Embassy still accepts applications; dual nationals with valid passports from countries not included on the list are exempt
KUWAIT: The US Department of State’s decision to pause the issuance of immigrant visas for 75 countries does not apply to non-immigrant visas, including tourist visas and other categories, Spokesperson of the US Embassy to Kuwait Stuart Turner confirmed.
The pause affects nationals of a wide range of countries, including Kuwait, starting January 21, 2026. The measure is is limited exclusively to immigrant visa applicants and is part of a broader review of immigration policies, Turner explained.
He clarified that immigrant visa applicants from the affected countries may still submit applications and attend scheduled interview appointments. However, no immigrant visas will be issued to these nationals during the pause.
Turner added, “The guidance clarifies that dual nationals applying with a valid passport from a country not included on the list are exempt from the pause. It also notes that no currently valid immigrant visas have been revoked as part of this measure. Questions regarding admission to the United States fall under the authority of the Department of Homeland Security.”
He noted that President Donald Trump has emphasized that immigrants must be financially self-sufficient and should not place a financial burden on American taxpayers. Turner said the Department of State is conducting a full review of its policies, regulations, and guidance to ensure that immigrants from what it described as high-risk countries do not rely on welfare in the United States or become a public charge.
Under the new guidance, all immigrant visa issuances will be paused for applicants who are nationals of the affected countries. These include, Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, The Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.
