US Suspends Issuance of Immigration Visas for 75 Countries, Including Russia. Key Points You Need to Know.

Effective January 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of State is implementing an indefinite pause on issuing immigration visas (those leading to a Green Card and permanent residence) for citizens of 75 countries worldwide. Russia is included in this list.

This does NOT mean a ban on all visas. Tourist (B1/B2), student, work (H-1B, L-1, O-1), and other non-immigrant visas for temporary stay are NOT affected.

What is the reason?

Combating potential recipients of public benefits (the “public charge” rule). Consuls will assess applicants more strictly based on age, health, finances, and knowledge of English.

How it works for Russian citizens:

• Immigration visas (Green Card)
  Application submission and interviews will continue, but visas will not be issued until the pause is lifted.
• Non-immigrant visas (tourism, business)
  Issuance is NOT suspended. Please note that since September 2025, Russians can only apply in Warsaw (Poland) and Astana (Kazakhstan).
• Dual citizenship
  If you hold a passport from a country not on the list of 75, you are exempt from these restrictions.

What should you do?

Don’t panic!

The ban is not total and not forever. This is a temporary pause while procedures are revised.

• Clearly distinguish your goals. Plans for tourism, study, or temporary work in the US are not under threat.
• Prepare for enhanced screening. When applying for any visa, it is now critical to prove financial solvency and the absence of risk of becoming a “burden” on the U.S. budget.

This news underscores a global trend: countries are tightening migration rules, focusing on the financial independence of applicants. Against this backdrop, Hungary’s “Golden Visa” programs and opening EU 🇪🇺 accounts appear as stable and predictable solutions for relocation and asset management.

Bottom line

For most travelers and businesspeople, nothing has changed radically. But for those planning to move to the US for permanent residence, this is a serious pause.

Our team at IST Hungary recommends that you await official clarifications and reconsider your long-term strategies, exploring reliable alternatives in Hungary and the European Union.

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