US Suspends Immigrant Visas for 75 Nations

The United States has announced the suspension of immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries, including Bangladesh, in a move that is set to take effect from 21 January 2026. The decision was confirmed in a statement published on the verified social media page of the US Embassy in Dhaka on Monday morning.

According to the embassy, the measure has been introduced by the United States Department of State and will apply specifically to immigrant visa categories. Importantly, the suspension does not extend to non-immigrant visas, such as visitor or tourist visas. The embassy emphasised that applicants from the affected countries may still submit immigrant visa applications and attend scheduled interviews, and that the process of arranging interview appointments will continue as normal.

Rationale Behind the Decision

US authorities have indicated that the suspension targets countries whose immigrants are assessed to receive comparatively higher levels of public assistance funded by American taxpayers. Although detailed criteria have not been publicly itemised, officials suggest that the measure forms part of a broader review of immigration policy and fiscal responsibility.

The suspension applies exclusively to immigrant visas — typically issued for permanent residence (Green Card) purposes — and does not affect temporary categories such as business (B1), tourism (B2), or student visas (F1). This distinction is expected to mitigate immediate disruption for short-term travellers, students, and business visitors.

Scope of the Suspension

In addition to Bangladesh, the list comprises countries from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Among the 74 other nations included are Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Myanmar, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, the Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, the 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 and Yemen.

A summary of the key elements of the policy is provided below:

সম্ভাব্য প্রভাব

Policy analysts suggest that the suspension could affect family-based immigration, diversity visa recipients, and employment-based applicants from the listed countries. However, as the administrative processing of applications will continue, some observers believe the measure may function as a temporary regulatory pause rather than a complete termination of eligibility.

For Bangladeshi applicants and others across the affected nations, further clarification is expected in the coming weeks as the policy’s implementation date approaches. The US Embassy has advised applicants to monitor official updates for additional guidance.