Foreign Ministry responds to reports on suspension of US visas for Uzbeks

Earlier, reports emerged that the US Department of State had suspended the review of immigrant visa applications for citizens of 75 countries, including Uzbekistan, as part of efforts to prevent applicants who could become a burden on the state budget. QALAMPIR.UZ contacted Foreign Ministry spokesperson Akhror Burkhanov to clarify the situation.

According to Burkhanov, Uzbekistan is indeed included in the list in question; however, no restrictions have yet been imposed. He emphasized that the system for issuing nonimmigrant visas to Uzbek citizens continues to operate as usual.

At the same time, additional information regarding immigrant visas is expected from the US side on January 16.

Previously, Fox News reported that in November 2025, the US Department of State had sent a special directive to diplomatic missions worldwide, instructing consular officers to apply stricter screening measures under the “public charge” rule of US immigration law, which assesses the likelihood that an applicant may become dependent on state assistance.

For reference, an immigrant visa to the United States grants a foreign national the right to live permanently in the country and obtain lawful permanent resident status upon entry. Such a visa allows the holder to live, work, study, and conduct business in accordance with the law, and also provides a pathway to applying for US citizenship in the future. Immigrant visas are divided into several main categories:

– visas for close relatives of US citizens or permanent residents;
– employment-based visas issued to skilled specialists, investors, and other professionals based on a job offer from a US employer;
– the Diversity Visa Program (Green Card Lottery), designed for citizens of countries with low levels of immigration to the United States, which includes Uzbekistan;
– special immigrant visas for certain categories, including religious workers, refugees, asylum recipients, and individuals who have served US interests.

Immigrant visas differ from nonimmigrant visas in that they are intended for permanent residence in the United States rather than temporary stays.

The pause currently being introduced by the United States does not apply to nonimmigrant visas, such as those issued for tourism, education, business travel, medical treatment, and other temporary purposes.

The review of immigrant visa applications is expected to be suspended starting January 21. It was noted that the pause will remain in effect for an unspecified period while the US authorities review visa issuance procedures.