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The United States has announced a massive pause on immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including Nigeria and Russia.

Travel plans for many Nigerians and citizens of 74 other nations have hit a major roadblock. 

The United States government has officially ordered a temporary halt to visa processing for several countries as it carries out a comprehensive review of its immigration screening protocols.

According to an internal memo from the US Department of State, this new directive takes effect on January 21, 2026. 

American embassies and consulates across the globe have been instructed to stop processing applications for at least 73 countries while authorities reassess their vetting systems.

The move, which first surfaced through reports by Fox News, encourages consular officers to use current legal frameworks to deny applications during this transition. 

This "pause" specifically targets immigrant visas and does not currently have a set expiration date, leaving many in a state of limbo.

The list of affected countries is extensive, spanning Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Key nations caught in the web include Nigeria, Russia, Egypt, Brazil, and Thailand, alongside several others like Somalia, Iran, and Afghanistan.

US officials have linked this aggressive stance to a stricter interpretation of the "public charge" rule. 

Obgist previous report on Donald Trump Shares Chart on Truth Social, Showing Welfare Access by Immigrants in US instigate this measures.

This law allows the government to deny visas to individuals they believe might eventually depend on state-funded welfare or government assistance once they arrive in America.

Back in late 2025, the State Department had already started signaling this shift. They told diplomatic missions to be more rigorous when checking if an applicant might become a financial burden on the US.

Under these new rules, officers are looking at more than just documents. They are now required to scrutinize an applicant’s age, health, English proficiency, and overall financial resources. 

Even the likelihood of needing long-term medical care is now a deciding factor.

While the memo mentions a recent fraud investigation involving welfare programs in Minnesota specifically linked to some Somali nationals, Nigeria’s inclusion appears part of a broader net. 

This is particularly tough for Nigerians, many of whom rely on these visas for schooling, professional growth, and family reunions.

As of now, there is no word on whether exceptions will be made for humanitarian cases. For the thousands of students and families waiting on interviews, the coming months remain filled with uncertainty.