Throughout most international relocation processes, families and businesses plan for months or years before taking a single action with a formal relocation organization. It is normal to have routine expectations regarding an upcoming move rather than to make predictions about what will be established by new policies. This helps keep planning steady during early preparation stages.
Public benefits reliance creates a sharper screening conversation
In all of the countries that we have studied, as well as in many others, it is during this time (i.e., while there is still nothing but “preparation”) that the same documentation, timing, and overall preparation occur that would occur regardless of any change in the actual procedures used in relocating employees.
As a result, since all relocation planning occurs ahead of time, people can look at the larger environment in which they will operate when they relocate; however, if they expect some type of change to immediately affect them, then they may not feel as prepared as they would otherwise.
Government actions can create uncertainty for families and employers, since changes to the processing of an application can occur without creating new barriers for a family or employer to come to the United States.
Families and employers can still be eligible for immigration, and can complete preparation of documentation and participate in scheduled interviews; however, the last step (the issuance of a visa) could stop at any time due to government actions to review and update its policies.
Changes to the immigrant visa process update
The U.S. Department of State has announced a comprehensive review of all the processes involved in the screening and vetting of foreign-born immigrants to determine if these immigrants unlawfully utilize welfare in the United States, or will become a “public charge,” and therefore be unable to financially support themselves.
In connection with that review, the Department announced that, beginning on January 21, 2026, it would suspend the issuance of immigrant visas to applicants who are citizens of the 75 countries listed in the Department’s announcement. As noted above, this is limited to immigrant visas and does not affect temporary travel visas.
The Department’s FAQs clarify that the suspension of immigrant visa issuance does not mean that the Department will not schedule interviews with applicants who are citizens of the countries subject to the suspension. Applicants who are citizens of the countries identified in the Department’s announcement may still attend interviews, and the Department will still schedule interviews. However, once the interview takes place, the Department will not issue an immigrant visa to the applicant during the period of time the suspension remains in effect.
Consequences of the suspension and what applicants should watch next
The suspension of the issuance of immigrant visas is likely to have the greatest impact on applicants’ understanding of timing, as the Department does not indicate when the review will be completed or when the suspension will be lifted.
For example, dual nationals who file their application using a valid passport from a country not included on the list of countries subject to the suspension are not subject to the suspension. In addition, the Department indicates that it may grant a National Interest Exception for certain intercountry adoption cases, and that families pursuing such adoptions should proceed with filing their applications and participating in interviews consistent with normal adoption procedures.
Applicants should check whether they are citizens of one of the countries included in the Department’s list
The suspension appears to be based on nationality rather than current residence. Second, applicants should understand that the suspension applies to immigrant visas. It does not include non-immigrant visas, such as tourist visas. Applicants should also know that the Department has indicated that no immigrant visas have been revoked as part of this suspension.
