By the licensed immigration consultants at Sun Consulting (Pvt.) Ltd, operating as Sun Enterprises.
Quick Answer: Effective January 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of State paused immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries, including Pakistan, while it reassesses screening procedures related to public-benefits risk. The pause applies only to immigrant visas (green card pathways) nonimmigrant visas such as B1/B2 visitor visas, F-1 student visas, H-1B, and L-1 continue to be processed normally.
If you or a family member has a pending green card case through a U.S. embassy, this policy directly affects your timeline. Here’s exactly what changed, who it affects, and what Pakistani applicants should do in the meantime.
Quick Overview
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Effective Date | January 21, 2026 |
| Announced | January 14, 2026 |
| Policy | Pause on immigrant visa (green card) issuance |
| Countries Affected | 75, including Pakistan |
| Nonimmigrant Visas | Not affected (B1/B2, F-1, H-1B, L-1, etc. continue) |
| Official Source | U.S. Department of State / U.S. Embassy Islamabad |
What Is the US Immigrant Visa Pause?
The State Department paused issuance of immigrant visas — the category that leads to lawful permanent residence (a green card) — for applicants from 75 designated countries, citing a review of how it assesses whether applicants are likely to rely on U.S. public assistance after arrival. Pakistan is on this list.
Who Is Affected?
Pakistani nationals with pending or new applications in the following categories are impacted:
- IR-1/CR-1 (spouse of a U.S. citizen)
- F1 (unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens)
- F2 (spouses/children of green card holders)
- F3, F4 (married children and siblings of U.S. citizens)
Employment-Based Immigrant Visas
- EB-1, EB-2, EB-3 categories
- EB-5 investor visas
Applicants in these categories may continue submitting documents and attending scheduled interviews, but final visa issuance is on hold while the pause remains in effect.
Who Is NOT Affected?
- Nonimmigrant visas — B1/B2 visitor visas, F-1 student visas, H-1B, L-1, TN, and J-1 continue to be processed and issued normally
- U.S. lawful permanent residents already holding a green card can travel freely regardless of the pause
- Existing valid immigrant visas issued before the effective date are not cancelled
- Certain national interest exceptions, evaluated case by case with the Department of Homeland Security
Does This Affect Tourist, Student, or Business Visas?
No. This is a common point of confusion — the pause is specific to immigrant visas (green card pathways). B1/B2 visitor visas, F-1 student visas, and other nonimmigrant categories continue under normal processing, though applicants should always check for separate, unrelated visa restrictions before booking travel.
How Does This Impact Pakistani Families?
Many Pakistani families rely on family-sponsored immigration to reunite with relatives already in the United States. Practical effects include longer separation from family members, delays in spousal/fiancé cases already in process, and uncertainty for applicants who had already completed interviews and were awaiting visa issuance.
What Should Pakistani Applicants Do Now?
| Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Continue submitting required documentation | Avoids additional delays once the pause lifts |
| Attend scheduled interviews if requested | Interviews may still proceed |
| Monitor official State Department announcements | Policy details can change |
| Consult a licensed immigration advisor | Understand how this specifically affects your case type |
Can You Request an Exception?
National interest exceptions exist and are evaluated case by case with no automatic approval. If you believe your case may qualify, this is not something to navigate alone — the criteria are narrow and case-specific.
About Sun Consulting (Pvt.) Ltd
Sun Enterprises is the operating/trade name of Sun Consulting (Pvt.) Ltd, a licensed immigration consultancy based in Karachi, Pakistan, helping clients with USA, Canada, Australia, UK, and Europe immigration and visa applications.Â
FAQs
Is the US banning Pakistani immigrants permanently?
No. The current policy is a temporary pause on immigrant visa issuance, not a permanent ban — the State Department has stated it will remain in effect while procedures are reassessed, with no announced end date.
Does this affect green card applications already filed?
Applications can continue to be processed, but immigrant visa issuance for affected applicants will be held until further guidance.
Can I still attend my embassy interview?
Yes. According to State Department guidance, applicants may continue scheduling and attending interviews, although visas may not be issued during the pause.
Are student visas affected?
No. F-1 student visas fall under nonimmigrant visa categories, which are not impacted by this pause.
Have a Pending Immigrant Visa Case?
If you have a family-sponsored or employment-based immigrant visa case affected by this pause, our consultants can help you understand your options and prepare your case for when processing resumes.
