U.S. Suspends Immigrant Visa Processing for 11 CARICOM Countries

The U.S. Department of State has announced an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including 11 Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states. The suspension, which takes effect on January 21, 2026, applies to Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

The pause specifically targets immigrant visas—permanent residency or green cards—issued for employment or family reunification purposes. Non-immigrant visas, such as temporary tourist (B1/B2) or business visas, will not be affected. Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and Suriname are currently excluded from the list.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the suspension is intended to address concerns regarding the “public charge” rule, aimed at limiting entry to individuals considered likely to rely on public assistance or welfare in the United States.

This action follows a separate January 1 suspension of all visa types for 19 countries, including Haiti, based on national security grounds under Presidential Proclamation 10998.

In addition, the U.S. has expanded a pilot program requiring some travelers from affected Caribbean nations—such as Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica—to post a refundable bond of up to $15,000 for visitor visas. Exceptions to the new processing pause may be granted on a case-by-case basis for applicants serving critical U.S. national interests.

The Department of State did not specify how long the indefinite suspension will last but confirmed that the measure applies only to permanent residency visas and does not restrict travel for short-term business or tourism.