The US State Department has clarified that applicants from Pakistan and 74 other countries will be allowed to submit immigrant visa applications and attend scheduled interviews, despite a temporary suspension on visa issuance.
The United States has paused the issuance of immigrant visas for 75 countries, including Pakistan, as part of a broader policy review ordered by President Donald Trump. The State department stated on Wednesday that the pause will take effect from January 21, 2026.
“The State Department will pause immigrant visa processing from 75 countries whose migrants take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates. The freeze will remain active until the US can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people,” the department said in a post on X.
Further explaining the scope of the decision in a question-and-answer guidance published on its website, the department said applicants may proceed with all steps of the visa process, including attending interviews at US embassies and consulates, but no immigrant visas will be issued while the suspension remains in place.
The State Department emphasised that the decision does not revoke immigrant visas already issued and does not affect tourist or other non-immigrant visa categories. It added that decisions related to admission into the United States fall under the authority of the Department of Homeland Security.
Pakistan is among a broad list of affected countries across South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and eastern Europe. Other countries on the list include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Sudan, Syria, Russia and Brazil.
According to the department, the measure is part of a comprehensive review aimed at ensuring immigrants are financially self-sufficient and do not become a public charge. It said President Trump has made it clear that new immigrants must not place a financial burden on American taxpayers.
Under the guidance, dual nationals applying with a valid passport from a country not included in the list are exempt from the pause. The department also said immigrant visa cases that have been approved but not yet printed will be refused under the new policy.
US embassies and consulates have been instructed to continue scheduling immigrant visa interviews for affected nationals, including Pakistanis, although visa issuance will remain suspended during the review period.