On December 2, 2025, the government implemented an indefinite pause on the processing of immigration applications from nationals of 19 countries classified as ‘high risk.’

This pause affects green card applications, leaving applicants from countries like Haiti, Somalia, and Venezuela in a state of uncertainty regarding their US permanent residence applications.

Skilled workers from these countries may explore Canada’s points-based Express Entry system as a potential alternative for immigration, which is open to individuals from all nations.

Which countries are impacted by the US’s application processing pause?

Refer to the list below to view the complete set of countries affected by the application processing pause: