This indefinite pause forms part of the Trump administration’s wider push to tighten immigration rules. It focuses on the “public charge” rule, which assesses if someone might rely on government aid after arrival.
The State Department stated that consular officers have been directed to stop handling immigrant visa applications from these nations. A spokesperson explained the step aims to prevent new immigrants from using American taxpayer-funded welfare at high rates. Processing will stay on hold until officials review and update procedures to ensure self-sufficiency.
The suspension applies only to immigrant visas — those for permanent residency, family reunification, employment-based green cards, or diversity lottery winners. It does not affect non-immigrant visas, such as tourist (B1/B2), business, or student visas. Officials noted that demand for temporary visas may increase soon due to the US hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.
Pakistan is among the listed countries, along with many in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The full list includes:
- Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan
- Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Burma (Myanmar)
- Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Cuba
- Democratic Republic of the 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 (North 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
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In Pakistan, the decision has raised concerns among students, families, and professionals planning long-term moves to the US. Education consultants report potential disruptions for those eyeing permanent residency paths after studies or work. Medical treatment seekers and family-based applicants may face extended waits.
No exact end date has been given for the pause. The State Department urged affected individuals to check official embassy or consulate websites for any changes.
