US Suspends Immigrant Visa Process for Citizens of 75 Countries, Including Nepal

Kathmandu — The US administration under President Donald Trump has indefinitely suspended immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, including Nepal.

The US Department of State has directed consular officers to deny visas for applicants considered potential public burdens while reviewing verification and authentication processes, according to a memo obtained by Fox News.

This suspension will take effect from January 21 (Magh 7) and will remain in place until the Department completes its review. Immigrant visas are long-term visas that allow permanent residence in the United States, unlike student, business, or visitor visas, which are short-term.

Recently, the US also introduced a rule requiring Nepalis applying for B1 (Business) and B2 (Visitor) visas to post a bond, with a stay limited to six months.

The list of 75 countries affected includes Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Russia, Thailand, Yemen, among others.