• By Afzal Ghazi
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Thousands of Pakistani families and prospective immigrants have been affected by a significant U.S. immigration policy change in 2026.

Effective January 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of State temporarily paused the issuance of immigrant visas (Green Card visas) to nationals of Pakistan and dozens of other countries while it reviews screening procedures related to public charge policies and immigrant vetting. The policy does not prevent applicants from filing applications or attending scheduled interviews, but eligible applicants may not receive immigrant visas until the pause is lifted.

If you’re planning to immigrate to the United States through family sponsorship, employment, or investment, understanding this policy is essential.

Quick Overview

What Is the US Immigrant Visa Pause 2026?

The U.S. Department of State announced a temporary suspension of immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries, including Pakistan.

According to the State Department, the pause allows officials to conduct a comprehensive review of immigrant screening procedures and public charge assessments before issuing new immigrant visas. Applicants may still:

• Submit immigrant visa applications
• Complete National Visa Center (NVC) processing
• Attend scheduled embassy interviews

However, consular officers generally cannot issue immigrant visas to affected nationals while the pause remains in effect.

Who Is Affected?

For Pakistani nationals, the pause primarily impacts applicants seeking permanent residency through immigrant visa categories.

These include:

Family-Sponsored Immigration

Examples include:

• IR-1 / CR-1 (Spouse)
• F1 (Adult unmarried children)
• F2
• F3
• F4 (Sibling sponsorship)

Applicants may continue their cases, but visa issuance is paused.

Employment-Based Immigrant Visas

Employment Green Card categories such as:

• EB-1
• EB-2
• EB-3
• EB-5 Investor Visa

may also experience delays in visa issuance for Pakistani nationals.

Who Is NOT Affected?

The State Department guidance outlines several important exceptions.

1. Dual Nationals

Applicants who hold citizenship in Pakistan and another country not covered by the pause may qualify for processing when applying with the unaffected passport.

2. Certain Adoption Cases

Children adopted by U.S. citizens may qualify for National Interest Exceptions on a case-by-case basis.

3. National Interest Exceptions

The Secretary of State, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, may approve exceptions if travel serves the national interest.

4. Existing Valid Visas

The policy does not revoke immigrant visas that were already issued before the effective date, nor does it automatically cancel existing lawful permanent resident status.

Does This Affect Tourist, Student, or Business Visas?

No.

The January 2026 policy specifically targets immigrant visas, which are issued to individuals seeking permanent residence (Green Cards).

Generally, it does not apply to:

• B1/B2 Visitor Visas
• F-1 Student Visas
• Exchange Visitor Visas
• Most temporary non-immigrant visa categories

However, applicants should always verify the latest guidance before scheduling travel.

How Does This Impact Pakistani Families?

Many Pakistani families rely on family-sponsored immigration to reunite with relatives in the United States.

Potential impacts include:

• Longer separation from family members
• Delays in spouse immigration
• Delayed Green Card issuance
• Extended processing uncertainty
• Possible financial planning challenges

Applicants who have already completed interviews may also experience delays if their visas have not yet been issued.

What About EB-5 Investors?

Pakistani investors pursuing permanent residency through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program may also face delays in visa issuance.

Although investment projects and USCIS petition processing may continue, final immigrant visa issuance through U.S. embassies is subject to the current pause.

What Should Pakistani Applicants Do Now?

Although the pause creates uncertainty, applicants should continue preparing their cases.

Recommended steps include:

Can You Request an Exception?

Possibly.

Certain applicants may qualify for:

• National Interest Exceptions
• Humanitarian considerations
• Adoption-related exceptions
• Other case-specific discretionary waivers

Approval is not automatic and depends on individual circumstances and government discretion.

Official Government Resources

For the latest updates, always rely on official government sources:

• U.S. Department of State – Immigrant Visa Processing Updates
• U.S. Department of State – Visa News
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Avoid relying solely on social media or unofficial sources for immigration updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the US banning Pakistani immigrants?

No. The current policy is a temporary pause on immigrant visa issuance, not a permanent ban on Pakistani immigrants.

Does this affect Green Card applications already filed?

Applications may continue to be processed, but immigrant visa issuance is paused for affected applicants until further notice.

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?

Generally, no. The policy targets immigrant visas rather than most non-immigrant visa categories.

Will this pause be permanent?

There is currently no announced end date. The U.S. government has stated that the pause remains in place while it reviews screening and vetting procedures. Applicants should monitor official government announcements for updates.

Final Thoughts

The US immigrant visa pause 2026 represents an important regulatory development for Pakistani nationals seeking permanent immigration to the United States. While applications and interviews may continue, the issuance of new immigrant visas has been temporarily suspended for affected applicants until further notice.

Because immigration policies can change quickly, applicants should stay informed through official government sources, maintain complete documentation, and seek professional guidance when necessary to avoid unnecessary delays.

Need Professional Immigration Guidance?

If you’re planning to immigrate to the United States through family sponsorship, employment, or investment, the immigration experts at Sun Investment & Consulting Pvt. Ltd. can help you understand the latest policy changes, prepare accurate documentation, and navigate your options during this temporary visa pause.

Contact Sun Investment & Consulting Pvt. Ltd. today for personalized immigration consultation and stay prepared for future policy updates.