Colombia
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Cuba
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Dominica
- Egypt
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Gambia
- Georgia
- Ghana
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guinea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jamaica
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kosovo
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Lebanon
- Liberia
- Libya
- Macedonia
- Moldova
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Nepal
- Nicaragua
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Republic of the Congo
- Russia
- Rwanda
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Syria
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
- Yemen
How the New Screening Rules Work
Expanded Vetting Criteria Explained
A confidential memo circulated by the United States Department of State outlines stricter evaluation standards for immigrant visa applicants. These guidelines instruct officers to assess applicants more holistically than before.
Factors Now Considered More Strictly:
- Age of the applicant
- Current health status
- Chronic or long-term medical conditions
- Financial stability and income level
- English language proficiency
- Employment history and job prospects
- Likelihood of needing public assistance
- Past use of welfare or government aid
Applicants who do not meet the updated expectations may face refusal even if they previously qualified under older rules.
Who Is Most Likely to Be Affected?
The policy is expected to disproportionately impact:
- Elderly applicants
- Individuals with chronic illnesses
- Applicants with limited financial resources
- Families without strong financial sponsors
- Applicants with prior reliance on public benefits
Even factors such as previous institutional care or unstable employment history could negatively influence visa decisions under the revised framework.
What Does This Mean for Pakistani Applicants?
For Pakistan, the announcement that the USA stops immigrant visas has raised serious concerns among families awaiting reunification and individuals pursuing lawful permanent residence.
Key Implications for Pakistanis:
- Pending immigrant visa cases may be delayed indefinitely
- New applications may face stricter scrutiny
- Financial documentation will carry greater importance
- Sponsorship requirements may become harder to meet
Non-immigrant visas (such as student, tourist, or work visas) are not officially included in this suspension, though applicants should still expect enhanced scrutiny.
Legal Authority Behind the Visa Suspension
U.S. immigration law already allows visa officers to deny applicants deemed likely to become a “public charge.” The current policy relies on existing legal provisions while updated rules are under review.
A spokesperson for the State Department, Tommy Piggott, confirmed that authorities are acting within legal limits to protect American public resources and ensure long-term economic sustainability.
Is This a Permanent Ban?
No. At this stage, the policy is described as temporary but indefinite. This means:
- It is not a permanent immigration ban
- It may be lifted or modified once the review concludes
- New eligibility criteria will likely replace the pause
However, applicants should prepare for long delays and higher documentation standards even after the suspension ends.
What Should Applicants Do Now?
Practical Steps for Affected Applicants
- Do not cancel existing applications unless advised by a legal expert
- Strengthen financial documents (bank statements, affidavits of support)
- Consult a licensed immigration attorney
- Monitor official embassy announcements
- Avoid misinformation on social media
Preparation and documentation will be more important than ever when processing resumes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does the USA stop immigrant visas permanently?
No, the suspension is indefinite but not permanent. Policies may change after review.
Are student and work visas affected?
Currently, the suspension applies only to immigrant visas, not non-immigrant categories.
Why was Pakistan included?
Pakistan falls under the broader group of countries subject to revised vetting procedures.
Can previously approved visas be canceled?
Approved visas may still face delays or additional checks depending on individual circumstances.
Conclusion
The decision that the USA stops immigrant visas for 75 countries, including Pakistan, represents one of the most significant immigration policy shifts in recent years. While framed as a procedural review, its real-world impact on families and future immigrants is substantial.
Applicants should remain informed, financially prepared, and legally guided as policies continue to evolve. Immigration pathways may reopen—but with stricter standards than ever before.
