Effective today (01/21/2026), the U.S. Department of State’s policy pausing the issuance of Immigrant Visas for certain nationalities (including Brazil) enters into force for an indefinite period.
🔹 What this means
- The pause applies only to Immigrant Visas processed through U.S. consulates abroad (family-based, employment-based, and diversity visas).
- Visa interviews may continue, but no immigrant visas will be issued while the pause remains in effect.
- Nonimmigrant (temporary) visas are NOT affected, including employment-based categories such as L-1, H-1B, O-1, E-2, and others.
🔹 Practical takeaway
Individuals who have urgent professional or personal reasons to relocate to the United States in the short term may still have viable temporary visa options, particularly employment-based visas, depending on their background, role, and corporate structure.
This policy is procedural and does not cancel or deny pending immigrant cases, but it does significantly impact timelines for consular processing.
If you or your company are assessing alternative strategies to enter or remain in the U.S. while immigrant visa issuance is paused, professional planning is critical.