U.S halts immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including Ghana and Nigeria – See full list

The United States has announced an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals from 75 countries, marking a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s ongoing tightening of immigration controls.

The freeze, which takes effect on January 21, applies to immigrant visa categories — including those for family reunification and employment. The pause will not affect nonimmigrant visas such as tourist, business or student visas, meaning individuals planning travel to the US, including for the World Cup later this year, are not directly impacted.

Among the countries affected are Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Haiti, Somalia and Russia, alongside dozens of other nations across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.

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The action follows directives issued last year requiring intensified scrutiny under the “public charge” rule — a provision of US immigration law aimed at preventing applications from individuals deemed likely to depend on government assistance.

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“The State Department will use its authority to prevent potential immigrants who would become a public charge and exploit the generosity of the American people,” spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Wednesday. He added that the pause will remain in effect while officials reassess processing procedures to deter entrants considered likely to claim welfare or public benefits.

Many countries included in the suspension overlap with those previously listed under expanded US travel restrictions.

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The full list covers 75 nations, including Afghanistan, Ghana, Nigeria, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Cuba, Morocco, Brazil, Russia, Colombia, Somalia, Ethiopia, and others across every region where the US maintains diplomatic relations.

The State Department has not indicated when immigrant visa processing for these countries may resume.

Full List of Countries

Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Antigua and Barbuda
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belize
Bhutan
Bosnia
Brazil
Burma (Myanmar)
Cambodia
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Colombia
Côte d’Ivoire
Cuba
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Dominica
Egypt
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Fiji
Gambia
Georgia
Ghana
Grenada
Guatemala
Guinea
Haiti
Iran
Iraq
Jamaica
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kosovo
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Lebanon
Liberia
Libya
Macedonia (North Macedonia)
Moldova
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Nepal
Nicaragua
Nigeria
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
Yemen