WASHINGTON: The United States has announced a temporary pause on issuing immigrant visas to citizens of 75 countries, including Pakistan, as part of a policy review focused on the use of public welfare benefits by new immigrants.
The decision was confirmed on Wednesday (local time) by the US Department of State, which said the move follows a review ordered by President Donald Trump. The updated policy, titled Immigrant Visa Processing Updates for Nationalities at High Risk of Public Benefits Usage, was last revised on January 14 and will come into effect from January 21, 2026.
“President Trump has made clear that immigrants must be financially self-sufficient and not be a financial burden to Americans,” the State Department said, adding that a comprehensive review of existing rules and guidance is underway to ensure applicants from identified countries do not become a “public charge” in the United States.
Under the directive, immigrant visa applicants from the affected countries including Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Russia, Bangladesh, Sudan, Syria, Somalia and Yemen may continue to submit applications and attend scheduled interviews. However, no immigrant visas will be issued during the pause.
The State Department clarified that immigrant visas already granted will remain valid. It also noted that final decisions on entry into the United States fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security.
Officials stressed that the restriction applies only to immigrant visas. Non-immigrant categories, including tourist, student and business visas, are not affected by the policy.
The move aligns with the Trump administration’s long standing hardline approach to immigration. According to media reports, US embassies and consulates were earlier directed to expand scrutiny under the “public charge” rule, assessing factors such as an applicant’s financial status, health, age, language ability and likelihood of requiring long term government support.