US Suspends Immigrant Visa Processing for Pakistan and 74 Other Countries
The United States has officially announced the suspension of immigrant visa processing for Pakistan and 74 other countries, triggering widespread concern among thousands of applicants who were planning to permanently settle in the US. The move has affected families, professionals, and diversity visa applicants who had been waiting for months—or even years—for their cases to move forward.
This sudden decision has raised serious questions about timelines, eligibility, and the future of immigrant visa applicants, especially in countries like Pakistan where US immigration remains a major pathway for family reunification and better economic opportunities.
What Is an Immigrant Visa?
An immigrant visa allows a foreign national to live and work permanently in the United States. Once approved, the visa holder can enter the US as a lawful permanent resident and later apply for a Green Card.
Immigrant visas are different from non-immigrant visas, which are issued for temporary purposes such as tourism, education, or business. The current suspension mainly targets immigrant visa categories, meaning those planning long-term or permanent relocation are directly affected.
Major immigrant visa categories include:
- Family-sponsored visas
- Employment-based immigrant visas
- Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery
- Special immigrant categories
What Does the Suspension Mean in Practical Terms?
The suspension means that US embassies and consulates in affected countries will temporarily stop processing immigrant visa cases. This includes:
- No scheduling of new immigrant visa interviews
- Delays in processing ongoing applications
- Administrative holds on cases awaiting final approval
Applicants who already submitted documents or completed interviews may now face indefinite waiting periods.
US officials have clarified that this is not a permanent ban, but rather a temporary administrative measure linked to internal reviews and system updates.
Why Has Pakistan Been Included?
Pakistan’s inclusion has caused significant anxiety among applicants. While the US government has not issued a country-specific explanation, officials have cited broader reasons such as:
- Enhanced security and background verification
- Review of documentation standards
- Administrative and procedural reforms
- Capacity and workload management at embassies
Experts say Pakistan has historically been subject to stricter verification processes due to documentation and security checks, which may have influenced its inclusion in the suspension list.
How Many Pakistani Applicants Are Affected?
Every year, thousands of Pakistanis apply for immigrant visas under different categories. These include:
- Spouses and children of US citizens
- Parents sponsored by US citizens
- Skilled workers with approved job petitions
- Diversity Visa (Green Card lottery) winners
The suspension is expected to affect tens of thousands of pending and future applicants, many of whom had already made financial and personal plans to move to the US.
Impact on Family Reunification Cases
Family-sponsored immigration is one of the most common routes for Pakistanis. The suspension has particularly impacted:
- Spouses waiting to join their partners
- Children separated from parents
- Parents sponsored by US-based sons or daughters
Many families have expressed frustration as they had already completed medical exams, interviews, and document submissions. Some had even sold property or resigned from jobs in anticipation of visa approval.
Effect on Employment-Based Immigrant Visas
Professionals and skilled workers are also among the worst affected. Employment-based immigrant visas are issued to individuals who receive job offers from US employers and go through a lengthy approval process.
With processing halted, employers may face delays in onboarding foreign talent, while applicants risk losing job offers due to uncertainty.
What About Diversity Visa (Green Card) Applicants?
Diversity Visa applicants, commonly known as Green Card lottery winners, are also facing serious challenges. DV visas operate on strict yearly deadlines, and delays could mean applicants lose their chance entirely if processing does not resume in time.
Immigration experts warn that DV applicants are at the highest risk because unused visas cannot be carried forward to the next year.
Are Non-Immigrant Visas Also Suspended?
At present, the suspension mainly applies to immigrant visas. Non-immigrant visas such as:
- Visit visas
- Student visas
- Temporary work visas
may continue under separate policies, depending on embassy workload and country-specific conditions. However, applicants are advised to check official embassy announcements for confirmation.
What Should Pakistani Applicants Do Now?
Immigration lawyers and consultants advise applicants to remain calm and avoid panic. Key recommendations include:
- Regularly check official US Embassy updates
- Do not rely on social media rumors or unverified agents
- Keep documents updated and ready
- Respond promptly if contacted by embassy officials
- Consult licensed immigration lawyers for guidance
Applicants should also avoid submitting duplicate applications, as this may create further complications.
Financial and Emotional Impact
The suspension has not only caused procedural delays but also financial losses. Many applicants have already spent large sums on:
- Medical examinations
- Visa fees
- Document translation and verification
- Travel and relocation planning
In addition, the emotional toll on families separated across borders has increased, with uncertainty adding to stress and anxiety.
Is This a Permanent Ban?
US authorities have emphasized that the suspension is temporary. Similar measures in the past were lifted after internal reviews were completed.
However, no clear timeline has been provided, making it difficult for applicants to plan their future. Analysts believe processing may resume in phases, starting with family-sponsored cases once reviews are finalized.
Political and Policy Context
US immigration policy has undergone several changes in recent years, often influenced by domestic politics, security concerns, and administrative capacity.
Experts believe the current suspension reflects a broader attempt to streamline immigration systems rather than target specific countries permanently.
What Happens Next?
In the coming weeks, further guidance is expected from US authorities. Embassies may issue updated instructions once reviews are completed.
Applicants are advised to stay informed through official channels and avoid unnecessary legal or financial commitments until clarity emerges.
Conclusion – US Suspends Immigrant Visa Processing for Pakistan
The suspension of immigrant visa processing for Pakistan and 74 other countries has created uncertainty for thousands of hopeful applicants. While the decision has caused concern, experts stress that it is not a permanent shutdown.
For now, patience, accurate information, and careful planning remain essential. As the situation evolves, affected individuals are encouraged to stay connected with official sources and seek professional advice where needed.
