US to Temporarily Halt Immigrant Visas from January 21, 2026: Full List of 75 Countries: Is India In Included?

The United States (US) Department of State announced that it will temporarily halt the processing of immigrant visas for nationals of up to 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026. The decision, part of ongoing efforts under the Trump administration to tighten legal immigration pathways, is open-ended and no timeline has been provided for when normal processing may resume.

US to Pause Immigrant Visa Processing for Nationals of 75 Countries Starting January 21

According to the State Department, the measure is aimed at preventing what it describes as abuse of public benefit programs by new immigrants. In a statement posted on X, the department said the policy seeks to stop "those who would extract wealth from the American people" by relying on welfare or other government assistance after entering the country.

List of Countries Impacted by the US Immigrant Visa Suspension

Here is a clear, neat list of the 75 countries affected by the US immigrant visa freeze starting January 21, 2026:

• Afghanistan
• Albania
• Algeria
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Bahamas
• Bangladesh
• Barbados
• Belarus
• Belize
• Bhutan
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Brazil
• Burma (Myanmar)
• Cambodia
• Cameroon
• Cape Verde
• Colombia
• Cote d'Ivoire
• Cuba
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Dominica
• Egypt
• Eritrea
• Ethiopia
• Fiji
• The Gambia
• Georgia
• Ghana
• Grenada
• Guatemala
• Guinea
• Haiti
• Iran
• Iraq
• Jamaica
• Jordan
• Kazakhstan
• Kosovo
• Kuwait
• Kyrgyz Republic
• Laos
• Lebanon
• Liberia
• Libya
• Moldova
• Mongolia
• Montenegro
• Morocco
• Nepal
• Nicaragua
• Nigeria
• North Macedonia
• 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

Is India on the List of Affected Countries?

India is not included in the US immigrant visa freeze. US officials have not publicly explained the criteria for why some countries are affected while others are excluded. Immigration experts suggest factors such as the quality of documentation, data-sharing practices, and compliance with US immigration regulations may influence which nations face restrictions.

India's exclusion may also be linked to its significant presence in high-skilled visa categories, such as H-1B and other employment-based programs. Indian professionals play a key role in sectors like technology, defense, and other critical industries, often filling positions that are in high demand.

Some commentators have framed this as competition for American jobs, fueling political debates over the impact of Indian migration, but experts emphasize that India's contribution to the US workforce remains vital and largely concentrated in specialised, skilled roles.

How The Decision Will Impact Pending Visa Applications

The visa freeze applies exclusively to immigrant visas and does not affect temporary travel, work, or diplomatic visas. Applicants from the affected countries will see their cases put on hold until further notice, as the State Department continues to review the policy. At this time, no information has been provided regarding when visa processing may resume.

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