United States Suspended Immigrant Visas for 75 Nations Including Pakistan – What We Know So Far
Recent reports circulating on international media and social platforms have created concern among visa applicants after claims emerged that the United States has suspended immigrant visa processing for around 75 countries, including Pakistan. While the news has caused panic among applicants waiting for family-based and employment-based visas, the actual situation needs careful understanding.
This article explains what is being reported, what type of visas are affected, whether Pakistanis should be worried, and what applicants should do next.
What Does “Immigrant Visa Suspension” Mean?
An immigrant visa allows a foreign national to permanently live and work in the United States. These visas include:
- Family-sponsored immigrant visas
- Employment-based immigrant visas
- Diversity Visa (DV Lottery)
- Special immigrant categories
A suspension does not always mean a complete ban. In many cases, it refers to:
- Temporary pauses in processing
- Additional background checks
- Country-specific administrative reviews
Such actions are usually taken due to policy reviews, security assessments, or diplomatic considerations.
Is Pakistan Included in the Visa Suspension?
According to unverified reports, Pakistan is listed among approximately 75 countries facing temporary slowdowns or suspensions in certain immigrant visa categories. However, no official blanket ban notification has been issued publicly by the US government specifically naming Pakistan.
Historically, Pakistan has faced:
- Extended administrative processing (221(g))
- Security-related background checks
- Delays in immigrant and non-immigrant visas
These delays are often misinterpreted as a visa ban, which creates confusion among applicants.
Which Visa Categories May Be Affected?
Based on available information and past patterns, the following categories may face delays:
Family-Based Immigrant Visas
Applicants sponsored by:
- Spouse
- Parents
- Children
- Siblings
These cases may experience longer processing times, but are not cancelled.
Employment-Based Immigrant Visas
- Skilled workers
- Professionals
- Priority workers
Employers may see slower approvals due to verification procedures.
Diversity Visa (DV Lottery)
DV visa processing is often time-sensitive. Any administrative pause can impact interview scheduling, especially for high-volume countries.
What Is the Official US Position?
So far:
- No official statement confirms a permanent suspension
- US embassies continue limited visa operations
- Emergency and priority cases are still processed
The U.S. Department of State generally announces major policy changes through official notices, which have not yet confirmed a full suspension affecting Pakistan.
Why Does the United States Suspend or Delay Visas?
Visa processing changes often occur due to:
- Security and background review updates
- Immigration policy reforms
- Diplomatic relations
- High fraud or overstay rates
- System backlogs after COVID-era delays
Such actions are usually temporary and reversible.
Impact on Pakistani Applicants
For Pakistani citizens, this situation may lead to:
- Longer interview wait times
- Delays in passport return
- Requests for additional documents
- Administrative processing under section 221(g)
However, approved cases are not cancelled, and previously issued visas remain valid.
Should Applicants Stop Applying?
No. Experts advise applicants to:
- Continue submitting applications
- Attend interviews if scheduled
- Regularly check email and embassy updates
- Avoid agents spreading unverified rumors
Stopping applications may cause unnecessary delays in already long processing timelines.
Role of the US Embassy in Pakistan
U.S. Embassy Islamabad continues to operate with adjusted capacity. Like many global embassies, it prioritizes:
- Immediate relatives of US citizens
- Medical and humanitarian cases
- Time-sensitive employment visas
Routine cases may take longer but are still active.
Social Media vs Reality
A major reason behind panic is misleading social media headlines claiming:
- “Complete US visa ban on Pakistan”
- “Immigrant visas cancelled”
These claims are not supported by official documentation. Visa policy changes are usually announced formally and implemented gradually.
What Applicants Should Do Right Now
Practical Steps
- Monitor official embassy websites
- Keep documents updated
- Avoid fake agents and rumors
- Prepare for longer waiting periods
What Not to Do
- Do not cancel applications without reason
- Do not believe viral WhatsApp messages
- Do not pay extra money for “guaranteed approval”
Possible Future Developments
If policy reviews continue, the US may:
- Resume normal processing
- Introduce stricter screening
- Limit certain categories temporarily
Past trends show that visa suspensions are rarely permanent, especially for family reunification cases.
US Suspending Immigrant Visa for 75 Countries
The United States is reportedly suspending immigrant visa processing for around 75 countries as part of a broader administrative and security review. This suspension does not automatically mean a permanent visa ban. In most cases, it refers to a temporary halt or slowdown in processing new immigrant visa cases while authorities review procedures, background checks, and country-specific conditions.
US Pause Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries
The pause in immigrant visa processing is mainly administrative and affects how quickly applications are reviewed and interviews are scheduled. Many applicants may experience longer waiting times, delayed interview dates, or extended background checks. However, already approved visas are generally not cancelled, and emergency or priority cases may still be processed by US embassies.
U.S. Immigrant Visa Types
U.S. immigrant visas are issued to people who want to live permanently in the United States. Major types include family-based immigrant visas, employment-based immigrant visas, Diversity Visa (DV Lottery), and special immigrant visas. Each category has its own eligibility criteria, processing timeline, and annual limits set by US immigration laws.
What Are Immigrant Visas
Immigrant visas allow foreign nationals to enter the United States as lawful permanent residents. After entering the country, visa holders receive a Green Card, which gives them the right to live and work permanently in the US. These visas are different from non-immigrant visas, which are issued for temporary stays such as tourism, study, or business.
75 Countries Visa Pause Full List
At present, no officially published and verified full list of all 75 affected countries has been released publicly. Media reports suggest that countries from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Latin America may be included. Applicants are advised to rely only on official announcements from US authorities instead of social media claims.
US Suspends Visa Processing for 75 Countries List
While headlines mention a list of 75 countries, the US government has not issued a single document confirming a complete suspension list. Instead, processing conditions may vary by country, visa category, and embassy workload. Some countries may face partial delays, while others experience normal processing with added security checks.
What Are Immigrant Visas in U.S.
In the US immigration system, immigrant visas are designed for long-term settlement. These visas are usually sponsored by a US citizen, permanent resident, or employer. Once approved and used for entry, the visa holder becomes a lawful permanent resident and can later apply for US citizenship if eligible.
Immigrant Visa Suspension
An immigrant visa suspension usually means a temporary policy decision taken for security, administrative, or diplomatic reasons. Such suspensions have happened in the past and were later lifted. Experts advise applicants not to panic, as most suspensions are reviewed regularly and do not result in permanent restrictions.
Conclusion – United States Suspended Immigrant Visas for 75 Nations Including Pakistan
The news about the United States suspending immigrant visas for 75 countries including Pakistan has created understandable concern, but there is no confirmed permanent ban. Pakistani applicants may face delays, not denials. Visa processing is influenced by global policy reviews, and patience is essential during such periods.
Applicants are strongly advised to rely only on official sources and continue their application process normally.
