US Citizenship and Immigration Services suspends application processing for 39 Countries
Effective January 1, 2026, US Citizenship and Immigration Services has stated that it will place a hold and not process most applications, if you are from one of the following countries:
Afghanistan, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Chad, Congo, Cuba, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Gabon, Haiti, Iran, Ivory Coast, Laos, Libya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Myanmar, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, The Gambia, Togo, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, Yemen, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
The USCIS Memo, PM-602-0194, dated January 1, 2026:
Frequently asked questions:
Can I still apply for my relative(s) if they are from one of the above countries?
Yes, but USCIS will not approve the petition until the hold is over. From the relevant USCIS Memo, PM-602-0194, (link above), it appears that the officer will process the case but not issue a determination.
If the person seeking the immigration benefit with USCIS holds dual citizenship, is there an exemption, such that this hold would not apply?
Unfortunately, no. The USCIS Memo, in footnote 4, indicates that the dual nationality exception, which applies to visas to be issued by the US Department of State at US Consulates abroad does not apply to applications filed with USCIS.
Do I still apply for my I-751 Application to Remove Conditions, if I am from one of the above countries?
Yes, it is important to still apply to convert your 2-year conditional green card to a ten-year card, during the relevant 90-day window before your current 2-year green card expires. You will still get a receipt notice from USCIS, which will provide you with proof of continuing green card status for 4 years. If USCIS takes longer than this, you should be able to schedule an appointment at the local USCIS office for a stamp in your passport, for continued status documentation.
Can I still apply for US Citizenship, if eligible, if I am from one of the above countries?
Yes, but USCIS will not approve your case until the hold is lifted.
Are there any application exceptions?
Yes, but only three: 1) Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card; 2) Form N-565, Application for Replacement of Naturalization/Citizenship Document; and 3) Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship.
When will this end?
There is no set end date to this announcement.
At Ostrom Law Office, we are here to provide information and assistance. Please check back to our website for future posts, and you are welcome to contact our office also for a Consultation.
Date Posted: January 16, 2026.
