The 75-Country Visa Pause: What You Need to Know and How to Protect Your Case

If you or someone you love is navigating the U.S. immigration system right now, you're likely feeling anxious, confused, and uncertain about what comes next. The recent announcement of an indefinite pause on immigrant visa issuances for nationals of 75 countries has sent shockwaves through immigrant communities across the nation: and understandably so.

At Polaris Law Group, we believe that knowledge is power during times of uncertainty. This post breaks down exactly what this pause means, how it affects different types of immigration cases, and most importantly: what it does not impact. Let's cut through the noise and give you the clarity you deserve.

What Is the 75-Country Visa Pause?

On January 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of State initiated an indefinite pause on immigrant visa issuances for nationals of 75 countries. The stated purpose? To allow the State Department to reassess vetting procedures related to "public charge" considerations: essentially, whether visa applicants might require government assistance after arriving in the United States.

This pause is significant in scope. The 75 affected countries span every global region but are heavily weighted toward Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. The list includes nations such as:

...and dozens of others.

If your country of nationality is on this list, it's crucial to understand exactly how this policy affects your specific immigration pathway: because not all cases are treated equally.

The Critical Distinction: Inside the U.S. vs. Consular Processing

Here's where things get important, and where many people are understandably confused. The impact of this pause depends heavily on where your case is being processed.

Consular Processing (Cases Outside the U.S.)

If you're applying for an immigrant visa through a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad, the pause affects you directly. This is known as consular processing, and it's the pathway most commonly used by individuals living outside the United States who have been sponsored by a family member or employer.

Under the current pause:

This means families waiting to reunite, workers ready to start new jobs, and individuals who have waited years in line are now facing an unexpected and frustrating delay.

Adjustment of Status (Cases Inside the U.S.)

Here's some important news for those already physically present in the United States: the pause does not directly impact Adjustment of Status applications.

Adjustment of Status is the process by which individuals already in the U.S. apply for lawful permanent residence (a green card) through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): not through a consulate abroad.

If you're inside the United States and eligible to adjust your status, your case proceeds through a different channel entirely. This means:

This distinction is critical. If you have the option to file for Adjustment of Status rather than going through consular processing, now may be the time to seriously evaluate that pathway.

What the Pause Does NOT Impact

In times of crisis, misinformation spreads quickly. Let's be clear about what this pause does not affect:

Non-Immigrant Visas Are Still Being Issued

The pause applies specifically to immigrant visas (green cards). Non-immigrant visas: including K-1 (fiancé), B-1/B-2 (tourist/business), F-1 (student), H-1B (specialty worker), L-1, O-1, and others: are not affected by this pause.

If you're applying for a temporary work visa, student visa, or visitor visa, the process continues as normal. However, be aware that nationals from affected countries may face additional questioning at U.S. ports of entry.

Already-Issued Visas Remain Valid

If your immigrant visa has already been issued and stamped in your passport, it remains valid. The pause applies to new issuances, not visas that have already been approved and granted.

Dual Nationals May Have Options

If you hold dual nationality and can apply using a valid passport from a country not on the affected list, you may be exempt from the pause. This is an important consideration for those with citizenship in multiple countries.

Spouses and Children of U.S. Citizens

While the pause broadly affects immigrant visa categories, historical precedent suggests that immediate relatives of U.S. citizens: spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents: may eventually receive carve-outs or exceptions. Similar pauses in 2017 and 2020 were eventually narrowed by court order to protect these relationships.

We're closely monitoring legal challenges and policy updates that may provide relief for family reunification cases.

Practical Recommendations: Protecting Your Case

If you or your family members are from one of the 75 affected countries, here's what we recommend:

1. Evaluate Your Adjustment of Status Eligibility

If you're currently in the United States on a valid visa and have a pending or potential immigrant petition, explore whether you can file for Adjustment of Status rather than returning home for consular processing. This could be a game-changer for your case.

2. Consider Alternative Visa Categories

For employment-based cases, HR teams and immigration attorneys should review ongoing PERM or I-140 petitions and consider temporary visa alternatives such as L-1, E-2, or O-1 visas to maintain work authorization while the pause is in effect.

3. Document Everything

Continue gathering and organizing your immigration documents. When the pause lifts: and it will eventually: you'll want to be ready to move quickly.

4. Stay Informed, But Verify Your Sources

Immigration policy changes rapidly, and misinformation is rampant. Rely on official government sources and trusted legal counsel for updates: not social media speculation.

5. Prepare for Potential Hardship Waivers

Companies with global mobility programs and families facing separation should begin documenting hardship. Historical precedent shows that humanitarian exceptions sometimes emerge, particularly when cases involve U.S. citizen family members.

Legal Challenges Are Underway

It's important to note that immigration advocates are already preparing legal challenges to this proclamation. Arguments include that the pause exceeds the President's statutory authority and may constitute nationality-based discrimination.

Similar executive actions in the past have been narrowed or blocked by federal courts. We're monitoring these developments closely and will update our clients as the legal landscape evolves.

How Polaris Law Group Can Help

Navigating immigration law during times of uncertainty can feel overwhelming: but you don't have to face it alone.

At Polaris Law Group, we specialize in helping families and individuals find pathways through complex immigration challenges. Whether you need to evaluate Adjustment of Status options, explore alternative visa categories, or simply understand how this pause affects your specific case, our team is here to guide you. Our team has extensive experience fighting previous travel bans and applying creative strategies to achieve client goals. 

We understand the emotional weight of these situations. Families are separated. Important employees are forced to work internationally. Dreams are delayed. The uncertainty is real. But with the correct guidance and a clear strategy, there are often more options than you might realize.

Take the Next Step

If you're concerned about how the 75-country visa pause affects your immigration case, don't wait for clarity to come to you: seek it out.

Contact Polaris Law Group today for a consultation. Let's review your case together, identify your options, and build a plan to protect your future in the United States.

You deserve answers. Let us help you find them.