State Dept Suspends Immigrant Visa Consular Processing for 75 Countries (Jan 21, 2026)

Effective January 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of State suspended consular immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries worldwide. The suspension applies to immigrant visa interviews and issuances at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad, creating an immediate halt in the consular processing pipeline for thousands of pending applicants. For EB-3 employment-based immigrants, this suspension has direct and serious consequences. Applicants who have already received their National Visa Center (NVC) case number, completed documentarily qualified (DQ) status, or were scheduled for a consular interview face indefinite delays. The suspension affects the final stage of the immigrant visa process for those choosing consular processing rather than adjustment of status. Applicants currently in the United States with a pending I-485 (Adjustment of Status) are not directly affected by the consular suspension, as their applications are processed domestically by USCIS. However, those abroad who have not yet entered the U.S. on an immigrant visa are in an uncertain holding pattern with no clear timeline for resumption of services. Jackson Lewis notes that impacted applicants should consult with their immigration attorneys to evaluate alternative pathways, including whether nonimmigrant visa options exist to enter the U.S. and pursue adjustment of status domestically. Employers sponsoring EB-3 workers through consular processing should reassess timelines and contingency plans accordingly. No official list of the 75 affected countries has been confirmed at the time of publication, and no end date for the suspension has been announced. EB-3 petitioners and beneficiaries are advised to monitor State Department communications and the National Visa Center for updates regarding their specific cases.