KATHMANDU, JANUARY 15, 2026 – In a major shift in American immigration policy, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) has announced an indefinite pause on the issuance of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, including Nepal. This decision, revealed on January 14, is set to take effect on January 21, 2026. The move is part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to tighten legal immigration and ensure that incoming residents are financially self-sufficient, following a comprehensive review of the “public charge” rule.
The suspension primarily affects individuals seeking permanent residency (Green Cards) through family-based sponsorship or employment-based pathways who are currently processing their applications through U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. According to official guidance, while U.S. Consular Officers will continue to conduct interviews and accept applications, no immigrant visas will be printed or issued to citizens of the listed countries during this “review period.” The State Department has stated that this pause is necessary to reassess vetting procedures and develop more rigorous screening tools to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who might rely on U.S. government welfare or public benefits.
Among the 75 countries impacted are several South Asian nations, including Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Pakistan, as well as countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu has updated its portal to reflect this change, noting that the policy targets countries whose immigrants are deemed to have a “higher risk of public benefits usage.” It is important for travelers and students to note that this suspension does not apply to non-immigrant visas, such as tourist (B1/B2), student (F1), or temporary work visas (H-1B). However, applicants for these temporary visas may still face heightened scrutiny regarding their financial status during their interviews.
This policy has sent shockwaves through the thousands of Nepali families currently in the final stages of the immigration process. Legal experts suggest that those who have already completed their interviews but have not yet received their stamped passports by January 21 will likely face indefinite delays. Dual nationals who hold a passport from a country not on the restricted list are reportedly exempt from this pause. As the January 21 deadline approaches, many are calling this a “de facto country-based restriction” that could leave thousands of families in legal limbo for months, as the State Department has not provided a specific end date for the review.
For businesses and individuals in Nepal, this development marks a significant hurdle in the long-standing migration corridor between the two nations. The “Public Charge” reassessment is expected to remain in place until the Department of State completes its internal audit of immigration processing procedures. Until then, those planning to migrate to the United States for permanent residence must prepare for a prolonged and uncertain waiting period.