Pakistan on Thursday expressed hope that routine immigrant visa processing by the United States (US) would resume “soon,” following Washington’s announcement of a temporary suspension. The US State Department cited concerns that immigrants from 75 countries, including Pakistan, often rely on public welfare programs.
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Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said the suspension appeared to be part of an internal review and assured that Pakistan was in contact with US authorities to clarify the situation. “We understand that this is an internal ongoing process of review of US immigration policies and system, and hope that the routine processing of immigrant visas will resume soon,” he added.
US has suspended immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including Pakistan, on the same day Pakistani leadership met the World Liberty Financial team, raising questions over diplomatic timing. #Techjuice #Pakistan #USvisas #Diplomacy pic.twitter.com/0kI35MDoow
— TechJuice (@TechJuicePk) January 15, 2026
Pakistan in Touch with US Over Suspension of Immigrant Visa Processing- FO pic.twitter.com/7rwByhfT6R
— Economy.pk (@pk_economy) January 15, 2026
The suspension, set to take effect from January 21, could affect thousands of Pakistanis planning travel, study, or work in the US. Pakistani consulates in the US are expected to provide guidance to applicants during the freeze. The move relates to the US public-charge rule, which assesses whether immigrants are likely to rely on government assistance.
On other regional issues, Andrabi commented on Iran’s ongoing unrest, noting that protests were fueled by economic difficulties compounded by international sanctions. Pakistan expressed support for efforts toward peaceful resolution and said its ambassador in Tehran was assisting Pakistani nationals in the country.
Read More: US freezes immigrant visa processing for 75 countries
The FO also addressed recent remarks by Indian Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, who alleged the presence of terror camps across the Line of Control and international border. Andrabi strongly rejected the claims, calling them “baseless” and “habitual,” while reaffirming Pakistan’s contributions to regional and global peace.