The US Embassy in Dhaka on Saturday reiterated that immigrant visa issuance for Bangladeshi nationals remains paused, citing concerns over public welfare usage, according to a post on the embassy's verified Facebook page.

The embassy said the pause took effect January 21, 2026, when the State Department halted visa issuances to immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of a group of countries, including Bangladesh. 

The suspension affects nationals from 75 countries in total.

The embassy said, "We owe it to American taxpayers to make sure that immigrants do not unlawfully utilize government welfare or become a public charge to the United States." 

It also stated that the pause gives the department time to conduct a full review of its screening and vetting policies and procedures "to ensure they put Americans first."

The pause applies only to immigrant visas issued by US consulates and does not affect non-immigrant visas, including tourist, student, and employment-based visas, the embassy further said.

The policy stems from a broader directive stating that immigrants must be financially self-sufficient and not become a financial burden on American taxpayers, according to the State Department.