US Suspends Visa Processing for Applicants from 75 Countries Starting January 21

The U.S. State Department will suspend visa processing for applicants from 75 countries starting January 21, 2026, as part of a review of screening and vetting procedures focused on preventing entry of individuals likely to rely on public welfare. Affected nations include Somalia, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, Brazil, Nigeria, Thailand, and others. The pause is indefinite, with consular officers instructed to deny visas under existing law during reassessment. India is not on the list. The move follows heightened scrutiny after incidents involving immigrants and aims to enforce the "public charge" provision more strictly.