In a major policy shift with far-reaching implications for global travel and migration, the US State Department has announced it will pause visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, starting January 21, 2026, according to internal directives and multiple media reports.
The suspension is part of an expanded effort by US authorities to tighten immigration screening under the longstanding “public charge” provision of US law, which empowers consular officers to deny visas to applicants deemed likely to rely on government assistance.