US officials have decided to suspend the processing of immigrant visas for applicants from 75 countries, including Nepal.

The US State Department has ordered the suspension of immigrant visa applications in 75 countries. The decision will take effect from January 21 in countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, the Balkans, South Asia, Africa and the Middle East. This will only affect those who want to move to the United States permanently. It will not affect tourist visas or short-term visas.

The ban is imposed on those who have abused public welfare benefits brought to the American people. The State Department has stated that this matter will be reassessed.

‘The Trump administration is ending the abuse of the American immigration system by those who seek to extract money from the American people,’ the department said in a statement, ‘Immigrant visa processing from 75 countries will be suspended. The State Department is reassessing immigration procedures to prevent the entry of foreign citizens who want to receive public welfare and public benefits.’

According to the State Department, people from affected countries can still apply for immigrant visas. However, no visas will be approved or issued during the suspension period. There is no indication of how long the suspension will last. 

Earlier, last Monday, the State Department said that the visas of more than 100,000 people had been revoked in 2025. This included tourists who overstayed, people involved in criminal activities, and people who drove under the influence of alcohol.  Visas for tourists, students, and specialized workers were revoked. 

Countries where immigrant visas were suspended: 

Americas

- Antigua and Barbuda

- Bahamas

- Barbados

- Belize

- Brazil

- Colombia

- Cuba

- Dominica

- Grenada

- Guatemala

- Haiti

- Jamaica

- Nicaragua

- Saint Kitts and Nevis

- Saint Lucia

- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

- Uruguay

Europe

- Albania

- Belarus

- Bosnia and Herzegovina

- Kosovo

- Moldova

- Montenegro

- North Macedonia

- Russia

Asia-Pacific

- Nepal

- Afghanistan

- Bangladesh

- Bhutan

- Pakistan

- Armenia

- Azerbaijan

- Cambodia

- Fiji

- Georgia

- Iran

- Iraq

- Jordan

- Kazakhstan

- Kuwait

- Kyrgyzstan

- Laos

- Lebanon

- Mongolia

- Myanmar

- Syria

- Thailand

- Uzbekistan

- Yemen

Africa

- Algeria

- Cameroon

- Cape Verde

- Cote d'Ivoire

- Democratic Republic of the Congo

- Egypt

- Eritrea

- Ethiopia

- Ghana

- Guinea

- Liberia

- Libya