Starting January 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) will pause immigrant visa processing for 75 countries (linked below) identified as high risk for becoming a public charge. This does not mean automatic denial, but cases may be delayed or placed on hold. According to DOS, this pause applies only to immigrant visas; it does not apply to nonimmigrant visas such as those relating to tourists, students, and exchange visitors. Nor does the DOS indicate that the pause will result in revocation of immigrant visas already issues. Citizens of the affected countries with upcoming consular interviews should contact Antonini & Cohen before traveling or making any plans.

If your employees plan to travel internationally, make sure to review current US consulate visa appointment wait times before booking tickets. Wait times vary widely by location, and some consulates are already scheduling months in advance. Monitoring wait times helps prevent unexpected delays, missed return dates, and work disruptions.

Canadian citizens typically do not need a visa for short visits to the US, though certain categories – such as E-1/E-2 treaty investors and fiancé or diplomatic visas – still require a visa stamp. After every entry, Canadians must download their electronic I-94 Arrival/Departure record, which includes classification and length of stay. There is no US “six-month-per-year” rule. Each entry is evaluated independently by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) based on travel purpose, itinerary, and travel history.