USCIS Application Hold: What Families with Pending Petitions Need to Know

On January 1, 2026, USCIS issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0194, placing a hold on all pending immigration applications for nationals of 39 countries. The policy also eliminates family-based exemptions that previously allowed immediate relatives of U.S. citizens to proceed despite travel ban restrictions. This represents a significant change for families with pending petitions.

What Is the USCIS Application Hold?

The memorandum directs USCIS officers to hold adjudication on all pending immigration benefit applications filed by or on behalf of nationals from countries designated as “high-risk” under Presidential Proclamation 10998.

Affected applications include Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization), and most other immigration benefit requests. USCIS may continue processing steps like background checks, requests for evidence, and interviews, but won’t issue final approvals while the hold remains in effect.

There is currently no announced timeline for lifting the hold.

Which Countries Are Affected by the USCIS Application Hold?

The policy affects nationals of 39 countries, divided into two categories based on the scope of restrictions.

Full Suspension Countries (19 countries plus PA documents)

These nationals face suspension of both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas:

• Afghanistan
• Burkina Faso
• Burma (Myanmar)
• Chad
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Haiti
• Iran
• Laos
• Libya
• Mali
• Niger
• Republic of Congo
• Sierra Leone
• Somalia
• South Sudan
• Sudan
• Syria
• Yemen
• Individuals traveling on Palestinian Authority documents

Partial Suspension Countries (20 countries)

These nationals face suspension of immigrant visas and certain nonimmigrant categories (B, F, M, J visas):

• Angola
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Benin
• Burundi
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Cuba
• Dominica
• Gabon
• The Gambia
• Malawi
• Mauritania
• Nigeria
• Senegal
• Tanzania
• Togo
• Tonga
• Turkmenistan
• Venezuela
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

Can U.S. Citizens Still Petition for Family Members from Affected Countries?

Yes, but those petitions are now subject to the same hold as all other applications.

Under previous travel ban proclamations, immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, parents, and minor children) had categorical exemptions allowing their petitions to proceed. Presidential Proclamation 10998 removed these exemptions effective January 1, 2026.

The only current exemptions apply to athletes and team personnel traveling for the 2026 FIFA World Cup or Olympics. Family relationships no longer provide a basis for exemption.

What About Previously Approved Cases?

The policy memorandum directs USCIS to conduct retroactive review of immigration benefits approved for nationals of these 39 countries between January 20, 2021 and the present.

If you received a green card, work authorization, or other immigration benefit during this period, your case may be flagged for additional review. This doesn’t mean approved benefits will automatically be revoked, but it does mean some cases that appeared closed may be reopened for scrutiny.

What Should Affected Applicants Do?

If you have a pending application affected by this hold:

• Continue responding to any USCIS requests for evidence or interview notices. Processing continues even though final adjudication is paused.
• Maintain valid immigration status if you are currently in the United States.
• Keep documentation organized, particularly if you received an immigration benefit since January 2021.

There is currently no mechanism to expedite cases subject to this hold, and no announced exception process for hardship cases.

This information is current as of January 16, 2026. Immigration policy is changing rapidly. Verify current requirements with official USCIS sources or consult with an immigration attorney.

Questions About Your Immigration Case?

If you have a pending family petition or immigration application affected by this policy, Chris Hammond Law Firm can help you understand your options. We represent families and individuals in Houston and throughout Texas in family-based immigration and humanitarian cases.

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Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and highly fact-specific. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Chris Hammond Law Firm. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments and is subject to change without notice. For advice about your specific immigration situation, please schedule a consultation with our office.