Interviews to Continue Despite US Immigrant. The United States has clarified that immigrant visa interviews will continue for applicants from Pakistan and 74 other countries, even though the US government has announced a temporary freeze on immigrant visa issuance.
The clarification came from the US State Department, following confusion among applicants after news broke that the United States would pause issuing immigrant visas as part of a broader policy review ordered by Donald Trump.
This development is especially important for thousands of Pakistani families who already have scheduled appointments at US embassies and consulates.
US Immigrant Visa Issuance Freeze: What Has Changed?
The US government has confirmed that immigrant visa issuance will be paused starting January 21, 2026, for nationals of 75 countries, including Pakistan.
However, the pause does not stop the application process itself.
Applicants can still:
- Submit immigrant visa applications
- Attend scheduled interviews
- Complete biometric and document verification
The only restriction is that final visa issuance will not take place during the review period.
Why Has the US Paused Immigrant Visa Issuance?
In an official statement shared on X, the US State Department said immigrant visa processing is being paused for countries:
“Whose migrants take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates.”
According to the department, the freeze will remain in place until US authorities are satisfied that new immigrants will not become a financial burden on American taxpayers.
This review aligns with President Trump’s long-standing position that immigration policies must prioritise financial self-sufficiency.
Visa Interviews Will Continue as Scheduled
In a detailed question-and-answer guidance released alongside the announcement, the US State Department made an important clarification.
While immigrant visas will not be issued during the pause, applicants are still allowed to:
- Appear for interviews at US embassies
- Continue case processing
- Complete eligibility assessments
US embassies and consulates worldwide, including in Islamabad and Karachi, have been directed to keep scheduling immigrant visa interviews for affected nationals.
Already Issued Visas Will Not Be Cancelled
The State Department also confirmed that the decision:
- Does not revoke immigrant visas already issued
- Does not affect applicants who have already received their visas
- Does not cancel previously granted approvals
However, immigrant visa cases that are approved but not yet printed will be refused under the new policy until the review is completed.
Non-Immigrant Visas Are Not Affected
The suspension does not apply to non-immigrant visas, including:
- Tourist visas
- Student visas
- Work visas
- Business visas
This means Pakistanis applying for temporary travel to the United States can continue their visa processes as normal.
The State Department also emphasised that final admission decisions remain under the authority of the Department of Homeland Security.
Countries Affected by the Visa Issuance Freeze
Pakistan is part of a diverse group of 75 countries affected by the temporary suspension.
The list includes nations from:
- South Asia
- The Middle East
- Africa
- Latin America
- Eastern Europe
Some of the notable countries include:
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- Egypt
- Iran
- Iraq
- Nigeria
- Sudan
- Syria
- Russia
- Brazil
The policy applies equally across all affected countries, regardless of region.
Exemption for Dual Nationals
There is an important exemption under the new guidance.
Applicants who hold dual nationality and apply using a valid passport from a country not on the restricted list are exempt from the suspension.
This means such applicants may still receive immigrant visas without being affected by the pause.
What This Means for Pakistani Applicants
For Pakistani applicants, the announcement brings both relief and uncertainty.
Positive news:
- Interviews will continue
- Applications will not be cancelled
- The process remains active
Challenges:
- Visa issuance will be delayed
- Approved cases may remain pending
- Final outcomes depend on the policy review
Applicants are advised to attend all scheduled interviews and keep their documentation complete to avoid further delays once the freeze is lifted.
Purpose of the Policy Review
According to the US State Department, the pause is part of a comprehensive immigration policy review.
The main goals include:
- Ensuring immigrants are financially self-sufficient
- Preventing reliance on public assistance
- Protecting US taxpayers from added financial burden
President Trump has repeatedly stated that immigration policy must ensure newcomers contribute economically rather than rely on welfare programs.
What Applicants Should Do Next
Applicants affected by the freeze should:
- Attend interviews as scheduled
- Monitor official US embassy updates
- Avoid relying on unofficial sources
- Prepare for possible delays in final visa issuance
US embassies have been instructed to continue normal interview operations during the review period.
Conclusion
The US immigrant visa issuance freeze has raised concerns, but official clarification confirms that interviews and application processing will continue for Pakistan and other affected countries.
While final visa issuance is temporarily paused from January 21, 2026, applicants are encouraged to stay engaged with the process. Already issued visas remain valid, non-immigrant visas are unaffected, and dual nationals may qualify for exemptions.
