In a significant move affecting global mobility and citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs, the United States has suspended immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026. This includes 10 nations operating CBI programs, as the administration cited a “high risk of becoming a public charge” for certain applicants. The freeze represents the most extensive legal immigration restriction implemented in decades, affecting approximately 315,000 potential immigrants over the next year.

Scope of the Suspension

• · Affected Countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Cambodia, Dominica, Egypt, Grenada, Jordan, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Sierra Leone, alongside dozens of other nations across Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
• · Visa Types Impacted: Only immigrant visas granting permanent residency are suspended. Tourist, student, and business travel visas remain unaffected.
• · Policy Rationale: US authorities framed the freeze as a public charge protection measure, aimed at preventing applicants likely to rely on government resources from entering the country.

Impact on Caribbean CBI Programs

• · All five Caribbean CBI programs (Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia) are included.
• · Grenada: Previously exempt from December travel restrictions due to its E-2 investor visa treaty, marking a notable policy change.
• · Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: Faces restrictions despite not having an operational program, as the government plans to launch CBI in 2026.
• · Previous US actions targeted Antigua and Dominica for lacking physical residency requirements in their programs.

Policy Background and Timeline

• November 2025: Diplomats instructed to ensure visa applicants demonstrate financial self-sufficiency.
• December 2025: Travel restrictions expanded to 38 countries, highlighting CBI programs without residency requirements.
• January 9, 2026: Visa bond program expanded from 15 to 38 countries, requiring bonds from $5,000 to $15,000 for tourist visas.
• Since January 2025, over 100,000 visas revoked, and social media vetting expanded.

Summary

The US visa freeze represents a significant restriction on legal immigration, particularly impacting Caribbean CBI programs. While the official rationale centers on public charge risk, the move has drawn criticism for being overly broad, potentially penalizing low-risk economic immigrants. Existing visa holders and lawful permanent residents remain unaffected; however, the measure highlights the ongoing international challenges faced by countries that rely on CBI programs for revenue and economic development.