US Bars Immigrant Visas for Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal; India Exempted

New Delhi: In a major move affecting 75 countries, the United States has announced a suspension on issuing immigrant visas, including permanent residency, to citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and several other nations. Notably, India has been excluded from this list, reflecting the strong India-US ties and the country’s prominent position in H-1B and other skilled visa categories.

Background of the Restriction
The US Department of State cited potential misuse of public welfare programs as a key reason for the visa suspension. The policy, part of a broader review mandated by President Donald Trump, was last updated on January 14, 2026, and will come into effect from January 21, 2026.

India Remains Exempt
According to the US Embassy, India is not among the 75 countries affected by the immigrant visa suspension. This means Indian citizens applying for green cards or other permanent residency categories will not be directly impacted. Neighboring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal are included in the restriction.

Impact on Non-Immigrant Visas
The suspension applies specifically to immigrant visas. Non-immigrant categories such as B1/B2 tourist visas, H-1B work visas, and F-1 student visas are not directly affected. However, delays in visa processing and pending interviews could have an indirect impact. India remains the largest source country for H-1B visa approvals and contributes significantly to the international student population in the US alongside China.

Reasons for India’s Exemption
Although US authorities have not officially disclosed why some countries were excluded, immigration experts suggest several factors, including robust compliance with US immigration standards, strong economic ties, low public welfare dependency, and India’s prominent role in high-skilled sectors like technology and defense. Many Indian professionals work in the US at wages lower than their American counterparts, making them less of a fiscal burden.

Current Challenges for Indian Applicants
Indian applicants already face long processing times, increased government fees, and backlogs in employment-based visas like H-1B. For some green card categories, waiting times for Indian citizens have reached decades.

Exceptions & Clarifications
Dual citizens holding passports from countries not listed among the 75 are exempt. The policy does not affect valid existing visas, and tourist or other non-immigrant visas remain unaffected. Applicants from affected countries may still submit applications and attend interviews, but no immigrant visas will be issued during the suspension period.