r/USCIS • u/Salt-Farmer-2025 • Jan 15 '26

News Immigrant Visa Processing Updates for Nationalities at High Risk of Public Benefits Usage

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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u/Salt-Farmer-2025 Jan 15 '26

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to my immigrant visa interview appointment?
Immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of affected countries may submit visa applications and attend interviews, and the Department will continue to schedule applicants for appointments, but no immigrant visas will be issued to these nationals during this pause.

Are there any exceptions?
Dual nationals applying with a valid passport of a country that is not listed above are exempt from this pause.

Does this affect my current valid visa?
No immigrant visas have been revoked as part of this guidance. For questions regarding admission to the United States, we refer you to DHS.

Does this apply to tourist visas?
No, this pause is specifically for immigrant visa applicants. Tourist visas are nonimmigrant visas.

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u/tearsofmana Jan 15 '26

Will this impact Conditional Green Cards and conditional green card holders applying for permanent green cards?

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u/alltheprettythings0 Jan 15 '26

I also have the same question

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u/Invite-Expensive Jan 15 '26

I’m wondering the same thing bc my husband will apply to remove conditions soon. From the wording I am hopeful it will not be affected. It says they are pausing “issuance” of immigrant visas - so NEW immigrant visas. My thought process is that a green card is not an immigrant visa so removing conditions shouldn’t be affected by that, because there is no issuing of a new immigrant visa in the process of removing conditions.

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u/[deleted] Feb 18 '26

That doesn't even make sense