The United States Embassy in Tirana has officially reacted to the State Department's decision to suspend the issuance of immigrant visas for a list of countries, including Albania.
Embassy in one announcement clarifies that the decision only affects new immigrant visas and does not affect tourist visas or those previously issued.
Read tcomplete notice:
Updates on Immigrant Visa Processing for Citizens from High-Risk Countries for Using Public Benefits
President Trump has made it clear that immigrants must be financially self-sufficient and not be a financial burden on Americans. The State Department is conducting a comprehensive review of all policies, regulations, and guidelines to ensure that immigrants from these high-risk countries do not rely on welfare in the United States and are not considered a public burden.
Starting from January 21, 2026, the Department of State will suspend the issuance of all immigrant visas to applicants who are citizens of the following countries:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Ivory Coast, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan and Yemen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my immigrant visa interview appointment?
Immigrant visa applicants who are citizens of the affected countries may submit visa applications and attend interviews, and the Department will continue to schedule appointments for applicants, but no immigrant visas will be issued to these nationals during this suspension period.
Are there any exceptions?
Dual nationals applying with a valid passport of a country not listed above are exempt from this suspension.
Does this affect my current valid visa?
No immigrant visas have been waived as part of this guidance. For questions related to entry into the United States, please refer to the United States Department of Homeland Security.
Does this apply to tourist visas?
No, this suspension only applies to immigrant visa applicants. Tourist visas are non-immigrant visas.
