- The U.S. Department of State implemented an indefinite pause on immigrant visas for nationals from Pakistan.
- USCIS domestic processing for adjustment of status cases remains steady and active for eligible applicants.
- Nonimmigrant visa categories like H-1B, L-1, and visitor visas are not affected by this policy.
(PAKISTAN) — USCIS processing for adjustment-of-status cases inside the United States remains steady overall, but many applicants are now bracing for slower end-stage outcomes as the U.S. Department of State prepares an indefinite pause on certain immigrant visas for nationals of listed countries, including Pakistan.
As of January 2026, USCIS processing times are still published through egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/ and vary by form type, category, and service center. The practical change is often not the USCIS “receipt-to-decision” window.
The bigger bottleneck is that consular cases may reach the finish line and then stop at issuance.
This policy pause has a specific effective date and applies to a defined number of countries. Those exact figures are highlighted in the structured update elements in this page.
For background reporting on the broader scope, see broader pause coverage.
Overview: what the immigrant visa pause means
The pause is described as an immigrant visa issuance pause. That usually means a case can be processed, reviewed, and even interviewed.
The visa may still not be printed or issued at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
This targets nationals of certain countries, including Pakistan. It does not mean you cannot start a case. It also does not automatically stop USCIS from adjudicating petitions.
Many families and employers will still see approvals on the U.S. side.
Most confusion comes from mixing up immigrant and nonimmigrant categories. Immigrant visas lead to permanent residence. Nonimmigrant visas are temporary, like visitor, student, or work visas.
For related reporting focused on Pakistan and neighboring countries, see visa pause for Pakistan.
What is paused, and what remains active
Paused: issuance of immigrant visas across common permanent-residence categories, including family-based, employment-based, and Diversity Visa processing at consular posts.
Still active in many cases:
- Filing petitions and applications.
- Attending interviews when scheduled.
- Responding to requests for evidence (RFEs).
- Completing medical exams, police certificates, and document collection.
If you already have a valid immigrant visa in your passport, the directive does not automatically revoke it. Admission at the port of entry is still a separate decision.
Expect screening and questions at entry.
Dual nationals can be treated differently. If you hold a passport from a non-listed country, the pause may not apply. Confirm with the specific consular post before your interview.
Bring proof of citizenship and your travel document plan.
If you are in the United States and relying on work authorization, pause-related delays can create knock-on issues. The same risk appears in other interruption periods, including work permit expiry steps.
Official statements and policy context
Consular immigrant visa issuance is run by the Department of State (DOS). USCIS, under DHS, decides many underlying benefits. Those include immigrant petitions and adjustment applications.
The two systems meet at the final stage for consular processing.
Recent official statements describe themes tied to:
- Stronger vetting and security screening.
- Financial self-sufficiency.
- Public charge-related screening.
Many applicants worry that a pause changes every part of their case. It usually changes the issuance step most. Still, the policy tone can affect evidence standards.
Financial documents may be reviewed more carefully. For practical planning around public charge concerns, see public charge tips.
Key facts and mechanics for applicants
An “immigrant visa issuance pause” is best understood as a stop at the final consular step. A case can be “documentarily qualified” and even interviewed.
It may still not end with a visa foil.
Nonimmigrant categories are outside scope. That matters for travelers and workers. Examples include H-1B and L-1 visas. It also includes visitor and student visas.
Interview planning still matters because documents expire. Medical exams and police certificates can expire. Some posts may also require updated financial evidence.
⚠️ Common Mistake: Skipping document updates after a delay. Expired civil documents often trigger 221(g) holds or re-interviews.
Pakistan’s reaction
Pakistan’s Foreign Office publicly described the move as an administrative review step. Officials expressed hope that routine processing will resume soon.
That reaction does not change what a consular officer can issue during the pause.
For case-specific questions, rely on official embassy instructions and written notices. Avoid informal “resume dates” circulating on social media.
Processing times: what USCIS is doing now
Even with a consular issuance pause, many Pakistan-linked families have a second path. If you are eligible to adjust status in the U.S., USCIS timelines matter more than consular timelines.
USCIS processing times are estimates only, as of January 2026, and vary by service center and category. Check current figures at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/.
| Location / Unit | Form I-130 (family petition) | Form I-485 (adjustment) | Form I-765 (EAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas (TSC) | 12–18 months | 10–14 months | 3–5 months |
| Nebraska (NSC) | 11–17 months | 8–12 months | 4–7 months |
| California (CSC) | 12–20 months | 10–16 months | 3–6 months |
| Vermont (VSC) | 14–22 months | Varies | Varies |
| National Benefits Center (NBC) | N/A | 9–15 months | 3–6 months |
Tips: expedite, case status, and staying ready
USCIS expedite requests can help for urgent cases. Approval is discretionary. You usually need documentation.
Common expedite bases include:
- Severe financial loss.
- Urgent humanitarian reasons.
- U.S. government interests.
- Clear USCIS error.
⏱️ Processing Time: USCIS times are estimates as of January 2026. Check egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/. Times vary by center, category, and field office.
To check your USCIS case status:
- Create or sign in to your account at my.uscis.gov.
- Use “Case Status Online” with your receipt number.
- Track notices and RFEs, and upload responses when allowed.
💰 Current Fee: Fees change. Verify every filing at uscis.gov/fees before you mail your package. Wrong fees cause rejections.
| Form | Purpose | Fee | Typical Processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status | Green card inside the U.S. | Check uscis.gov/forms (biometrics may apply) | 8–14 months (varies) |
| Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization | Work permit (EAD) | Check uscis.gov/forms | 3–7 months (varies) |
| Form I-131, Application for Travel Document | Advance parole / travel document | Check uscis.gov/forms | Varies |
Many applicants also monitor priority dates during backlogs. Visa bulletin movements shape when a case can finish. For timing context, see visa bulletin guide.
Practical next steps:
- Confirm whether your case is consular processing or USCIS adjustment. The pause hits consular issuance most.
- Keep documents current. Replace expiring police certificates and financial evidence early.
- Track your case at my.uscis.gov, and verify processing times at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/.
- Verify every filing fee at uscis.gov/fees before submitting any form.
Official Resources: Download forms at uscis.gov/forms. Check processing times at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times. Fees and processing times are subject to change—always verify current information at uscis.gov.
