Trinidad and Tobago Not Included in U.S. Visa Processing Pause — Here’s the Full List of Affected Countries
The United States government has announced a pause on immigrant visa processing for citizens from 75 countries in a major shift in immigration policy set to take effect January 21, 2026. The decision is part of a broader effort by the U.S. State Department to reassess how immigrant visas are vetted, particularly under longstanding “public charge” provisions that allow denial of entry to individuals likely to depend on U.S. public benefits. �
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What This Policy Means
The pause applies only to immigrant visas — those that lead to permanent residence in the United States. It does not affect non-immigrant visas like tourist (B-2), business (B-1), or student (F/M) visas. �
ABC News
The suspension is indefinite and will remain in place while the State Department updates its screening and vetting procedures. �
ABC News
Applicants from the affected countries can continue submitting applications and attending interviews, but decisions will be on hold until further notice. �
ABC News
75 Countries Impacted
While the U.S. government has not released a formal official list, multiple media reports and internal memos have identified the following nations whose immigrant visa processing will be suspended: �
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Africa
Algeria
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Congo (Republic of and Democratic Republic of)
Egypt
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea
Liberia
Libya
Morocco
Nigeria
Rwanda
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Sudan
Sudan
Syria
Tanzania
Togo
Tunisia
Uganda
Asia
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
Burma (Myanmar)
Cambodia
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Mongolia
Nepal
Uzbekistan
Caribbean & Latin America
Antigua and Barbuda
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Colombia
Cuba
Dominica
Grenada
Guatemala
Haiti
Jamaica
Nicaragua
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Uruguay
Europe & Eurasia
Albania
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Georgia
Kosovo
Macedonia (North Macedonia)
Moldova
Montenegro
Russia
Middle East
Iran
Iraq
Jordan
Kuwait
Lebanon
Other
Brazil
Fiji
(This compilation reflects lists circulating in media reports and internal documents; the U.S. State Department has not yet published a definitive official list.) �
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Trinidad and Tobago Is Not Included
Importantly for Caribbean nationals, Trinidad and Tobago does not appear on the announced list of 75 countries subject to the immigrant visa freeze. This means that immigrant visa processing for citizens of Trinidad and Tobago is expected to continue as normal, without the indefinite suspension affecting applicants from the listed countries above. �
TIME
That said, all visa applicants — including those from Trinidad and Tobago — should stay informed about ongoing policy changes, as immigration rules can evolve with new government directives.
What Caribbean Travelers Should Know
Tourist, business, and student visas remain unaffected by this immigrant visa pause. �
ABC News
If you’re planning to apply for a green card or other immigrant visa from Trinidad and Tobago, standard processing through the U.S. Embassy in Port of Spain should continue under current procedures.
Join the Trinidad and Tobago WhatsApp update group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DKueX7ZV35626FbOsKBt03
