🇺🇸 U.S. Suspends Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries  Why Canada Is Now the Smart Alternative

Updated: January 2026

In a significant and far-reaching policy move, the United States has announced the suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026.

This decision affects immigrant visas only  meaning applications for permanent residence (green cards). Non-immigrant visas such as tourist, student, and short-term work visas are not directly impacted.

For thousands of families, skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and international graduates, this announcement creates uncertainty, delays, and in many cases a complete stop to U.S. permanent immigration plans.

At One Immigration, we believe moments like this call for clarity, strategy, and a realistic alternative  and Canada is that alternative.

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What Exactly Did the U.S. Change?

The U.S. State Department has paused immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries as part of stricter screening and “public charge” assessments. In simple terms, consular officers are being instructed to refuse or delay permanent residence visas if they believe an applicant may rely on public assistance after arrival.

There is no official end date to this suspension.

Even applicants who:

• Have approved petitions

• Are waiting for interview dates

• Have been planning family reunification or employment-based green cards

may now face indefinite delays or refusals.

The 75 Countries Affected

Based on current reporting, the suspension applies to nationals from the following countries:

Africa

Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania

Asia

Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen

Europe

Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Russia

North America & Caribbean

Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia

South America

Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay

Oceania

Fiji

⚠️ This list reflects consolidated reporting as of today. Official U.S. guidance may evolve.

Why This Matters Especially If You’re Planning Your Future

This policy is not just administrative. It signals a broader reality:

• Permanent immigration to the U.S. is becoming more restrictive and unpredictable

• Family reunification timelines are being disrupted

• Skilled workers are losing access to long-term pathways

• Employers face increased hiring uncertainty

For many applicants, waiting indefinitely is not a viable life plan.

That’s why more individuals and families are now redirecting their immigration goals to Canada.

Why Canada Is the Clear Alternative in 2026

While the U.S. is tightening access, Canada continues to actively invite immigrants through structured, transparent, and points-based programs.

Canada offers:

• Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class)

• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

• French-language and Francophone pathways

• Employer-driven work permits with PR pathways

• Family sponsorship

• Study-to-PR strategies

Canada’s system is rules-based, predictable, and publicly documented not discretionary at the consulate level like U.S. immigrant visas.

Most importantly:
👉 Canada has clear permanent residence pathways and citizenship for qualified newcomers.

What We’re Seeing at One Immigration

Since this announcement, we’ve seen a sharp increase in inquiries from:

• Professionals previously pursuing U.S. green cards

• Families affected by the suspension

• International graduates reassessing long-term plans

• Entrepreneurs and investors seeking stability

Many of these clients qualify for Canada already  but simply weren’t aware of the right pathway.

What You Should Do Next

If you are from one of the affected countries or if your U.S. immigration plans are now uncertain the most important step is not to wait blindly.

✔ Understand whether you qualify for Canada
✔ Choose the correct immigration strategy from the start
✔ Avoid refusals, wasted time, and misrepresentation risks
✔ Work with licensed professionals who understand policy shifts

🇨🇦 Book a Consultation With One Immigration

At One Immigration, we have over 12 years of experience, thousands of successful cases, and licensed immigration professionals guiding clients from uncertainty to permanent residence in Canada.

📌👉  Book a consultation with our licensed immigration team today

We will:

• Assess your eligibility for Canada

• Recommend the best and fastest pathway

• Build a compliant, strategic application

• Support you every step of the way from planning to PR

Final Thought

U.S. immigration rules may change overnight.
Canada’s system rewards preparation, strategy, and eligibility.

If your future matters, don’t leave it to uncertainty.

👉 Let One Immigration help you build your future in Canada with confidence.