Major US Immigration Policy Changes Take Effect January 2026
Immigration policy changes affecting millions of visa applicants worldwide went into effect on January 1, 2026. The sweeping reforms include an expanded travel ban covering 39 countries, increased USCIS filing fees, and enhanced security vetting procedures that will significantly impact international travelers, students, and workers.
These changes represent the most comprehensive overhaul of US immigration policy since 2017. Whether you're planning to apply for a visa, renew your work authorization, or visit the United States, understanding these new requirements is essential for successful immigration applications.
Key Immigration Policy Changes for 2026
The US government has implemented several major changes affecting visa issuance and immigration benefits:
- Expanded Travel Ban: Presidential Proclamation 10998 now restricts entry from 39 countries plus Palestinian Authority document holders
- USCIS Fee Increases: Filing fees for work permits (Form I-765) increased from $550 to $560, with similar adjustments across categories
- Enhanced Vetting Center: New USCIS Vetting Center established December 5, 2025, centralizing security screening for all applicants
- Social Media Screening: H-1B and H-4 visa applicants must now disclose social media identifiers with public account visibility
- EAD Validity Reduction: Employment Authorization Documents now limited to 18 months maximum validity
- Biometric Requirements: All non-US citizens photographed at every entry and exit point starting December 26, 2025
Additionally, the Diversity Visa Program (green card lottery) has been paused, and Temporary Protected Status has been terminated for nationals of Ethiopia and Burma (Myanmar).
Who Is Affected by the 2026 Travel Ban
The travel restrictions vary depending on your nationality and current visa status. Understanding which category applies to you is critical for planning any US travel.
For Nationals of Fully Restricted Countries
Citizens of 19 countries face complete suspension of both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas. This includes nationals traveling with Palestinian Authority-issued documents. If you're from one of these countries without a valid visa as of January 1, 2026, you cannot obtain any type of US visa under current policy.
For Nationals of Partially Restricted Countries
Twenty countries face partial restrictions affecting immigrant visas and B, F, M, and J nonimmigrant categories. These include Nigeria, Angola, Senegal, Tanzania, Cuba, Venezuela, and others. Work visas like H-1B may still be available, but student and tourist visas are suspended.
For Current Visa Holders
If you held a valid US visa as of 12:01 a.m. EST on January 1, 2026, you are not affected by these restrictions. No visas issued before this date have been revoked. US permanent residents and dual nationals traveling on non-restricted country passports are also exempt.
How to Navigate the New Immigration Requirements
Follow these steps to ensure your visa application or travel plans comply with the 2026 requirements:
- Verify Your Country's Status: Check the State Department's list to confirm whether your country faces full, partial, or no restrictions
- Confirm Fee Amounts: Visit USCIS.gov to verify current filing fees before submitting any application to avoid rejection
- Prepare Social Media Information: If applying for H-1B or H-4 visas, ensure your social media accounts are set to public and list all identifiers
- Gather Compliant Documents: Ensure your passport photo meets requirements and all supporting documents are current
- Apply Early: With longer processing times expected, submit applications well in advance of your intended travel date
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to stay compliant with the new immigration policy changes:
- December 16, 2025: Presidential Proclamation 10998 signed, expanding travel restrictions
- December 26, 2025: Biometric entry-exit photography requirement begins for all non-citizens
- January 1, 2026: Travel ban effective date; all USCIS fee increases take effect
- February 3, 2026: Haitian TPS work authorization protected through this date
- 180-Day Reviews: Travel restrictions reviewed every 180 days; countries may be added or removed
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the travel ban affect my existing valid visa?
No. If you held a valid US visa as of January 1, 2026, your visa remains valid. The proclamation only affects individuals outside the US who did not have a valid visa on the effective date. No visas have been revoked under this policy.
How much did USCIS fees increase for 2026?
Most fees increased by 2.7% for inflation. Work permit applications (Form I-765) rose from $550 to $560. TPS renewals increased from $275 to $280. Applications submitted after January 1, 2026, without correct fees will be rejected.
Can I still apply for a student visa from Nigeria?
Unfortunately, Nigeria faces partial restrictions that include F (student) visas. Beginning January 1, 2026, student visa applications from Nigerian nationals are suspended. However, some work visa categories like H-1B may still be available.
What You Need to Know Going Forward
The 2026 immigration policy changes signal a continued emphasis on national security screening, reduced discretionary waivers, and more in-person interviews. Processing times are expected to increase across most immigration categories. Applicants should plan for potential delays and ensure all documentation is complete before filing.
Before submitting any visa application, confirm your documents meet current standards. VisaPics can help you create compliant visa and passport photos that meet exact government specifications for over 950 document types across 172 countries. Having properly formatted photos prevents application delays and rejections during this period of heightened scrutiny.
Sources: - [U.S. Department of State - Visa Suspension Notice](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/suspension-of-visa-issuance-to-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states.html) - [USCIS - FY 2026 Fee Increase Announcement](https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-announces-fy-2026-inflation-increase-for-certain-immigration-related-fees) - [White House - Presidential Proclamation 10998](https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/12/restricting-and-limiting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states/) - [Fragomen - Travel Ban Analysis](https://www.fragomen.com/insights/united-states-travel-ban-expanded-and-revised-effective-january-1-2026.html) - [American Immigration Council - Travel Ban Explainer](https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/blog/president-trump-expands-his-travel-ban-what-you-need-to-know/)