Recent media reports regarding a broad suspension of U.S. visa processing have now been partially clarified by official sources.
The U.S. Department of State has confirmed that it will temporarily suspend immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries including Brazil beginning January 21, 2026, while it reviews and reassesses screening procedures under existing immigration law. Importantly:
- The suspension applies to immigrant visas only (i.e., green card processing at U.S. consulates abroad).
- Nonimmigrant visas (such as B-1/B-2, F-1, H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc.) are not affected at this time.
- The U.S. Department of State states that the temporary suspension of immigrant visa processing is intended to allow a reassessment of screening procedures, particularly the application of long-standing public charge inadmissibility standards.
- The Department has not published an official list of affected countries, nor released the full internal memo referenced in media reports.
- There has been no announcement revoking or invalidating visas already issued.
Further guidance is expected. Applicants with pending or planned immigrant visa processing at consulates should closely monitor developments and consider timing and strategy adjustments where appropriate.