U.S. Halts Visa Issuance for 19 Countries Starting June 9, 2025: What You Need to Know

In a significant move to enhance national security, the United States will halt visa issuance for citizens of 19 countries beginning at 12:01 a.m. EDT on June 9, 2025. This new Presidential Proclamation aims to counter foreign terrorist threats and protect national safety.

If you are from one of these nations and planning to travel to the U.S., this change could greatly impact your plans.

The Countries Affected by the U.S. Visa Ban

The U.S. has imposed a full visa suspension on citizens of the following countries:

• Republic of the Congo
• Burma (Myanmar)
• Chad
• Afghanistan
• Iran
• Equatorial Guinea
• Sudan
• Haiti
• Eritrea
• Libya
• Yemen
• Somalia

Citizens from these nations are barred from both nonimmigrant and immigrant visa categories, with very few exceptions.

Partial Visa Suspension

A partial visa suspension applies to citizens of:

• Laos
• Cuba
• Burundi
• Turkmenistan
• Togo
• Sierra Leone
• Venezuela

Applicants from these countries face restrictions on visitor (B-1/B-2) and student/exchange (F, M, J) visas, as well as all immigrant visas, unless they qualify for limited exemptions.

Who Is Exempt from the Visa Suspension?

If you are from one of the affected countries, you may still qualify for a visa under certain conditions. Exemptions include:

• Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, children, parents)
• Adoption cases involving U.S. citizens
• Immigrant visas for persecuted religious or ethnic minorities, particularly in Iran
• Afghan Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs)
• U.S. government employees eligible under SIV provisions
• Participants in specific major international sporting events
• Dual nationals with a valid passport from a non-suspended country
• Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders)

Additionally, U.S. officials have the discretion to grant exceptions for national interests on a case-by-case basis, including for humanitarian reasons.

What If You Already Have a Visa?

If you hold a valid visa as of June 9, 2025, you are not impacted by this new suspension. The ban only applies to individuals who are:

• Outside the U.S. on or after June 9
• Without a valid U.S. visa
• Your existing visa will not be revoked retroactively.

Can You Still Apply for a U.S. Visa After June 9, 2025?

Yes, you can still submit a visa application and schedule an interview. However, be aware that you might be deemed ineligible for issuance or entry under the new proclamation. Many consular officers may place these cases on administrative hold until further guidance is provided.

Conclusion

The upcoming visa suspension represents a major shift in U.S. immigration policy, aimed at enhancing national security. If you are from one of the affected countries, stay informed about your options and exemptions. Understanding these new regulations will be essential for navigating your travel plans to the United States.