US Halts Visas for 75 Countries, Including Nepal

The United States will indefinitely suspend immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, including Nepal, as part of an expanded immigration crackdown under the Trump administration.

The suspension applies to immigrant visas such as those for employment and family reunification.

It does not affect non-immigrant visas, including tourist and student visas, and therefore will not apply to those traveling to the US for events such as the World Cup this summer.

CNN quoting a US official said the pause will begin on January 21.

Several of the affected countries were already included in the administration’s expanded travel ban list.

 Along with Nepal, the suspension covers countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Haiti, Pakistan, Russia and Somalia.