The United States says it will stop issuing immigrant visas to applicants who are nationals of 75 countries, starting January 21, 2026, as it reviews its screening rules. The list includes Tanzania and Uganda, but Kenya does not appear on it.

U.S. officials say the move is tied to the public charge rule, a test meant to check whether an immigrant is likely to rely on U.S. public support after moving. The State Department says the review is meant to ensure immigrants are financially stable and do not become a burden on taxpayers.

What will change for applicants

• The pause targets immigrant visas (for people planning to move to the U.S. permanently).
• The State Department says applicants from the listed countries may still submit applications and attend interviews, but no immigrant visas will be issued during the pause.
• Tourist and business visas (non-immigrant visas) are not included in this pause.
• Dual nationals using a valid passport from a country not on the list are exempt.

African countries affected

The State Department’s list includes these African countries: Algeria, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia and Uganda.