ISLAMABAD: The United States Department of State’s indefinite suspension ofimmigrant visa issuances, effective January 21, 2026, has createdwidespread concern among Pakistani nationals and applicants from 75designated high-risk countries. Announced on January 14, 2026, the policyhalts green card processing through consular channels due to heightenedpublic charge scrutiny, yet immigration attorneys emphasize that severalpractical strategies remain available to mitigate or entirely circumventthe restrictions for determined applicants.
The measure applies exclusively to immigrant visas processed abroad at USembassies and consulates, blocking final issuance even when priority datesare current or petitions stand approved. Applicants from Pakistan,Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iran, Nigeria, Russia, Somalia, and dozensof other listed nations can still file DS-260 forms, schedule interviews,and complete required steps, but no visa stamps will be issued until theDepartment completes its policy review. This nationality-based restrictiondoes not impact those already in the United States pursuing adjustment ofstatus.
Prominent immigration lawyers have taken to professional platforms todissect the policy’s real-world effects and propose actionablealternatives. Employment-based applicants face particular hardship becauseapproved I-140 petitions no longer guarantee consular visa issuance,stalling permanent residency for skilled workers sponsored by Americanemployers. Legal experts note that companies relying on internationaltalent from affected countries must now rethink timelines, potentiallyextending reliance on temporary work authorizations.
One recurring recommendation from specialists centers on nonimmigrant visapathways as effective bridges toward eventual permanent status. H-1Bspecialty occupation visas, L-1 intracompany transferee classifications,O-1 extraordinary ability petitions, and E-2 treaty investor visas continueto function normally for eligible Pakistanis and others on the list. Thesetemporary entries allow individuals to live and work in the United Stateswhile monitoring developments or preparing for adjustment of status onceinside the country.
Attorneys stress that adjustment of status applications filed with USCISusing Form I-485 remain entirely unaffected by the consular pause. Forthose who secure entry on a qualifying nonimmigrant visa, maintaining validstatus and meeting eligibility criteria can lead to green card approvaldomestically, bypassing the overseas issuance bottleneck. This route hasgained renewed attention as a primary workaround for family-sponsored andemployment-based hopefuls from restricted countries.
Dual nationality stands out as another powerful strategy highlighted byimmigration professionals. Applicants holding citizenship or a validpassport from any non-listed country, such as the United Kingdom, Canada,Australia, or certain European nations, may apply for immigrant visas usingthat unaffected nationality. The Department of State processes based on thepassport presented at the consular interview, rendering the suspensioninapplicable in such cases and allowing uninterrupted progression towardpermanent residency.
Experts caution that success with dual nationality depends on genuinecitizenship acquisition and proper documentation. They advise thoroughverification of second-country passport validity and consular acceptancepolicies to avoid complications during interviews. For many Pakistaniprofessionals with overseas education, marriage, or ancestry ties, thisoption has emerged as a viable and increasingly popular solution amid theuncertainty.
The January 2026 Visa Bulletin, while showing incremental movement infamily and employment preference categories, offers limited relief forconsular applicants from the 75 countries. Cutoff dates under “AllChargeability Areas” advanced modestly in categories like F2A spouses andchildren of permanent residents, yet the pause supersedes bulletinavailability for issuance purposes. In contrast, the bulletin retains fullrelevance for adjustment of status filers inside the United States,reinforcing the value of nonimmigrant entry strategies.
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Lawyers also point to the indefinite duration of the suspension as both achallenge and an opportunity. Without a fixed end date, proactive planningbecomes essential, with some practitioners encouraging clients to pursuenonimmigrant options immediately rather than waiting for potential policyreversals or legal challenges. Ongoing monitoring of State Departmentannouncements and engagement with qualified counsel remain critical toadapting to any future modifications.
Pakistani applicants, many of whom pursue family reunification or skilledemployment routes, now face extended separation from relatives or delayedcareer progression in the United States. The US Embassy in Islamabad hasconfirmed the policy’s application to Pakistani passport holders whileassuring continued processing of nonimmigrant categories. Communitydiscussions reflect growing reliance on attorney guidance to explore everyavailable avenue during this period of restricted access.
Source:https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/immigrant-visa-processing-updates-for-nationalities-at-high-risk-of-public-benefits-usage.html
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