The latest US visa freeze might not affect you.

The U.S. State Department released a guidance re: a pause on immigrant visa issuances for nationals of 75 countries, effective Jan 21, 2026.

Importantly, it does not apply to nonimmigrant visas such as O-1, L-1s, nor active adjustments of status applications under USCIS processing.

The pause on visa processing only concerns consular immigrant visa processing, including Employment Based Green Cards (EB categories including EB-1, EB-2, etc).

What this means in practice:

 • Existing immigrant visas are not affected / revoked.
 • No immigrant visas will be issued to affected nationals during the pause.
 • Consulates will continue to accept applications and conduct interviews. You should NOT retract your applications.
 • If you have dual nationality - you are exempted and can apply with a passport from a non-listed country.
 • Nonimmigrant visas, such as O-1, B1/B2, L-1s are not affected.

Countries affected:

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, The Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.

What this means for you:

1. For HR / Mobility teams - do an active review on your current mobility cases and assess scope of impact
2. For individuals / EB- Green Card aspirants - consult with your immigration counsel, or check with our team at Beyond Border to reassess filing times. Adjustment of Status is a viable option
3. Leverage dual-nationality options

Our team at Beyond Border offers a free consultation if you need help and clarity to navigate the situation. 

👇 Link to our free consultation sign up in comment below.

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Frederick Ng

Co-Founder at Beyond Border (We’re hiring - a lot)

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