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.

Stay informed by checking International Services alerts for the most up-to-date guidance. Additional useful information can be found on the Executive Orders site (NetID login required). Subscribe to receive important updates and our monthly newsletter by email. (International students are automatically subscribed.)