US to freeze visas globally

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.

A memo circulated within the State Department reportedly directs consular officials worldwide to halt routine visa processing and refuse applications under existing law while the department reassesses screening and vetting procedures.

The affected countries include Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, Yemen, and others across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. The suspension is indefinite, with no fixed end date, and will remain in effect until the department completes its internal review.

Under US immigration law, consular officers have the authority to refuse visas to individuals likely to become a “public charge”, meaning applicants who could rely on public benefits once in the United States. The guidance instructs officers to consider factors such as age, health, financial resources, English proficiency, and potential need for long-term medical care in their determinations.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said, “The Department will exercise its long-standing authority to deem ineligible those who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people.”This latest move aligns with broader immigration enforcement priorities of the current US administration. While the public charge standard has been part of US immigration law for decades, it was scaled back under previous administrations and has recently been re-emphasized.

In late 2025, the US also expanded travel and visa restrictions through Presidential Proclamations, suspending certain visa categories for nationals of multiple countries on grounds of national security and public safety. Officials have linked the current pause to concerns about vetting procedures and potential security risks, though details of the internal review have not been made public.The visa pause is expected to have significant consequences for international travel, business, family reunification, education, and diplomacy. Analysts warn that the indefinite nature of the suspension, coupled with limited clarity on exemptions, could disrupt travel plans for millions of applicants and potentially strain diplomatic relations with affected nations.

Human rights organizations and immigration advocacy groups are likely to monitor the policy closely, assessing its alignment with both international standards and US legal frameworks.