State Department to Pause Visa Processing for 75 Countries: What Las Vegas Families Need to Know (January 2026)
The visa processing pause affecting 75 countries impacts Las Vegas families and immigrant communities nationwide, creating urgent questions about next steps. If you have family members waiting for immigrant visas abroad, you may have heard confusing news. A processing pause now affects dozens of countries. Your heart may have sunk when you saw the headlines. Naturally, you’re wondering: Does this affect my family? How long will this last? What should I do now?
The answer matters. On January 13, 2026, the State Department made a significant announcement. Consular immigrant visa processing will suspend for nationals of 75 countries starting January 21, 2026. This pause impacts family-based green card applications, employment-based immigrant visas, and other residency cases at U.S. embassies worldwide. Furthermore, the suspension creates urgency for families already in the pipeline.
This isn’t just about paperwork. Rather, it’s about families separated across continents. At our Las Vegas firm, we believe no family should face this uncertainty alone. Below is a breakdown of what is happening and how you can protect your family’s future.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be construed as legal advice. Immigration law is changing rapidly in 2026. For advice specific to your case, consult a licensed immigration attorney. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship.
What Happened? The January 2026 Visa Pause
This month has brought two major waves of restrictions. Many families confuse these policies. Understanding the difference is critical.
The January 1, 2026 Travel Ban
This first restriction limited entry for certain nationals from 39 countries. Specifically, it affected travel to the United States. However, this ban does not directly impact visa processing abroad.
The January 21, 2026 Processing Pause
This second action is broader and more consequential. It affects 75 countries through an administrative decision. Under this rule, consulates may still hold interviews. However, they cannot issue the actual immigrant visa until further notice. Consequently, thousands of cases now face delays.
The government states this pause allows for a “top-to-bottom” review of vetting procedures. Specifically, officials are focusing on “public charge” concerns and national security. The review period is undefined, creating uncertainty for waiting families.
Who is Affected?
Many families affected by this pause also face related immigration challenges. For example, some TPS holders worry about status changes in early 2026. Others preparing employment-based cases should review USCIS premium processing updates. Religious organizations may also be tracking the EB-4 religious worker visa deadline.
Your situation depends on two factors: your country of origin and your visa type. Let’s break down each.
Countries Impacted
The list of 75 countries includes many in Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East. Major countries affected include Colombia, Brazil, Cuba, Haiti, Russia, Egypt, Nigeria, and the Philippines. Additionally, many Central American and Caribbean nations face this suspension. Therefore, if your family is from these regions, you likely face delays.
Note: The State Department has provided a complete list on its website. We recommend checking the official list to confirm your country’s status.
Types of Visas Affected
This pause specifically targets Immigrant Visas (Green Cards) processed at consulates. The following visa categories are impacted:
Spousal and fiancé visas — Family-based sponsorship
Parent, child, and sibling petitions — Immediate relative cases
Employment-based residency — Work-sponsored green cards
Important distinction: Temporary visas (Tourist, Student, H-1B) are generally not included in this specific processing pause. However, they may face stricter vetting. Therefore, H-1B processing may slow, but workers are not blocked from entry.
What Should You Do Now?
We have helped hundreds of families navigate sudden policy shifts. Your next steps are critical. Below is your 2026 action plan.
Check Your Interview Status
If you have an interview scheduled, do not assume it is canceled. Some consulates are still conducting interviews. However, they are holding the final visa issuance. Therefore, your interview may proceed on schedule, but approval and issuance will wait.
Action: Contact your consulate immediately to confirm your interview date. Do not miss appointments, as rescheduling delays cases further.
Explore Adjustment of Status
If your family member is already inside the U.S. on a legal visa, they have options. Specifically, they may apply for their Green Card through USCIS using Form I-485. This process is called “Adjustment of Status.” Importantly, it bypasses the consular pause entirely. (Learn more about marriage-based green card timelines in Nevada.)
Advantage: Adjustment of Status allows processing to continue. Your case advances while overseas applications freeze. Therefore, this option can accelerate your timeline significantly.
Eligibility: Your family member must have entered the U.S. legally. They must also have an immigrant visa available (priority date current). An immigration attorney can assess your eligibility quickly.
Preserve Your Priority Date
Do not stop your application process. This is crucial. Your “place in line” is protected by your priority date. Even if the final step is paused, keeping your paperwork current ensures you are first in line when the pause is lifted.
Action: Continue filing updates to USCIS. Follow all requests for information. Respond to notices promptly. Consequently, when the pause ends, your case will be ready to move forward immediately.
Avoid Risky Travel
Many families consider desperate measures during crises. Specifically, some consider entering the U.S. on a tourist visa with the intention of “fixing their papers” afterward. Do not do this. This approach is visa fraud. It can lead to permanent bans and deportation. Furthermore, it exposes your family to serious legal consequences.
Why this matters: Border agents identify fraud frequently. If caught, your family member loses all visa eligibility. They cannot adjust status, and they face removal. Therefore, legal pathways—though slower—are always safer.
Understanding Your Options
Not every family situation is the same. Your options depend on several factors:
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Your country of origin
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Your current visa status
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Your relationship to the U.S.-based sponsor
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Whether you have a priority date
An immigration attorney can evaluate your specific circumstances. Therefore, seeking professional guidance now prevents costly mistakes later.
Why Time Matters
The pause creates uncertainty about duration. Will it last weeks? Months? Years? We don’t know yet. However, one fact is clear: families cannot afford to wait passively. By exploring options now—such as Adjustment of Status—you may advance your case even while the pause continues.
Not Sure If You’re Ready to Talk to a Lawyer Yet?
Get a Free Preliminary Immigration Case Review
Before committing to legal advice, this free review helps you see the landscape—how situations like yours are generally viewed, what processes and forms are commonly involved, and where cases often run into trouble.
It gives you the context and clarity to decide whether and when speaking with a lawyer makes sense.
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- ✅ Just a clear, high-level roadmap.
For informational purposes only. No attorney-client relationship is created.
Related Immigration Updates
Families navigating the visa processing pause may also find these resources helpful:
- TPS Termination February 3, 2026: Las Vegas Guidance – If you hold Temporary Protected Status, learn about upcoming changes and your options.
- EB-4 Religious Worker Visa Expires January 30, 2026 – Faith communities face another urgent deadline. Understand the impact on religious workers.
- USCIS Premium Processing Fee Increase March 2026 – Planning an employment-based case? Learn about upcoming fee changes.
- Marriage Green Card Timeline Nevada 2026 – Understanding family-based green card processing timelines can help you plan.
Need personalized guidance? Contact our Las Vegas immigration team to schedule your free preliminary case review.
Contacting the firm by phone, email, or website does not create an attorney-client relationship. Do not send confidential information until a written representation agreement is signed. The firm is licensed only where stated (e.g., Nevada and California).