January 20, 2026
Update on U.S. Visa Restrictions and Immigration Pauses for Healthcare Employers
The U.S. Department of State has issued new temporary visa restrictions and processing pauses affecting the issuance of immigrant visas to foreign nationals from certain countries. These actions are based on two separate federal initiatives and may impact the timing of international clinician arrivals for some healthcare employers.
Two Key Developments
1. National Security-Related Travel and Visa Restrictions
Under Presidential Proclamation 10998, effective January 1, 2026, the United States has fully or partially suspended entry and visa issuance for nationals of certain countries, expanding upon earlier restrictions under Presidential Proclamation 10949.
These restrictions apply to foreign nationals who:
- Are outside the United States on the effective date, and
- Do not hold a valid visa as of that date
Visas issued prior to January 1, 2026, have not been revoked, and individuals holding valid visas as of that date are not subject to the proclamation.
Official source: U.S. Department of State – Suspension of Visa Issuance to Protect the Security of the United States
2. Immigrant Visa Issuance Pause Related to Public Benefits Review
Separately, the Department of State announced a pause on immigrant visa issuance for nationals of countries identified as being at high risk of public benefits usage, effective January 21, 2026.
This pause applies only to immigrant visas, including employment- and family-based pathways. Nonimmigrant visas are not affected.
Key points:
- Applicants may submit visa applications and attend interviews
- Immigrant visas will not be issued during the pause
- No previously issued immigrant visas have been revoked
Official source: Immigrant Visa Processing Updates for Nationalities at High Risk of Public Benefits Usage
Countries Impacted
Across these two initiatives, affected countries fall into different categories: full suspensions, partial suspensions, or pauses affecting immigrant visas only. Certain exceptions may apply, including dual nationals using a passport from a non-impacted country, lawful permanent residents, individuals with valid visas issued prior to the visa pause implementation, and other limited categories outlined by the Department of State.
For additional context on country-specific processing impacts, you can also review: USCIS Pauses Immigration Processing for 19 Countries: What Employers Need to Know
What This May Mean for International Clinician Start Dates
Clinicians From Impacted Countries
- Visa issuance delays may affect arrival timelines.
- Some candidates may complete portions of the process, but cannot receive visas during the suspension or pause.
- Case progression will vary based on country, visa category, and individual circumstances.
Clinicians From Non-Impacted Countries
- No changes have been announced affecting immigrant visa processing
- In some cases, reduced demand may result in improved processing timelines
We’re Here to Support You
WorldWide HealthStaff Solutions is closely monitoring these developments and evaluating guidance as it is released by the U.S. government. As additional information becomes available, WWHS will share updates with clients and work to provide clarity around potential impacts to international hiring timelines.
For questions about how these developments may affect you, please contact us: https://client.healthstaff.org/contact-us
This summary is based on publicly available government guidance and is subject to change.
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