Major US Visa Policy Changes Take Effect January 2026
Visa policy changes affecting millions of travelers took effect on January 1, 2026, as Presidential Proclamation 10998 expanded the US travel ban to include 39 countries. These sweeping immigration reforms represent one of the most significant overhauls of US border policy in recent years.
The changes impact visa applicants, H-1B workers, green card seekers, and international travelers across multiple categories. Additionally, new fee structures and enhanced screening requirements add complexity for those navigating the US immigration system.
Key Visa Policy Changes for January 2026
Here are the most significant updates affecting travelers and immigrants this month:
- 39-Country Travel Ban: Presidential Proclamation 10998 fully or partially suspends visa issuance to nationals of 39 countries, effective January 1, 2026
- H-1B Visa Lottery Overhaul: New skills-based selection process replaces random lottery, effective February 27, 2026
- $100,000 H-1B Fee: One-time employer fee for new H-1B petitions applies through September 21, 2026
- Enhanced Social Media Screening: H-1B and H-4 visa applicants must now disclose social media accounts
- Biometric Requirements: All non-US citizens face mandatory photography at every entry and exit point
- Diversity Visa Program Pause: DHS has paused the DV-1 lottery program affecting 55,000 annual visas
Furthermore, the expanded travel restrictions more than double the previous ban—from 19 to 39 countries. Visa holders with documents issued before January 1, 2026 remain exempt from these new requirements.
Who Is Affected by These Visa Policy Changes?
The January 2026 visa updates impact multiple categories of travelers and immigrants. Understanding whether you're affected helps ensure proper preparation for US travel.
For Nationals of Restricted Countries
19 countries face full entry restrictions, barring both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas: Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Burma, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. Palestinian Authority travel document holders are also fully restricted.
For H-1B Workers and Employers
The new weighted selection process prioritizes higher-skilled, higher-paid applicants over the previous random lottery system. Employers must pay the $100,000 one-time fee for new H-1B petitions, and applicants face expanded social media screening requirements.
For Green Card Applicants
The January 2026 Visa Bulletin shows progress for many categories. Mexico-based family applicants saw the biggest jumps, with F-1 and F-2B categories advancing six months. EB-5 India applicants benefit from a two-year leap in priority dates.
For International Students
Nationals of 19 partially-restricted countries face suspended F, M, and J visa issuance. This affects students and exchange visitors from Angola, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Venezuela, and 14 other nations.
How to Check Your Visa Status - Step by Step
Follow these steps to determine how the new visa policy changes affect your travel plans:
- Verify Your Country Status: Check if your nationality appears on the full or partial restriction list at travel.state.gov
- Review Your Current Visa: Visas issued before January 1, 2026 at 12:01 AM EST remain valid and unaffected
- Update Your Passport Photo: Ensure your passport photo meets current requirements before any visa application
- Prepare Social Media Information: H-1B applicants must set accounts to public visibility for the adjudication process
- Calculate New Fees: Use the updated USCIS fee schedule to budget for applications filed after January 1, 2026
- Consult Immigration Counsel: Complex cases should seek professional legal guidance given increased scrutiny
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates for US immigration and visa policy changes:
- December 12, 2025: Visa interviews must now occur at embassy in applicant's country of nationality or residence
- December 15, 2025: Enhanced H-1B/H-4 social media screening requirements took effect
- December 26, 2025: Biometric entry-exit system requirements began for all non-US citizens
- January 1, 2026: Expanded 39-country travel ban took full effect at 12:01 AM EST
- January 29, 2026: Religious worker (SR) visa category expires at midnight unless renewed by Congress
- February 27, 2026: New H-1B skills-based selection process becomes effective for FY2027 lottery
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Travel Ban Affect My Existing US Visa?
No. Visas issued before January 1, 2026 at 12:01 AM EST remain valid and will not be revoked under Presidential Proclamation 10998. You can continue traveling to the US on your existing visa.
Which Countries Face Full Entry Restrictions?
Nineteen countries face complete restrictions on both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas: Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Burma, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. Seven of these are new additions to the ban.
How Much Are the New Immigration Fees?
USCIS implemented inflation-based fee adjustments on January 1, 2026. The annual asylum application fee increased from $100 to $102. H-1B employers face a one-time $100,000 fee for new petitions through September 21, 2026.
What Are the New H-1B Lottery Rules?
The Department of Homeland Security replaced the random lottery with a weighted selection process that favors higher-skilled, higher-paid applicants. This change takes effect February 27, 2026 for the FY2027 H-1B cap registration season.
Can I Apply for a Visa in a Third Country?
No. As of December 12, 2025, all nonimmigrant visa interviews must occur at the US embassy or consulate in your country of nationality or residence. The previous flexibility for third-country interviews has been eliminated.
What You Need to Know - Bottom Line
The January 2026 visa policy changes represent a major shift in US immigration enforcement. Travelers from 39 countries face new restrictions, while H-1B workers encounter higher fees and enhanced screening. Green card applicants should review the updated Visa Bulletin for priority date movements affecting their category.
Moreover, expect longer processing times and increased scrutiny at consular posts throughout early 2026. Before applying for any US visa, ensure your passport photo specifications meet official requirements through VisaPics to avoid delays. Stay informed about ongoing policy changes that could affect your immigration journey.