US Suspends Immigrant Visa Processing for Pakistan and 74 Other Countries Indefinitely

The United States has announced an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, including Pakistan, following a new directive issued by the US State Department.

According to the directive, consular officers at US embassies and consulates worldwide have been instructed to pause the issuance of immigrant visas as Washington undertakes a comprehensive review of its screening and vetting procedures. The suspension is set to take effect on January 21 and will remain in force until further notice.

The move is part of a broader effort to reassess eligibility criteria for applicants who may be considered at risk of relying on government assistance after entering the United States. Under the updated guidance, visa officers have been told to deny applications using existing legal provisions while revised evaluation standards are finalized.

An internal memo circulated to US diplomatic missions in November 2025 outlines stricter screening requirements, directing officers to assess applicants based on factors such as age, health conditions, financial stability, English language proficiency, employment prospects, and potential long-term medical needs.

Applicants who are elderly, have chronic illnesses, limited income, or a history of dependence on public assistance may face increased scrutiny or rejection under the revised framework. The guidance also notes that prior institutionalization or weak financial profiles could negatively impact visa decisions.

A US State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott defended the policy, stating that the department is exercising its legal authority to ensure that incoming immigrants do not become a financial burden on American taxpayers.

The suspension applies to a wide range of countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the Caribbean, with Pakistan among the affected nations.

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