Archive · 21 Jan 2026
US Tightens Visa Rules for 75 Countries
The US government has decided to stop giving immigrant visas to people from 75 countries starting January 21, 2026.
This means people from these countries can't get a green card to live and work in the US permanently.
Additionally, visitors from 38 of these countries may need to pay a refundable cash bond of up to $15,000 before traveling to the US for business or tourism.
The reason for these changes is to make sure immigrants don't rely on government help and to address high rates of visa overstays.
The list of countries was chosen based on data about how many immigrants from each country use public assistance and overstay their visas.
Interestingly, India was not included in this list, even though data shows Indian-Americans have high incomes and don't rely much on public assistance.
The US will pause immigrant visa issuances for nationals of 75 countries starting January 21, 2026.
Non-immigrant visas, such as B1/B2 tourist visas, will not be affected, but 38 countries will require a refundable cash bond of up to $15,000.
The pause and bond requirement are aimed at ensuring immigrants are financially self-sufficient and addressing high visa overstay rates.
The Department of State will continue to schedule appointments but will not grant immigrant visas to citizens of the impacted countries.
India was notably excluded from the list of countries reviewed for welfare usage, with data showing Indian-Americans have high incomes and low reliance on public assistance.
- Who
- Nationals of 75 countries
- What
- Pausing of immigrant visa issuances and expansion of visa bond program
- When
- Effective January 21, 2026
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To ensure immigrants are financially self-sufficient, prevent public charge, and address high visa overstay rates
- Effective Date
- January 21, 2026
- Number of Countries Affected
- 75
- Type of Visas Affected
- Immigrant visas and select non-immigrant visas (B1/B2)
- Visa Bond Amount
- $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000
- Reason for Changes
- Economic concerns, preventing public charge, and high visa overstay rates
- Countries Reviewed for Welfare Usage
- 120
- Notable Exclusion
- India
