The recent visa pause for Afghanistan announced by the Department of State has left thousands of applicants in limbo. The measure affects immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, including some that had already been approved.
At the same time, the government confirmed that this decision is part of a broader policy aimed at 19 countries considered “high risk”, and USCIS released a new memorandum that slows down immigration processes within the U.S. and increases security checks.
In this guide, you will see what has changed, who is affected and what to do if you or a family member is from any of these countries.
What the visa pause for Afghanistan means
On November 28, 2025, the Department of State announced that issuing visas for people with an Afghan passport is temporarily suspended.
The key points are:
- Consulates can conduct interviews, but visas are refused under INA 221(g) while additional security checks are carried out.
- If a visa had already been authorized for printing, it will not be printed.
- If it was already printed, it must be cancelled and the case must be reopened to refuse it.
- The measure affects immigrant visas (including those processed through consular processing) and nonimmigrant visas (tourism, study, business, work, etc.).
In practice, no one with an Afghan passport will receive a visa for now, even if they have already completed the entire process.
How this ties into the policy for 19 countries
The countries included in the “high-risk” designation are:
Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Burundi, Chad, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, and Yemen.
This policy involves:
- Pauses or lengthy delays in immigration processes.
- Stricter background checks.
- Impact on asylum, adjustment of status, work permits, naturalization, and consular visas.
- More cases receiving 221(g) refusals or Requests for Evidence (RFEs).
The pause for Afghanistan is just the most visible part of this nationality-based review program.
New USCIS policy: Memo PM-602-0192
USCIS announced additional measures that affect both people with pending cases and some people whose cases have already been approved.
1. Temporary pause on asylum and other immigration benefits
USCIS will slow down or temporarily pause the processing of:
- Pending asylum applications (Form I-589).
- Applications for immigration benefits filed by people from the 19 countries (I-485, I-765, I-90, I-131, I-751, among others).
This may lead to longer wait times even when the case has been properly filed.
2. Stricter security screening
Applications may involve:
- More in-depth background checks
- Mandatory interviews
- Additional interviews in some cases
- Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
This does not mean the applicant has done anything wrong; it is a standard that is being applied on the basis of nationality.
3. Review of already approved cases
Some benefits that were granted may be reviewed again if the person entered the U.S. on or after January 20, 2021.
Which immigration processes are affected
Tourist and business visas (B-1/B-2)
Higher risk of 221(g).
You can learn more in our guides on the B-2 tourist visa and the B-1 business visitor visa.
Student visas (F-1)
Slower processing and a higher likelihood of “administrative processing.”
Work visas
Even with approved petitions (H-1B, L-1, E-2), the consular process may be paused.
Adjustment of status within the U.S.
More interviews, RFEs, and delays.
Naturalization
There are reports of cancelled or rescheduled interviews.
Permanent residence (Green Card)
Cases that depend on consular visas or internal reviews may face long pauses.
Visas refused or on hold
Visa refusals and 221(g) decisions are on the rise.
Differences if you are inside or outside the U.S.
If you are outside the U.S.
- High likelihood of receiving 221(g).
- Even if there is an interview, the visa will not be issued.
- Particularly serious impact on those who depend on consular processing.
If you are inside the U.S.
- More delays in adjustment of status and naturalization.
- Possible additional interviews or RFEs.
- Greater scrutiny based on nationality.
For additional guidance, you can review:
What to do if you are from Afghanistan or one of the 19 countries
- Expect delays, but do not assume your case is lost.
- If you received a recent 221(g) or denial, see:
What if my visa application is denied - Keep your immigration status current, including renewals when possible:
How to renew a U.S. visa - Avoid traveling without legal guidance.
- Seek professional support if your case goes into internal review:
Immigration lawyers in New Jersey
Frequently asked questions
Does the pause apply only to new applications?
No. It also affects cases that were approved but whose visas have not yet been issued.
What happens if I already have a valid visa?
In principle, the pause targets new visa issuances, but some internal reviews may impact other processes.
Is this a travel ban?
No. It is a combination of pauses, enhanced security checks, and internal reviews.
How long will the pause last?
There is no set end date. It is tied to national security criteria.
Get the legal guidance you need
The decisions by the Department of State and USCIS represent a significant shift in current immigration policy. If you or a family member is from one of the 19 affected countries, it is critical to understand the risks and the options available.
At Curbelo Law, we can:
- Review your case
- Explain the risks related to your nationality
- Prepare you for interviews or RFEs
- Explore alternative legal options
We are here to help you navigate these changes with clarity and strategy.
