Jan 15, 2026: Pause of Immigrant Visa (“Green Card”) Processing for Citizens of Certain Countries

U.S. Department of State’s Post on X Re: Immigrant Visa Processing Pause

On Jan. 14, 2026, the U.S. Department of State and on that they will be pausing immigrant visa processing for foreign nationals who are citizens of 75 countries. The federal government has not yet posted any additional or clarifying information on any websites.

Background

U.S. Department of State officials issue immigrant visas to individuals who will become U.S. lawful permanent residents (“green card” holders) when they enter the United States with the immigrant visas.

Please see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) below for details about this pause. The FAQ is based on currently available information. It does not relate to any specific situation and should not be considered legal advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the recently announced pause in immigrant visa processing affect foreign nationals who 1) are citizens of the 75 countries impacted, 2) are (or will be) international students or scholars at �� Boulder, and 3) wish to enter the United States on nonimmigrant temporary visas such as F, J, or H-1B visas?��

The immigrant visa processing pause does not impact U.S. Department of State issuing nonimmigrant visas for temporary stays such as H-1B, F-1, and J-1 visas. However, citizens of certain countries may be impacted by existing restrictions on the issuance of some nonimmigrant visas.�� Please read the News & Alerts section of the ISSS website for immigration updates related to existing entry and visa issuance restrictions for citizens of certain countries.

Do the entry restrictions impact a U.S. lawful permanent resident’s (“green card” holder’s) ability to remain in or enter the United States?

No. U.S. lawful permanent residents are not impacted by the presidential proclamations. They can enter the United States regardless of their countries of citizenship or birth.

Does the pause require an international student or scholar who is a citizen of one of the countries impacted by the immigrant visa processing pause to leave the United States?

No. The pause does not require anyone from one of the designated countries to depart the United States.��

Has the U.S. Department of State indicated which 75 countries will be covered by the pause at U.S. embassies and consulates in immigrant visa processing?

Yes.��The U.S. Department of State has listed the countries subject to the immigrant visa processing pause.

When does the pause in immigrant visa processing for citizens of the designated countries take effect?

The U.S. Department of State indicates on their website that the pause will start Jan 21, 2026.

Does the pause impact �� Boulder’s international scholars who 1) are citizens of one of the countries that will be under the pause, 2) are currently in the U.S. in valid nonimmigrant status (for example, H-1B), and 3) are applying for U.S. permanent residency based upon their employment at �� Boulder?

No. Immigration visa processing by the U.S. Department of State is different than the application process for U.S. permanent residency via “adjustment of status” (Form I-485) with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The USCIS has not announced any pause in the processing of adjustment of status (“green card”) applications for citizens of certain countries.

Are resources available online to read more about the new immigrant visa pause by the U.S. Department of State?��

As of now, the only information available is that on the U.S. Department of State's post
on X and their website

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) at �� Boulder is��here to support you. We want you to feel welcomed, respected, and valued in our community! Please reach out to us if we can be of assistance.

Please��reach out to ISSS if we can be of assistance.

Campus Resources

ISSS wants you to know you can always talk to us or use the other resources on campus.

Here are some resources we recommend:

Don’t Ignore It: Report a concern about discrimination and harassment, sexual assault, stalking, abusive conduct, classroom disruptions, and ethics concerns or refer someone you are concerned about.

Students: Use our friendly campus counseling services to talk through feelings of anxiety, loneliness, stress, or just to have someone supportive to talk to.

Faculty and Staff: Reach out to the Faculty & Staff Assistance Program to set up a time to chat with a trained counselor.

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