The U.S. Department of State has announced a partial suspension of visa issuance for nationals of 19 countries, set to begin at 12:01 a.m. EST on January 1, 2026.
The policy, implemented under Presidential Proclamation 10998 titled "Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States," targets deficiencies in screening, vetting, information-sharing, high visa overstay rates, and other national security risks.
The countries affected include: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The restrictions apply specifically to:
Nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visas (for business or tourism)
F, M, and J visas (for students and exchange visitors)
All immigrant visas
Certain exceptions are in place, including:
Immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran
Dual nationals traveling on a passport from an unaffected country
Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for qualifying U.S. government employees
Participants in major international sporting events, such as the 2026 World Cup or 2028 Olympics
Lawful permanent residents of the United States
Importantly, no existing visas issued before the effective date will be revoked, and individuals holding valid visas as of January 1, 2026, remain unaffected.
Affected applicants may still apply and attend interviews, though they could face ineligibility under the proclamation.
The measures build on prior policies aimed at enhancing border security and public safety.
For the latest updates and full details, consult the U.S. Department of State's website or your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
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