US immigrant visa pause: Pakistanis can still apply and attend scheduled interviews

ISLAMABAD/WASHINGTON - Pakistanis affected by the latest US immigrant visa suspension will still be allowed to submit applications and attend interviews that are already scheduled, US officials have clarified. However, no new immigrant visas will be issued while the suspension remains in place, according to Dawn and Tribune reported.

The US government has announced a pause on issuing immigrant visas for citizens of Pakistan and around 75 other countries. The suspension is set to begin on January 21 and applies to all major immigrant visa categories, including family-based, employment-based, and diversity visas.

Applications and interviews will continue
Despite the freeze, US embassies and consulates will continue accepting immigrant visa applications and conducting interviews that were already booked. Officials said applicants should still appear for their interviews as planned. However, even if an application is approved, the visa will not be issued during the suspension period.

Visas that were already issued before January 21 will remain valid and will not be cancelled. The pause also does not apply to non-immigrant visas such as tourist, student, work, or business visas, which will continue to be processed normally.

The State Department further explained that people holding dual nationality may be exempt if they travel using a passport from a country not included in the suspension list.

Why the US imposed the pause
According to US officials, the suspension is part of a broader internal review ordered by President Donald Trump. The review focuses on immigration rules and the “public charge” policy, which aims to ensure that immigrants are financially stable and do not rely on government assistance.

A State Department statement said the administration wants immigrants to be self-sufficient and is reviewing existing procedures to meet that goal. This move fits into the administration’s wider push to tighten immigration controls under its “America First” agenda.

Pakistan’s response
Pakistan’s Foreign Office said it is closely watching the situation and is in contact with US authorities. Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said Pakistan hopes the visa processing will return to normal once the US review is completed, Tribune reported.

While the suspension has created uncertainty for many families and workers hoping to move to the US, the decision to continue interviews and accept applications offers some relief and clarity during the pause.