The United States has announced an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for Pakistan and 74 other countries, effective January 21, 2026, in a move tied to concerns that new immigrants could become “public charges” on American welfare systems, the U.S. State Department said. The freeze affects all categories of immigrant visas—including family, employment, and diversity visas—but does not apply to tourist or other non-immigrant visas.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said the policy is part of an “America First” approach aimed at tightening immigration pathways while reassessing screening procedures. During the pause, applicants from affected countries—spanning Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East—can still submit applications and attend interviews, but no immigrant visas will be issued.

The suspension could delay travel, work, and relocation plans for thousands of Pakistanis and other prospective immigrants, prompting concerns among advocacy groups and foreign governments about the broad impact of the policy.