ISLAMABAD: The United States has announced a temporary pause on immigrant visa processing for Pakistan and 74 other countries, effective January 21, citing the need to ensure that applicants are “vetted to the maximum degree” and meet eligibility criteria, according to a statement shared by the US Embassy in Islamabad on Friday.
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The US government said the pause is part of a broader review aimed at preventing immigrants from relying on public welfare programmes. “The Trump Administration is focused on protecting the American people by upholding the highest standards of screening and vetting of visa applicants,” the statement read.
The State Department will pause immigrant visa processing from 75 countries whose migrants take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates. The freeze will remain active until the U.S. can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people.
— Department of State (@StateDept) January 14, 2026
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that immigrant visa issuance will remain suspended until authorities can ensure applicants are financially self-sufficient and will not become a burden on US resources. The action, the statement clarified, applies only to immigrant visas and does not affect non-immigrant visas for tourists, students, athletes, skilled workers, or their families.
The Trump Administration is focused on protecting the American people by upholding the highest standards of screening and vetting of visa applicants. Effective January 21, the Department of State is pausing issuance to all immigrant visa applicants from selected countries,… pic.twitter.com/T7VwxwjVOL
— U.S. Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) January 16, 2026
Earlier, the State Department emphasised that the freeze will continue until the US can guarantee that new immigrants will “not extract wealth from the American people.” Officials said the move is part of a comprehensive review ordered by President Donald Trump to ensure that immigrants are financially independent and do not require government assistance.
Read More: US visa pause: Pakistanis will still be able to submit applications
While the pause affects nationals from Pakistan and more than 75 other countries, the US reiterated that routine travel, business, and student visas remain unaffected. Embassy officials said that applicants will be informed once processing resumes and encouraged eligible individuals to monitor official US visa channels for updates.