This policy is expected to have a broad impact on foreign nationals residing in the United States under temporary visa classifications who intend to adjust their status to permanent residency. The primary objective of the policy is to encourage nonimmigrants to depart the United States upon the expiration of their authorized stay. Adjustment of Status applications filed within the United States will now be approved only in cases involving compelling circumstances or extraordinary situations.

According to USCIS, this policy change is intended to allow the agency to allocate more resources to other immigration-related matters, including applications involving victims of serious crimes, victims of human trafficking, and naturalization requests. For the official source please check here https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/memos/PM-602-0199-AdjustmentOfStatusAndDiscretion-20260521.pdf

Who Will Be Affected by This Policy?

The policy is expected to affect foreign nationals of all nationalities, including Thai citizens, who are currently in the United States on temporary visas such as B-1/B-2, F-1, J-1, M, H-1B, and other nonimmigrant visa categories, and who plan to apply for a Green Card through Adjustment of Status.

This includes:

• Holders of B-1/B-2 visitor visas who intend to marry a U.S. citizen and file Form I-485 to adjust status.

• Holders of F-1 or J-1 student visas who have married a U.S. citizen and are planning to file Form I-485.

• Holders of employment-based visas such as H-1B, L-1, or O-1 who are awaiting employer-sponsored Green Card processing.

• Holders of other temporary visa categories who wish to remain in the United States by applying for permanent resident status through Adjustment of Status.

Visa Categories That May Not Be Immediately Affected

• K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa

Under existing immigration law, the K-1 fiancé(e) visa is specifically designed to allow a foreign national to enter the United States, marry a U.S. citizen, and subsequently apply for Adjustment of Status. As such, it remains one of the few visa categories expressly intended to permit adjustment within the United States.

However, the new policy may result in increased scrutiny of Adjustment of Status applications filed by K-1 visa holders. As of the date of this writing, it remains unclear whether USCIS officers will continue to approve such applications under the same standards, impose additional discretionary review, or delay adjudication pending further guidance. Therefore, it cannot yet be stated with certainty that K-1 visa holders will be entirely exempt from the effects of this policy.

The post USCIS issues the Policy Memo of Adjustment of Status in the U.S. appeared first on Babel Visa Bangkok.

Thailand is included among the 75 countries. The complete list is as follows:

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, The Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen. 

Who will be directly affected by the suspension of U.S. permanent visas?

Individuals of those aforesaid 75 countries directly affected by the suspension of U.S. permanent visa issuance include applicants who have submitted immigrant visa applications through the U.S. Embassy in Thailand. This also encompasses applicants who have filed for permanent visas outside the United States and are scheduled for visa interviews after January 20^th, 2026. Affected categories include, but are not limited to, CR1/IR1, CR2/IR2, IR5, and Family Preference immigrant visas.

What are the implications of the suspension of U.S. permanent visa issuance?

According to an announcement issued by the U.S. Department of State, it was stated explicitly that ‘the U.S. Department of State will suspend the issuance of permanent (immigrant) visas for 75 countries whose immigrants have utilized American public welfare benefits at levels deemed unacceptable. This suspension will remain in effect until the United States can ensure that new immigrants will not displace or divert wealth from American citizens.’ This statement is referenced from the U.S. Department of State website https://travel.state.gov/…/vis…/all-visa-categories.html

Accordingly, applicants who have already completed their visa interviews should anticipate that visa issuance may not occur immediately. Applications will be subject to enhanced review, and adjudication may be delayed for an indeterminate period until the relevant authorities are satisfied that all statutory and regulatory eligibility requirements have been met. Applicants with upcoming interview appointments are advised not to be unduly concerned, as the current measure represents a temporary suspension designed to slow the visa issuance process. This action does not constitute a prohibition on entry into the United States, nor does it amount to a permanent bar to immigration eligibility.

How should applicant prepare and respond to the current situation?

Applicants who are in the process of filing for a U.S. permanent visa, as well as those who are currently approaching the interview stage, are advised to observe the following guidance:

• Do not panic or draw premature conclusions, as the United States has not yet issued clear or comprehensive new eligibility criteria.
• Ensure that all documentation is complete and well organized, with particular attention to financial records, tax filings, and sponsor-related forms.
• Monitor updates and developments on a regular basis that may have an impact on individual cases.
• Individuals who are preparing to file may proceed with their applications as usual, as the initial petition approval process for permanent visas typically takes approximately 17 months. By the time the case reaches the interview stage, applicable rules and policies may have evolved and become more clearly defined.

Who is not affected by this announcement?

Individuals applying for a change of visa status within the United States, as well as those filing for adjustment of status from within the United States—such as individuals who entered the country on a K-1 fiancé(e) visa and are currently pursuing adjustment of status—are not affected by this announcement. Accordingly, applications filed from within the United States may proceed as usual, and adjudication is expected to continue in the normal course.

How can Babel Visa assist you?

Our experienced team of U.S. immigrant visa specialists stays closely up to date with the latest immigration developments and policy changes. We continuously monitor new regulations to ensure that every case aligns with current requirements.

• We carefully manage and monitor U.S. immigrant visa cases to ensure full compliance with updated rules and procedures.
• We design tailored case strategies to maximize approval potential, particularly in meeting Public Charge requirements.
• We meticulously prepare and review all documentation to help streamline the review process and facilitate visa approval by the U.S. Embassy.

We understand that applying for a U.S. immigrant visa is more than just paperwork—it is about building love, family, and a shared future. That is why we treat every case with the utmost care and attention to detail. Backed by experience, professionalism, and genuine commitment, our team is dedicated to guiding you through every step and helping you achieve a successful outcome with confidence.

The post The United States suspends permanent visa issuance for 75 countries, including Thailand: Check the conditions and how to cope appeared first on Babel Visa Bangkok.