USCIS Expands Application Holds for Travel Ban Countries: What Applicants Need to Know

In a significant policy shift, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has expanded its hold on processing immigration applications for individuals from countries on the U.S. travel ban list. A January 1, 2026 policy memorandum (PM-602-0194) now requires a re-review of all benefit requests—including H-1B visas and green cards—that were approved on or after January 20, 2021, for nationals of these countries, regardless of when they entered the U.S. This broadens a previous policy that only targeted those who entered after that date. The hold applies to all pending applications filed by or for nationals of the listed countries, including those with Palestinian Authority travel documents. USCIS has stated this measure is necessary to enhance national security and public safety vetting. While there are limited exceptions, such as for green card renewals and certain athletes, most applicants from these nations will face significant delays and increased scrutiny. This policy change signals a more intensive and far-reaching approach to immigration vetting, impacting thousands of applicants and their U.S. employers who may have already received approvals. Applicants should prepare for a longer, more complex immigration process in 2026.