# US to Suspend Visa Processing Indefinitely for 75 Countries, Including Bangladesh

> The U.S. State Department will pause immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including Bangladesh, starting January 21. The decision follows a review of screening rules under the “public charge” provision. Applicant…

Published: 2026-01-15 · Desk: Latest · Source: Fox News

The U.S. State Department has announced a pause on immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including Bangladesh, as it reviews screening procedures under the “public charge” provision of U.S. immigration law. According to a memo cited by Fox News Digital, consular officers have been instructed to deny visas to applicants likely to depend on public assistance.

The suspension will take effect on January 21 and remain in place until further notice. The move follows a November 2025 directive requiring embassies worldwide to apply stricter screening criteria, including health status, age, English proficiency, financial stability, past use of government aid, and potential long-term medical needs.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the department will use its authority to block applicants deemed likely to become public charges. Immigration from affected countries will remain paused during the review, with limited exceptions granted only after applicants pass public charge assessments.

Original reporting: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/us-freezes-all-visa-processing-75-countries-including-somalia-russia-iran?fbclid=IwY2xjawPVdtpicmlkETFwc21XZmd4YXlZTHpTZURSc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhob7dOUbDH8PlCYPvCQHL7JLpc_R-6h0Ls7k3Kk0YZmbpL16176MQKHYtmX&brid=-sFyp3dCXEeZQnMQxNx4wQ
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