Restriction / PauseMajor ChangeMajor blockerPublished: Jan 21, 2026Effective: Jan 21, 2026
United States Pauses Immigrant Visa Issuance for Listed Nationalities Effective January 21, 2026
A U.S. State Department notice pauses immigrant-visa issuance for listed nationalities, including multiple Arab countries.
🇺🇸 United StatesAffected nationalities: DZ, EG, IQ, JO, KW, LB, LY, MA, SD, SY, TN, YE
This development materially changes the planning value of U.S. family and employment migration in 2026 for several Arab nationalities, because having an approved petition or a complete case does not necessarily mean a visa can be issued right now.
The official page also notes an exception for dual nationals applying with a valid passport from a non-listed country, and clarifies that the pause does not apply to tourist nonimmigrant visas. That point should be checked early before unnecessary costs are incurred.
State Department guidance says the pause is effective from January 21, 2026.