The United States will temporarily stop processing visa applications from 75 countries beginning January 21, affecting travel, study, and work plans while authorities review policies and procedures.
US to halt visa application processing for 75 countries starting January 21
The administration of US President Donald Trump has temporarily stopped visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, a spokesperson from the State Department confirmed on Wednesday.
Details of the decision were not disclosed by the spokesperson. The move was initially reported by Fox News, which referenced an internal State Department document. According to that report, the affected nations include Somalia, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, Brazil, Nigeria and Thailand, among others.
The memo reportedly instructs US diplomatic missions abroad to deny visa applications under current legal provisions while the department conducts a review of its visa issuance processes. Officials have not indicated how long the suspension will remain in effect.
This reported halt aligns with the Trump administration’s broader and aggressive immigration measures implemented since he assumed office in January last year.
In November, Trump had announced his intention to “permanently suspend” migration from what he referred to as “Third World countries,” following a shooting incident near the White House involving an Afghan national that resulted in the death of a National Guard member.
Broader policy context
The latest move has reignited debate around the administration’s hardline immigration stance, which has focused heavily on border control, visa restrictions, and tighter screening mechanisms. Supporters argue the suspension is necessary to safeguard national security and ensure robust vetting systems, while critics say it unfairly targets entire populations and risks diplomatic fallout. Immigration advocates have warned that such broad measures could disrupt families, education pathways, and business ties that rely on predictable visa processes. Legal experts also note that similar policies in the past have faced court challenges, raising questions about how this suspension will be implemented and defended.
Impact on travellers and students
For travellers, students, and professionals from the affected countries, the sudden pause has created widespread uncertainty. Thousands of applicants who were preparing for interviews or awaiting decisions now face delays without clarity on timelines. Universities in the US may see disruptions as international students struggle to finalise travel plans ahead of academic terms. Similarly, companies that depend on skilled foreign workers could experience staffing challenges. Travel industry representatives have cautioned that prolonged pauses may damage confidence in US visa systems, pushing applicants to seek alternatives in other countries.
Diplomatic and economic implications
The decision could also have implications for US relations with several of the affected nations. Some governments may view the suspension as discriminatory or politically motivated, potentially straining bilateral ties. Economically, reduced mobility can affect trade, tourism, and investment flows, particularly with emerging markets that have growing business links with the United States. Analysts point out that previous visa restrictions led to measurable declines in visitor numbers and international enrolments, which in turn impacted local economies in major US cities reliant on foreign spending.
Legal scrutiny and potential challenges
Immigration lawyers and civil rights groups are closely monitoring the development, anticipating possible legal challenges. Past attempts to impose sweeping visa or travel restrictions were met with lawsuits questioning their constitutionality and compliance with existing immigration law. Experts suggest that the lack of a clear timeline or detailed justification could strengthen arguments against the policy. Courts may be asked to examine whether the suspension aligns with statutory authority or violates principles of equal treatment under US law.
What comes next
For now, uncertainty surrounds how long the suspension will last and whether exemptions will be introduced for specific visa categories such as students, medical professionals, or family reunification cases. The State Department has yet to issue formal guidance to applicants or embassies beyond the reported memo. Observers expect further clarification in the coming weeks as pressure mounts from lawmakers, foreign governments, and affected communities. Until then, applicants from the listed countries remain in limbo, awaiting updates on the future of their US visa prospects.
