75-Country Immigrant Visa Pause Is No Longer in Effect
The U.S. Department of State has confirmed that the immigrant-visa issuance pause affecting nationals of 75 countries is no longer in effect.
According to updated guidance from the Department of State, the pause ended as of August 21, 2026, in accordance with a federal court order.
This is an important development for families and individuals who may have been affected by the earlier restriction, but I want to emphasize that it does not necessarily mean that every applicant can now immediately receive an immigrant visa. Other immigration rules, visa restrictions, eligibility requirements, security screening, public-charge considerations, and country-specific measures may still apply.
What Was the 75-Country Pause?
Beginning January 21, 2026, the Department of State paused immigrant-visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries while reviewing screening and vetting policies related in part to public-benefit and public-charge concerns.
The affected countries included:
Colombia, Brazil, Cuba, Guatemala, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Uruguay, Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Bangladesh, Egypt, Haiti, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, Thailand, Tunisia, and many others.
The Department continued scheduling immigrant-visa interviews during the pause, but visa issuance itself was restricted for affected applicants, subject to limited exceptions.
What Changed?
The State Department now states:
“As of August 21, 2026… the January 2026 pause of immigrant visa issuance to nationals of 75 countries is no longer in effect.”
For affected applicants, that means the specific 75-country issuance pause is no longer the reason preventing an immigrant visa from being issued.
However, each case must still satisfy all other requirements of U.S. immigration law.
Does This Apply to Tourist Visas?
The earlier 75-country measure applied specifically to immigrant visas.
The Department of State expressly states that tourist visas are nonimmigrant visas and were not covered by that particular pause.
This distinction is important because “visa pause” headlines can easily create the impression that all U.S. visas were affected.
They were not.
Does This Mean All Visa Restrictions Have Ended?
No.
The end of this particular 75-country immigrant-visa pause should not be interpreted as the removal of every other immigration or visa restriction.
Separate rules and restrictions may still apply depending on:
- nationality;
- visa category;
- public-charge requirements;
- security and vetting rules;
- presidential proclamations;
- individual admissibility issues; and
- the facts of each case.
Applicants should therefore review the rules that apply specifically to their immigration category rather than relying only on general headlines.
What About Diversity Visas?
There is an important separate development.
On August 31, 2026, the Department of State issued new guidance stating that it has paused all Diversity Visa issuances while it reviews screening and vetting procedures for the DV program.
Diversity Visa applicants may still:
- submit visa applications;
- attend interviews; and
- have appointments scheduled.
But according to the State Department, Diversity Visas are not currently being issued, and there are no exceptions under the current guidance.
That is a separate policy from the now-ended 75-country immigrant-visa pause.
My Tips for Applicants
- Do not assume an old visa restriction still applies to your case. Immigration policies can change quickly, and the 75-country issuance pause is a good example.
- Check your specific visa category. Immigrant visas, tourist visas, Diversity Visas, employment visas, and other classifications may be governed by different rules.
- Continue following instructions from the U.S. embassy or consulate handling your case. The end of a general pause does not automatically replace case-specific instructions.
- Do not assume the end of the pause guarantees visa issuance. Applicants must still establish eligibility under U.S. law.
- Use official government information. Visa policies are changing rapidly, and secondary reports may not reflect the most recent guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 75-country immigrant-visa pause still in effect?
No. The Department of State says that, as of August 21, 2026, the January 2026 pause is no longer in effect.
Was Colombia included in the affected countries?
Yes. Colombia was among the 75 countries covered by the January 2026 immigrant-visa issuance pause.
Does this mean Colombian immigrant visas can now be issued?
The specific 75-country pause no longer prevents issuance. However, applicants must still satisfy all other applicable visa and immigration requirements.
Were tourist visas included in the pause?
No. The Department of State states that the pause applied to immigrant visas, not tourist visas.
Are Diversity Visas now being issued?
Currently, no. Under separate guidance issued August 31, the Department of State has paused all Diversity Visa issuances, although applications and interviews may continue.
Martha L. Arias, Esq.
Immigration Law Attorney
What Applicants Should Know Now?
For families and individuals affected by the 75-country restriction, this is a meaningful change. But immigration policy remains fluid, and the end of one restriction does not necessarily mean that every other visa requirement or limitation has been removed.
If you have questions about an immigrant visa, consular processing, adjustment of status, or another U.S. immigration matter, you may contact my office at Arias Villa, PLLC in Miami at (305) 671-0018.
DISCLAIMER: This article provides general immigration information and does not constitute legal advice. Visa eligibility and issuance depend on each applicant’s circumstances and applicable U.S. law. Government policies and procedures may change.
