The U.S. Department of State will stop issuing immigrant visas to people applying from 75 countries beginning January 21, according to a January 14 statement. 

International students and scholars at Cornell—including F/J students, J-1 exchange visitors, and H-1B workers—hold Cornell-sponsored nonimmigrant visas. When you applied for your entry visa, you demonstrated that you are in the U.S. on a temporary basis (for example, to pursue your studies or research) and intend to return to your home country.

Who is affected: Foreign nationals from the 75 listed countries who wish to live permanently in the U.S. will have to wait for processing to resume before they can apply for immigrant visas. 

• Read the State Department guidance listing the 75 countries.
• Learn more about immigrant vs. nonimmigrant visas.
• Review our Public Charge webpage.