In a major shift affecting global mobility, the United States government has announced a temporary pause on immigrant visa processing for Nigeria and 74 other countries, effective January 21, 2026. The decision is part of a broader review of immigration procedures and aims to address security, administrative backlogs, and policy alignment across multiple visa categories.
Under this pause, nationals of the affected countries will experience delays in the issuance of immigrant visas — the visas that lead to permanent residence (green cards) — until further notice. Non-immigrant visa categories (such as student, tourist, or work visas) are handled separately and may still be processed under existing rules.
What the Pause Means for Applicants
If you are a Nigerian national or a citizen of one of the other 74 countries affected:
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Immigrant visa interviews and approvals are temporarily suspended. This includes visas based on family sponsorship, employment sponsorship, and certain diversity or special categories.
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Case processing may be delayed or put on hold until the pause is lifted or targeted reviews are completed. Some cases that were already in advanced stages at the time of the announcement may still proceed, but this can vary.
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Consular appointments for immigrant visas at U.S. embassies and consulates will likely be rescheduled unless specified otherwise by authorities.
Why the Pause Was Announced
Officials say the pause is intended to:
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Review and tighten security screening procedures
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Standardise criteria and compliance checks across multiple countries
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Address high volumes and administrative constraints in the immigrant-visa system
According to government statements, the goal is not to block foreign nationals indefinitely, but to ensure that application processing aligns with updated policy frameworks and security priorities.
Practical Impact on Applicants
For Nigerians and others impacted, the pause means:
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Longer wait times for green card processing
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Greater uncertainty around interview scheduling
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Need to monitor consular updates closely
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Possible need to renew or extend temporary status if already in the U.S.
Importantly, the suspension affects only the immigrant-visa stream — it does not automatically impact non-immigrant categories like study visas, temporary work permits, or visitor visas unless separate policy updates occur.
What to Do Next
If you or a family member has an immigrant visa case in progress:
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Confirm your current case status: Check whether your interview or interview notice falls before or after January 21, 2026.
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Watch for official updates: U.S. embassies and consulates will issue announcements on case rescheduling and guidance for affected applicants.
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Keep documentation current: Ensure all forms, documents, and supporting evidence remain valid and up to date.
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Seek expert assistance: Great changes like this are best navigated with professional guidance to avoid errors or missed opportunities.
What This Means for Long-Term Migration Planning
The pause reflects larger trends in immigration policy where governments balance openness with security considerations. For many aspiring immigrants, this means adapting timelines, strengthening documentation, and staying informed about procedural changes.
At RoutePal, we monitor evolving visa and immigration policies so you can make informed decisions about your plans abroad. Whether you’re pursuing family reunification, work-based migration, or permanent relocation, we provide guidance through each step of the process — helping you understand requirements, prepare strong applications, and adjust strategies as policies shift.