US to suspend immigrant visa processing for 75 nations including Pakistan, Bangladesh

The United States has announced a major immigration clampdown that affects citizens from 75 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America. Starting January 21, US embassies and consulates will indefinitely pause immigrant visa processing for these nations as Washington reviews its screening and vetting systems.

The move has sparked global attention, especially in South Asia, where Pakistan and Bangladesh are featured on the list, but India is not.

US Suspending Visa for 75 Countries: Is India on the US Visa Freeze List?

No. India has been excluded from the list of 75 countries facing the immigrant visa suspension.

This exclusion has drawn a sharp contrast across the region. While neighbouring Pakistan and Bangladesh now face a complete pause in immigrant visa appointments, Indian applicants remain unaffected. Officials familiar with the matter see this as a sign of continued US confidence in India’s documentation systems, background verification processes, and information-sharing mechanisms.

The decision is expected to keep pathways open for Indian students, skilled workers, healthcare professionals, and tech employees seeking permanent residence in the United States.

US Suspending Visa for 75 Countries: Why Are Pakistan and Bangladesh Included?

Pakistan’s inclusion places it alongside countries such as Somalia, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Sudan, nations that US authorities classify as high-risk for document fraud or weak record-keeping systems.

Senior officials believe the decision reflects ongoing American concerns over the reliability of Pakistani identification papers and gaps in criminal background verification. The grouping has been viewed as a diplomatic setback for Islamabad.

Bangladesh’s presence on the list has also raised concerns among migrants, particularly those seeking family-based green cards.

Why Has the US Paused Immigrant Visas for 75 Countries?

The suspension stems from a broad reassessment of US immigration controls under the “public charge” provision of American law. The rule allows authorities to deny visas to applicants who may become financially dependent on US government support.

As part of this review, consular officers have received instructions to refuse immigrant visas while officials evaluate each country’s ability to verify identity, share criminal records, and prevent fraud.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said authorities would use their long-standing powers to block applicants who might “exploit the generosity of the American people.”

Officials will assess factors such as:

• Health conditions
• Age
• English language ability
• Financial stability
• Employment prospects

Does the US Visa Freeze Cancel Existing US Visas?

No. The suspension does not cancel or revoke visas that have already been issued.

The State Department has clarified that:

• Existing valid immigrant visas remain valid
• Non-immigrant visas are not part of this pause
• New immigrant visa appointments will stop temporarily

However, officials hinted that all visa categories for these countries could remain under scrutiny going forward.

What does this US Visa Freeze mean for Indian Applicants?

India’s absence from the list strengthens its status as a trusted immigration partner for the US. Analysts believe this will help maintain smoother migration flows in sectors such as:

• Information Technology
• Healthcare
• Higher education
• Research and innovation

While countries like Brazil, Thailand, Kuwait, and Nepal face sudden uncertainty, Indian applicants continue to benefit from stable processing channels.

Full List: Countries Affected by the US Immigrant Visa Pause

The suspension applies to 75 countries, including:

1. Afghanistan
2. Albania
3. Algeria
4. Antigua and Barbuda
5. Armenia
6. Azerbaijan
7. Bahamas
8. Bangladesh
9. Barbados
10. Belarus
11. Belize
12. Bhutan
13. Bosnia and Herzegovina
14. Brazil
15. Burma
16. Cambodia
17. Cameroon
18. Cape Verde
19. Colombia
20. Cote d’Ivoire
21. Cuba
22. Democratic Republic of the Congo
23. Dominica
24. Egypt
25. Eritrea
26. Ethiopia
27. Fiji
28. The Gambia
29. Georgia
30. Ghana
31. Grenada
32. Guatemala
33. Guinea
34. Haiti
35. Iran
36. Iraq
37. Jamaica
38. Jordan
39. Kazakhstan
40. Kosovo
41. Kuwait
42. Kyrgyz Republic
43. Laos
44. Lebanon
45. Liberia
46. Libya
47. Moldova
48. Mongolia
49. Montenegro
50. Morocco
51. Nepal
52. Nicaragua
53. Nigeria
54. North Macedonia
55. Pakistan
56. Republic of the Congo
57. Russia
58. Rwanda
59. Saint Kitts and Nevis
60. Saint Lucia
61. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
62. Senegal
63. Sierra Leone
64. Somalia
65. South Sudan
66. Sudan
67. Syria
68. Tanzania
69. Thailand
70. Togo
71. Tunisia
72. Uganda
73. Uruguay
74. Uzbekistan
75. Yemen