In January 2026, the U.S. Department of State announced a temporary pause in the issuance of immigrant visas (i.e. visas for permanent residency) to nationals of 75 countries – including Thailand – effective January 21, 2026. This unprecedented policy move, aimed at reviewing “public charge” concerns, has significant implications for foreign nationals already residing in Thailand – especially those with Thai family members or on long-term Thai visas who may be seeking U.S. permanent residence. Below we provide a comprehensive briefing on what this suspension means in practice, how Thai authorities have responded, and what has and has not changed. The goal is to offer an authoritative reference for legal and immigration professionals and a clear guide for affected individuals in Thailand.
Key Points at a Glance
- U.S. Pauses Certain Visa Issuance: The U.S. State Department is suspending the issuance of immigrant visas worldwide for nationals of 75 countries deemed “high risk” for public benefit usage (effective Jan 21, 2026). Thailand is on the list, marking the first time U.S. immigration restrictions have targeted Thai nationals.
- Reason for the Suspension: U.S. officials describe this as a temporary measure while they review policies to ensure immigrants from these countries won’t become a public charge (i.e. won’t rely on U.S. welfare programs). The pause is presented as part of efforts to safeguard the U.S. welfare system, in line with President Trump’s directive that immigrants be financially self-sufficient.
- Impacted Visas – Immigrant Visas Only: This affects only immigrant (permanent residency) visas – such as family-sponsored green cards, employment-based immigrant visas, and Diversity Visas – for the nationals of the listed countries. Nonimmigrant visas (e.g. tourist B visas, business visas, student F visas, work H-1B visas, etc.) are NOT paused; U.S. consulates will continue issuing those visas for people from the affected countries without interruption.
- Foreign Residents in Thailand: For foreigners living in Thailand, this means a Thai citizen or other listed-national cannot currently receive a U.S. immigrant visa (even if approved) during the pause. Applicants may still file applications and attend interviews, but no immigrant visas will be issued until the suspension is lifted. Those who already have a valid U.S. immigrant visa or green card are not affected – no visas are being revoked as part of this policy. Short-term travel to the U.S. for Thai and other affected nationals (tourism, study, etc.) also remains unaffected.
- Thai Government’s Response: Thailand’s government has voiced concern and sought clarification about the blanket inclusion of Thailand in this policy. The Thai Foreign Minister met with U.S. Embassy officials in Bangkok on Jan 15, 2026, requesting the criteria behind the decision and emphasizing that over 320,000 Thai nationals in the U.S. contribute to the American economy through work and investment. U.S. officials in Thailand have assured that the measure is temporary and limited to immigrant visas, and have pledged to provide further information as the review progresses.
- High-Trust Guidance: This TTA briefing is intended as a high-authority reference for law firms and foreign residents. It maintains a neutral, factual tone to clarify policy implications in the Thailand context. (No immediate action is required aside from staying informed – the pause is a procedural hold, not a change in eligibility criteria.) TTA will continue to monitor updates from official U.S. and Thai channels and provide accurate, up-to-date guidance for the foreign community in Thailand.
Background: Overview of the January 2026 Immigrant Visa Pause
On January 14, 2026, the U.S. Department of State issued a news bulletin announcing a global “pause” on immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 specified countries. The suspension took effect on January 21, 2026, and applies to all U.S. consular posts worldwide. According to the State Department’s announcement, the listed countries are considered “high risk of public benefits usage,” and during the pause the Department will conduct “a full review of all policies, regulations, and guidance to ensure that immigrants from these high-risk countries do not utilize welfare in the United States or become a public charge”. In other words, the U.S. government is reassessing its immigrant visa vetting to enforce public charge rules (financial self-sufficiency requirements) more strictly.
Thailand is among the countries affected by this policy. In fact, the inclusion of Thailand – a longstanding U.S. ally – is particularly noteworthy. U.S. immigration actions have not previously targeted Thai nationals; this suspension marks the first time the U.S. has restricted immigrant visa issuance for Thailand. Other countries on the list span Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and the Americas, including (for example) Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Russia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Brazil, and many others. The broad scope – covering both developing nations and some with relatively lower immigration numbers – has prompted questions about the criteria used. U.S. officials have linked it to public benefits risk, while some observers find the selection of countries unusual (noting, for instance, that some major source countries of U.S. immigrants were not included).
Important to note: this policy affects only “immigrant visas” – which are visas that confer permanent residence (Green Card) eligibility upon entry to the U.S. – and not other visa types. Immigrant visa categories include family-sponsored immigrant visas (e.g. visas for spouses, children, or parents of U.S. citizens and permanent residents), employment-based immigrant visas, Diversity Lottery visas, and certain others like fiance(e) visas classified as immigrant (K-1 visas are technically nonimmigrant but lead to immigration). By contrast, nonimmigrant visas – such as tourist visas (B1/B2), student visas (F-1), exchange visitor visas (J-1), business traveler visas, work visas (H-1B, L-1, etc.), etc. – are not included in the suspension. Consular operations for those temporary visas continue as normal. This distinction was explicitly clarified by both the State Department and the U.S. Embassy in Thailand to quell confusion: the freeze applies solely to immigrant (permanent) visa processing, and short-term travel visas will still be issued as usual.
Furthermore, the pause is temporary but with no fixed end date announced. It is tied to an ongoing policy review. Practically, this means immigrant visa applications from affected country nationals can still be filed and will continue to be accepted and even processed up to the interview stage – however, no final visas will be issued to those applicants until the Department of State lifts the suspension. Importantly, the State Department has confirmed that no immigrant visas already issued will be revoked under this policy. So, if a Thai national or other affected national already obtained an immigrant visa (or U.S. green card) prior to the effective date, that visa remains valid and can be used for travel to the U.S. as normal. The pause only halts new visa issuances going forward.
What Changed and What Didn’t
To clearly understand the scope of this policy, it’s useful to break down what has changed under the January 2026 visa issuance pause versus what remains unchanged in U.S. visa processing. The table below summarizes the key changes:
As shown above, the critical change is a freeze on immigrant (permanent) visa issuance for certain nationals, while the day-to-day issuance of tourist and other temporary visas continues unchanged. Who is affected: any person who holds nationality from one of the 75 specified countries and is seeking an immigrant visa to the U.S. Who is not affected: nationals of countries not on the list, and anyone seeking only nonimmigrant visas. It’s also worth highlighting the dual citizenship loophole – for example, if a foreign resident in Thailand is a citizen of, say, Nigeria (listed) and Canada (not listed), and if they apply for a U.S. immigrant visa on their Canadian passport, the pause would not apply to them. In practice, relatively few people have this option, but it is an officially noted exception.
Implications for Foreign Residents in Thailand
For foreign nationals living in Thailand, the U.S. visa pause raises practical questions, especially for those who were planning a move to the United States or are in the process of securing U.S. immigration benefits. Below, we outline what the suspension means for various scenarios relevant to Thailand-based foreigners (including Thai citizens and other nationalities residing here):
- Thai family members of U.S. citizens/Permanent Residents: If you are a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident in Thailand and you have filed (or plan to file) an immigrant visa petition for a Thai spouse, child, or parent, be aware that your Thai family member will not be issued their immigrant visa during the pause. The case can proceed through petition approval and even the consular interview at the U.S. Embassy Bangkok, but the final visa will be held in abeyance – essentially, approved but not handed over – until the suspension is lifted. For example, an American sponsoring a Thai spouse for a CR1 marriage visa will now face delays: the spouse can go through the interview and be found eligible, but the visa stamp (“visa foil”) won’t be placed in the passport until the policy review concludes. Unfortunately, there is no exception for Thai immediate relatives; Thai nationals are fully subject to this pause.
- Foreign expatriates in Thailand from other affected countries: Many foreigners from around the world reside in Thailand on work permits, investment visas, retirement visas, etc. If you are a national of any country on the 75-country list (not just Thai) and living in Thailand, the same rules apply to you. Any pending or planned U.S. immigrant visa application will be put on hold. For instance, a Pakistani professional working in Bangkok who won the Diversity Visa lottery or a Nigerian engineer in Thailand being sponsored by a U.S. employer will find that no immigrant visa can be issued to them at the U.S. Embassy during this period. They may continue with paperwork and even attend the interview, but the outcome will be administratively paused (the Embassy will likely inform them that visa issuance is delayed due to the policy). In short, if your nationality is on the list – whether you are Thai, Cambodian, Russian, Ethiopian, etc. – and you planned to immigrate to the U.S., you will encounter a temporary roadblock. It’s advisable to adjust expectations on timing and seek guidance on whether any interim options exist (such as remaining in Thailand longer, or possibly exploring nonimmigrant routes to the U.S. if appropriate).
- Long-term foreign residents with no immediate U.S. plans: If you are a foreigner in Thailand on a long-term visa (e.g. retirement visa, marriage visa, work visa) and you do not have plans to immigrate to the U.S., this policy does not directly affect you. Your permission to stay in Thailand is unchanged, and you can continue with your life in Thailand normally. Even if you do wish to visit the United States for tourism, business, or other short-term purposes, you can still apply for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa and expect it to be processed under the usual rules. For example, a British retiree in Chiang Mai or a Filipino teacher in Bangkok can continue to obtain U.S. tourist visas or attend business trips to the U.S. without any new restrictions (their nationalities aren’t on the list; but even if they were, tourist visas aren’t affected). Similarly, Thai nationals (and other listed-country nationals in Thailand) can still apply for U.S. travel visas like B1/B2 tourist visas or F-1 student visas – those applications will be handled normally by the U.S. Embassy. The only impact would be if that individual intended to move permanently to the U.S., in which case they now face a delay.
- People in process or with imminent travel: If you are a Thailand-based applicant who already had an immigrant visa interview scheduled or recently completed at the U.S. Embassy, expect that the visa issuance will be delayed. The Embassy in Bangkok has been informing applicants from affected countries that visas cannot be issued under the new guidance. If you were hoping to fly to the U.S. immediately after your visa appointment, you will likely need to postpone those plans. On the other hand, if you already have an immigrant visa in hand (issued before Jan 21, 2026) or you’re a Thai-American dual citizen with a U.S. passport, your travel can proceed normally – nothing in this policy stops you from entering the U.S. or causes any already-granted status to be lost. Also, note that this pause is on visa issuance at consulates; it doesn’t directly affect immigration processes inside the U.S. For example, if an affected national is adjusting status within the U.S. (applying for a green card through USCIS while in America), that process is not mentioned in the State Department’s notice and presumably would continue (the pause specifically concerns consular visa issuance abroad).
- Fiancé(e) Visas (K-1) and other special cases: A common scenario in Thailand is U.S. citizens engaging to Thai fiancées and applying for K-1 fiancé(e) visas. The K-1 is technically a nonimmigrant visa (with a path to permanent residency after marriage in the U.S.). Notably, the State Department’s announcement did not explicitly mention K-1 visas. Given that K-1s are classified as nonimmigrant visas, they are not supposed to be included in this immigrant visa pause. In theory, a U.S. citizen could still pursue a K-1 visa to bring a Thai fiancé(e) to the U.S. despite the suspension (since the Thai applicant would be applying for a nonimmigrant K-1 visa, not an “immigrant visa”). However, because K-1 visas ultimately lead to green cards, there is some ambiguity in how consulates will treat them under the spirit of the policy. As of now, K-1 visa processing is continuing (no formal hold has been announced on K visas), but applicants should verify the latest consular guidance. For married couples where the immigrant visa (CR-1/IR-1) route is now paused, some immigration attorneys in Thailand are indeed advising to consider the fiancé(e) visa route if marriage has not yet occurred – though this is a personal decision and comes with its own procedural considerations. In all cases, consulting with a qualified immigration lawyer is wise to navigate such strategy questions.
In summary, for foreigners residing in Thailand, the **impact of the U.S. immigrant visa pause is chiefly on those who intended to emigrate to the U.S. in the near term. They will face delays and uncertainty until the U.S. government completes its review or unless an exemption applies. Those who have no plans to move to the U.S. permanently are not directly affected, aside from the general diplomatic repercussions. It is a good idea for anyone in the immigration process to stay in close contact with the U.S. Embassy or their immigration counsel for case-specific updates.
Thai Government Response and Statements
The Thai government reacted swiftly and publicly to the State Department’s announcement, underscoring how significant this issue is viewed in Thailand. On January 15, 2026, just one day after the policy was publicized, Thailand’s Foreign Minister, Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, met with the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Bangkok (Mrs. Elizabeth Konick) to seek formal clarification on the visa suspension. In this high-level meeting, the Foreign Minister conveyed Thailand’s concerns and pressed for the rationale behind Thailand’s inclusion on the list.
According to an official press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Minister Sihasak expressed that grouping Thailand together with a wide array of countries “with varying contexts and circumstances” without clear criteria is problematic. He warned that this blanket approach “raises questions in Thai society” and could send a “misleading signal” at a time when Thailand and the U.S. are working to strengthen their alliance. This statement reflects worries that the U.S. action might be interpreted as a lack of trust in Thailand or a downgrade of the bilateral relationship. The Foreign Minister also pointed out Thailand’s strong record as a U.S. partner: he emphasized that over 320,000 Thai nationals reside in the U.S., contributing to the American economy and society (through businesses, investments, and job creation). By highlighting this, Thailand is effectively reminding the U.S. that Thai immigrants generally have a positive impact and are not a burden.
Thailand’s officials have been particularly puzzled as to why Thailand was flagged as “high risk” for public charge concerns. They note that the number of Thais living unlawfully in the U.S. or relying on U.S. public assistance is relatively low, especially compared to some other countries not on the list. In public comments, the Foreign Minister questioned the logic of Thailand’s inclusion, given Thailand’s status as the oldest U.S. treaty ally in Asia and its recent cooperative endeavors with the U.S.. Some Thai commentators even framed the issue as touching on national dignity, fearing that Thailand is being unfairly categorized. These sentiments were echoed in local media and by officials who described the U.S. move as “unjustified” and sending the wrong signal about the Thai–U.S. relationship.
In response to Thailand’s inquiries, the U.S. Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires provided preliminary explanations during the meeting. She acknowledged Thailand’s concerns and confirmed that the policy is indeed aimed at “reducing the burden on the U.S. welfare system” by ensuring new immigrants won’t become public charges. Crucially, the U.S. side assured that the measure applies solely to immigrant visas and that non-immigrant visa processing for Thais will continue uninterrupted (covering tourism, business, official travel, students, etc.). This clarification from the U.S. Embassy aligns with the State Department’s public messaging and was likely intended to prevent any panic among Thai travelers or students. The Chargé d’Affaires also pledged to convey Thailand’s feedback to Washington and to provide further details as soon as possible.
Thai authorities have been directing the public to rely on official channels for updates. The MFA indicated that any new information from the U.S. side would be shared via the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok’s announcements and the State Department’s travel.state.gov website. In the meantime, the Thai government has not taken any retaliatory steps (such as changing Thai visa policy for Americans); instead, it is handling the matter through diplomatic dialogue. There is an evident desire in Bangkok to resolve or clarify the issue quickly, given Thailand’s important ties with the U.S. For now, the Thai government’s stance is to monitor the situation closely and keep its citizens informed. The MFA has effectively told the Thai public and Thai nationals in the U.S. to “remain calm” and wait for more information, emphasizing that the suspension is viewed as temporary and that Thailand is actively seeking to be removed from or exempted from the list if possible by making its case.
In summary, Thailand’s response has been one of concerned engagement: it is questioning the rationale, asserting Thailand’s positive track record, and asking the U.S. to reconsider or at least clearly explain the criteria. The situation is evolving diplomatically, but until any change occurs, Thai officials are working to assure their citizens (and the many foreign nationals in Thailand) that they are on top of the issue and that routine travel remains unaffected.
Next Steps and Staying Informed
The January 2026 pause in U.S. immigrant visa issuance represents a significant, albeit hopefully temporary, shift in the landscape of immigration from Thailand and many other countries. For foreign residents in Thailand, particularly those with close family or career ties to the U.S., the announcement has understandably introduced stress and confusion. It’s important to remember that this is a fluid situation. The policy is described as a “pause” pending review, which means changes (or even an early termination of the suspension) are possible as the U.S. evaluates its next steps.
Staying informed through official and reliable sources is the best course of action. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised monitoring official U.S. channels – such as the State Department’s visa news webpage and announcements from the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok – for updates on this measure. These will be the first places any change in the policy (or clarifications, such as exceptions or new requirements) will be published. In addition, keep an eye on reputable news outlets and legal advisories. If and when the suspension is lifted or modified, there may be a surge in processing, so knowing the timeline will help you plan (for example, scheduling medical exams or updating paperwork if your case was on hold).
For those in the midst of the immigration process, maintain communication with your petitioners, lawyers, or the consular officials. The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok may issue specific guidance for affected applicants (they might, for instance, extend the validity of certain approvals or ask applicants to submit updated documents if the pause is lengthy). Being proactive in politely checking in on your case status (without overdoing it) can ensure you don’t miss any correspondence.
Finally, it’s worth noting that this situation underscores the value of high-trust, accurate guidance in immigration matters. Thailand Transition Advisors (TTA) (the author of this briefing) is committed to providing neutral, authoritative updates to help foreign residents navigate such developments. We understand that policy shifts like these can be challenging, and misinformation only makes it harder. That’s why we focus on factual briefings, supported by official sources, for the benefit of individuals and even law firms that require a clear understanding of the implications. This article, for example, is intended to serve as a reference document – one that legal and immigration professionals across Thailand can rely on when advising clients, and that foreign residents can consult for clarity on their own situation.
TTA will continue monitoring the outcomes of the U.S. policy review and Thailand’s diplomatic efforts. Should there be any new announcements – whether it’s the lifting of the pause, a narrowing of the country list, or new visa requirements – we will update our briefings accordingly. In the meantime, we encourage affected readers to stay calm and use this period to prepare (gather any financial documentation that might be needed if public charge rules tighten, etc.) so that when processing resumes, you are ready to proceed without further delay.
Bottom line: The U.S. immigrant visa issuance pause is a serious but hopefully short-term hurdle. By staying informed and engaged with trusted information sources (like official updates and TTA’s briefings), foreign residents in Thailand can navigate this uncertainty with greater confidence. The enduring ties between Thailand and the United States – and the resilience of the international community here – suggest that, with patience and prudent planning, individuals and families will find a way forward once this policy chapter concludes.
