In early December 2025 the US government made a big decision that stopped processing immigration applications for people from a number of countries. The announcement which is sometimes called US Pauses Immigration Applications, had an impact on several types of immigration, including green cards, naturalisation and asylum applications for certain nationalities. This news caused a lot of worry around the world, especially in Pakistan where many applicants are apprehensive about whether they are included.

This essay goes into great detail about the policy what it means, which nations are affected and how Pakistani candidates should react to this news. It also talks about the Importance of a Visa Consultant.

What Happened?

The U.S. government stopped processing some immigration petitions for people from a specific list of 19 countries for a short time. This pause affects several types such as:

  • Immigration based on family
  • Applications based on work
  • Processing for a green card
  • Some applications for asylum and evaluations
  • Cases that need more scrutiny before they may go forward
  • Issuing visas to some candidates

It was said that the break was a security-related, risk-assessment step. It was said to be temporary although there was no formal time frame stated.

US Pauses Immigration Applications for 19 countries 

The list of 19 countries that significant reports talk about includes:

  • Afghanistan
  • Burma 
  • Chad
  • The Republic of the Congo
  • Guinea Equatorial
  • Eritrea
  • Haiti
  • Iran
  • Libya
  • Somalia
  • Sudan
  • Yemen
  • Burundi
  • Cuba
  • Laos
  • Sierra Leone
  • Togo
  • Turkmenistan
  • Venezuela

This category is the most affected by the halt in processing immigration applications.

Does the US Pause Immigration Applications for Pakistan?

The list of 19 stopped countries does not include Pakistan. Reports make it apparent that Pakistan is not on the list of stopped nationalities. This policy does not directly affect people from Pakistan.

But applicants should know two crucial things:

1. Policies Can Expand

The rules about immigration change a lot and the lists may be changed. People who want to apply should keep an eye out for new news.

2. Secondary Delays Can Still Happen

Even if a country isn’t listed applicants may still have:

  • Processing cases more slowly
  • Longer reviews by the administration
  • More thorough background checks
  • Visa appointments are taking longer than usual.

This happens because big changes to policies might slow down the whole system.

How Is This Different from the Previous US Travel Ban Countries list?

A lot of people mix up the immigration suspension with earlier travel bans in the U.S. They are not the same.

Travel Ban

  • Stops or limits entry into the U.S.
  • Has an effect on visas and arrivals at airports
  • Bans that only apply to certain countries

Immigration Application Pause

  • Holds up or stops processing applications that have already been sent in
  • Doesn’t automatically stop the journey
  • Has an impact on USCIS, NVC and consular processing

The current action is mostly an administrative processing pause not a prohibition on admission.

Which Countries are Banned by the US for Immigration Applications?

The 19 nations listed above are the ones that are banned or have stopped processing immigration applications. This is not the same as a total travel ban or a lifetime ban. It is a short-term administrative activity that has to do with risk assessment and better vetting.

Why Pakistanis Are Concerned

A lot of Pakistanis are worried, even though Pakistan isn’t harmed for the following reasons:

  • A lot of people from Pakistan want to move to the US
  • Rumours and false reports in the media
  • Mixing up visa prohibitions and processing pauses
  • Worry that other countries might be added

The right thing to do is to trust official updates and stay away from false information.

Practical Impact on Pakistani Applicants

Normal processing still applies because Pakistan is not included. But there may be some indirect effects:

1. Delayed Interviews

U.S. embassies around the world may take longer to schedule.

2. Longer Security Checks

Some people from Pakistan may still have to go through administrative processing.

3. Family Members from Affected Countries

People who are sponsoring someone from a halted country may have to wait longer.

4. Work and Study Visa Slowdowns

Not because of Pakistan’s standing, but because the system moves resources around.

How to Check If You Are Affected

People who want to apply can do the following:

  • Look into their USCIS account online
  • Use their receipt number to check the status of your case.
  • Keep an eye out for emails from the National Visa Centre.
  • Get in touch with their embassy or consulate.
  • Talk to a licensed immigration lawyer or counsellor.

Any formal notice of a pause or delay will go straight to your USCIS or NVC account.

What Happens If Your Application Is Paused?

People from the 19 affected nations may have:

  • Stopping the processing of cases
  • Biometric or interview delays
  • Requests for more papers
  • Review of past approvals again
  • Delayed issuing of green cards
  • Interviews for asylum take longer
  • Cancelling or moving naturalisation ceremonies

These are administrative actions, not orders to deport or terminate a visa.

Importance of a Visa Consultant

In instances like this it is really crucial to get professional help. A knowledgeable visa counsellor or immigration lawyer can help applicants:

  • Understand Policy Changes: They make complicated immigration rules easy to understand.
  • Avoid Application Mistakes: Little mistakes can create big delays.
  • Make sure your paperwork is strong: A professional visa consultant in Dubai helps get the proof needed for approvals.
  • Answer USCIS Requests: They write responses to Requests for Evidence (RFE) and Notices of Intent to Deny (NOID).
  • Reduce Stress: It’s tough to go through the immigration procedure. A professional can help clear things up and make things less confusing.

Always hire consultants who have a license and certification. WSL Consultants in Dubai is the trustworthy advisor that helps students to apply study visa. Don’t trust agents that promise assured visas or provide you with phoney documentation.

Key Tips for Pakistani Applicants

  • Pakistan is not on the list of things that are halted.
  • Make sure all of your documents are up to current like your passport, police clearance and birth certificate.
  • Check for information from USCIS and the consulate often.
  • Even if you’re not affected go ready for lengthier wait times.
  • Only hire lawyers or consultants who are licensed.
  • Don’t believe everything you hear on social media
  • Send in all of your forms on time and correctly.

FAQs 

1. Is the US immigration application pause open to Pakistanis?

No, Pakistan is not one of the 19 countries that are now on hold.

2. Is this a ban on travel?

No. It is not a restriction on travel or admission; it is a suspension in processing applications.

3. Can my case still be delayed even if Pakistan isn’t affected?

Yes. Delays may still happen because of global slowdowns and security checks.

4. Am I still able to work on my application?

Yes. Unless you get an official notification to stop, keep doing everything as usual.

5. Do I need help with my visa?

Not necessary, but suggested. A consultant can assist you in avoiding making mistakes and responding correctly to immigration notices.

Conclusion

The news that the US Pauses Immigration Applications caused a lot of bewilderment around the world. The halt affects 19 nations but Pakistan is not one of them. This means that people from Pakistan can keep applying as usual. But applicants need to stay up to date because immigration rules change quickly. There may still be delays because the workload has increased and the vetting process has gotten better throughout the system. The Importance of a visa consultant becomes obvious when policies change a lot. A trustworthy immigration specialist can help applicants keep up with changing requirements, prevent making mistakes and react to official demands effectively. As long as applicants keep careful, stay informed through official means and obey the rules, they can continue their immigration path with confidence.