The US State Department has announced that it will temporarily suspend the issuance of immigrant visas to citizens of a wide list of countries, including Albania.
The decision is related to a review of policies related to the use of public benefits by immigrants in the United States. According to the official announcement, the measure is based on the position of the administration of President Donald Trump, according to which immigrants should not constitute a burden on the American public system.
US authorities are conducting a complete review of existing policies, regulations, and guidelines, with the aim of ensuring that immigrants from countries considered at high risk of using social assistance do not benefit from public schemes and are not considered a public burden.
The suspension is expected to take effect on January 21, 2026. The US Embassy in Albania clarifies that during this period applicants may continue to submit documentation and appear for scheduled interviews, but no immigrant visas will be issued until the suspension ends.
According to the guidance, there are some exceptions to this measure. Dual nationals who apply with a passport from a country not included in the affected list will not be subject to the suspension. The measure also does not affect tourist visas or other types of non-immigrant visas.
