U.S. Suspends Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries Starting Jan 21, 2026 – What It Means for Vietnamese Applicants
Published: January 15, 2026 | Truong Law Firm, PLLC – Houston & Vietnam Offices
On January 14, 2026, the U.S. Department of State announced an indefinite suspension of consular immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026. This expands earlier restrictions (e.g., from Presidential Proclamation 10998 on Jan 1, 2026) amid the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement.
The policy aims to reassess vetting and prevent “public charge” risks. It primarily halts family-based immigrant visas (CR-1/IR-1 spouses, K-1 fiancés, F4 parents, F2A/IR-2 children), with no broad exceptions noted.
Vietnam is NOT on the list — immigrant visa processing for Vietnamese nationals continues normally at the U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City. However, global backlogs may worsen, and future expansions remain a risk.
Full List of 75 Affected Countries (Effective Jan 21, 2026)
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cuba, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, The Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, North Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Yemen.
Why Vietnamese Applicants Should Act Now with Truong Law Firm
- Vietnam unaffected for now — file early to secure your place in line before potential changes.
- Beat growing backlogs and stricter family visa policies under Trump 2026.
- Expert in Vietnamese cases: CR-1/K-1 marriage visas, family sponsorship, I-601/I-212 waivers post-deportation.
- Free consultation: Review your case today to prepare and minimize risks.
Contact us immediately for free evaluation. Our HCM office handles everything from preparation to tracking.
FAQ
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- Does this affect Vietnamese applicants? No—Vietnam not listed. Processing continues, but act fast due to possible future risks.
- Which visas are impacted? Immigrant visas (family-based green cards). Nonimmigrant (tourist/student) generally unaffected.
- How long will the suspension last? Indefinitely, until vetting reassessment completes.
- What if I’m waiting for family visa? Submit now if ready. We can help expedite and review.
- How to get free advice? Call HOUSTON / HCM hotline or submit website form—response in 24 hours.
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