US pauses immigrant visa processing for 75 countries including Nepal, from next week
Summary
The US has indefinitely paused immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Nepal, starting January 21, to tighten screening under the public charge provision of immigration law.
Key Points
- The US has announced an indefinite pause on immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries including Nepal starting January 21.
- The pause is a part of stricter enforcement under the 'public charge' provision aiming to prevent immigrants likely to rely on public benefits.
- Countries affected from South Asia include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Pakistan; India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka are exempted.
- The freeze will last until the US State Department completes reassessment of screening and vetting procedures.
