According to reports by Fox News and other U.S. media outlets, the United States has temporarily paused visa processing for citizens of Egypt and 74 other countries.
The U.S. State Department later announced on X that it will pause processing certain immigrant visas, but the statement does not clearly define what types of visas are included, leaving it unclear whether this applies only to permanent immigration or also to temporary visitor visas such as tourism or business travel.
The policy is aimed at reducing the financial burden on American taxpayers.
Fox News reported that the pause is linked to an internal review of visa screening and vetting procedures. The reported measure would affect applicants from a wide range of countries, including Egypt, Russia, Iran, Somalia, Afghanistan, and several others across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
The reports suggest the pause could begin later this month on 21 January, though exact details remain unclear.
U.S. media outlets citing unnamed sources said the step is part of a broader effort to reassess immigration and visa policies, particularly focusing on security checks and the criteria used to approve visa applications. However, officials have not publicly confirmed whether the suspension applies to all visa categories or how long it may last.
As of now, there has been no official announcement from the U.S. Embassy in Cairo or the U.S. Department of State confirming a halt in visa services for Egyptians. Visa applicants are advised to follow updates from official U.S. government channels, as policies may change once formal guidance is released.
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