Major US Immigration Policy Changes Take Effect in 2026
Immigration policy changes announced in December 2025 represent the most significant overhaul of US entry requirements in years. The Trump administration expanded its travel ban to 39 countries, effective January 1, 2026, while replacing the H-1B visa lottery with a wage-based selection system.
These sweeping changes affect millions of visa applicants, green card holders, and immigrants already in the United States. Understanding these updates is critical for anyone planning international travel or pursuing US immigration benefits in the coming year.
Key Immigration Policy Changes for 2026
Here are the most significant policy updates taking effect:
- Expanded Travel Ban: Travel restrictions now cover 39 countries plus Palestinian Authority documents, more than double the previous 19 countries
- H-1B Lottery Overhaul: Random selection replaced with wage-weighted system favoring higher-paid workers, effective February 2026
- Biometric Requirements: All non-US citizens now photographed at every entry and exit point including airports, land crossings, and seaports
- Work Permit Duration Cut: Asylum seekers' work permits reduced from 5 years to just 18 months
- Asylum Applications Suspended: USCIS suspended processing of all Form I-589 asylum applications pending review
- Diversity Visa Paused: The diversity visa lottery program has been temporarily halted
According to USCIS, officers have issued approximately 196,600 Notices to Appear since January 20, 2025, placing individuals in removal proceedings.
Who Is Affected by These Immigration Policy Changes
The December 2025 policy updates impact several distinct groups of travelers and immigrants differently.
For Travelers from Restricted Countries
Nationals from 19 countries face full entry suspensions: Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Laos, Mali, and those with Palestinian Authority documents. Twenty additional countries face partial restrictions including Nigeria, Senegal, Cuba, and Venezuela.
For H-1B Visa Applicants
The new wage-weighted lottery system dramatically shifts odds. Level IV wage earners see a 107% increase in selection probability, while Level I applicants face a 48% decrease. Recent international graduates and entry-level positions will face steeper competition. This affects the FY 2027 registration season starting February 2026.
For Green Card Holders
Lawful permanent residents from the 19 flagged countries face enhanced scrutiny. USCIS is re-reviewing benefits granted to individuals who entered after January 20, 2021. However, green card holders remain exempt from the travel ban when traveling. All permanent residents now face mandatory biometric collection at entry points.
For Asylum Seekers
Form I-589 applications are currently suspended nationwide. Work permits now last only 18 months instead of five years. More than 1.6 million immigrants have lost legal status in 2025, according to NPR.
How to Prepare for Immigration Policy Changes
Take these steps before the January 1, 2026 effective date:
- Check Your Country's Status: Review the full list of restricted countries at WhiteHouse.gov to understand which restrictions apply
- Obtain Valid Visas Before January 1: Individuals with valid visas as of January 1, 2026 may continue using them for travel—apply now if eligible
- Update Your Passport Photo: Ensure your passport photo meets current requirements, as all documents will face increased scrutiny
- Gather Documentation: Prepare employment records, wage documentation, and proof of ties to home country for enhanced vetting
- Consult Immigration Counsel: Given rapidly changing policies, professional legal guidance is essential for complex cases
- Monitor Visa Bulletin Updates: Check the monthly Visa Bulletin for priority date movements
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates on your calendar:
- December 16, 2025: President Trump signed expanded travel ban proclamation
- December 23, 2025: DHS finalized H-1B weighted selection rule
- January 1, 2026: Expanded travel ban affecting 39 countries takes effect at 12:01 AM ET
- February 27, 2026: New H-1B wage-weighted lottery system becomes effective
- March 2026: FY 2027 H-1B cap registration period expected to open under new rules
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Still Travel to the US if My Country Is on the Restricted List?
It depends on your visa status. If you hold a valid visa as of January 1, 2026, you may continue using it. Green card holders remain exempt from the travel ban. However, new visa applications from fully restricted countries face suspension for most categories.
How Does the New H-1B Lottery System Affect My Chances?
Your selection probability now depends heavily on your wage level. Level IV positions (highest wages) have 4x better odds than Level I positions. If your employer offers higher compensation, your chances improve significantly. Entry-level positions face reduced odds under the new system.
What Happens to My Green Card Application?
Green card processing continues, but applicants from the 19 flagged countries face intensive reviews. USCIS is re-examining benefits granted to individuals who entered after January 20, 2021. Processing times may increase due to enhanced vetting requirements.
Are There Exemptions to the Travel Ban?
Yes. Exemptions include athletes traveling for the 2026 World Cup or Olympics, diplomatic visa holders (A-1, A-2, G-1 through G-4, NATO classifications), and dual nationals traveling on non-restricted country passports. Family-based immigrant visa exemptions from earlier bans are no longer available.
Do I Need a New Passport Photo for My Visa Application?
Your passport photo must meet strict US visa requirements. Given increased scrutiny at all entry points, ensure your photo is recent and compliant. Visit our passport photo requirements page to verify your photo meets specifications before submitting your application.
What You Need to Know Moving Forward
The December 2025 immigration policy changes represent the largest expansion of travel restrictions since 2017. With 39 countries now facing entry limitations and the H-1B lottery system fundamentally changed, careful planning is essential for anyone navigating the US immigration system.
Stay informed by monitoring official sources like USCIS and the Department of Homeland Security. Ensure all your visa application documents are current, including properly formatted passport photos that meet specifications. VisaPics helps travelers prepare compliant photos for visa and passport applications across 172 countries with over 952 document types supported.