The U.S. is implementing two significant immigration policies that will reshape visa issuance for numerous countries starting January 1, 2026. The Travel Ban (Proclamation 10998) will impose full visa suspensions on 19 countries and partial restrictions on an additional 19 nations. Additionally, a separate policy will freeze all immigrant visa issuance for 75 countries indefinitely.
Key Details:
- Full suspension: Affects Afghanistan, Burma, Burkina Faso, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Yemen.
- Partial restrictions: Includes Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
- Immigrant visa freeze: All immigrant visa issuance paused for 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026.
- Current visa holders: Those with valid status in the U.S. or valid visas are not affected by these changes.
These changes will significantly impact individuals from the affected countries seeking to enter the U.S. for various purposes. Need help with your immigration case? Visit QuickFiling.us for professional immigration services.
Source: U O A Legal