USCIS Pauses Processing of Immigration Benefits for Individuals from Travel Ban Countries
Introduction
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued a policy memorandum that pauses the processing of immigration benefit applications submitted by individuals born in or with citizenship from the countries covered in the Dec. 16, 2025, Presidential Proclamation, Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.
This new memo clarifies and expands a Dec. 2025 USCIS memo, which paused immigration benefit processing for individuals identified in the June 2025 Presidential Proclamation and called for a re-review of immigration benefits granted to individuals from the included countries who entered the U.S. on or after Jan. 20, 2021.
The policy takes effect immediately, and its broad wording suggests that it impacts the processing of both immigrant and nonimmigrant benefit applications, including changes of status, optional practical training, etc. Individuals from countries not identified in the proclamation should expect applications to be processed as usual; however, overall USCIS processing times may increase, leading to delays in adjudication.
The Office of International Services is working with individuals from the affected countries who are actively applying for immigration benefits with USCIS. Individuals with questions or who plan to apply for benefits in the near future are encouraged to connect with an OIS advisor as soon as possible to discuss available options. We look forward to working with you.
Please note that the information shared in this message is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.