Announcement from the U.S. Embassy

Update from the Embassy! The US 'does not suspend' the issuance of Thai visas. Travel-student-work group can proceed normally.

The U.S. government, under the leadership of President Donald Trump, announced the latest draconian measures, suspending the issuance of "Immigrant Visa" to citizens from more than 70 states' welfare-prone countries, including "Thailand," which will officially enter into force on January 21, 2026, to review the policy of preventing immigrants from becoming a "state burden."

Open the list of vulnerable countries, "Thailand," addicted to visa suspension.

The U.S. Department of State (U.S. Department of State) released an updated notice on January 14, 2026, indicating a major review of the visa review process; in keeping with President Trump's policy of wanting to screen individuals to settle.

By the list of high risk countries where citizens will enter the state welfare and have been suspended from issuing immigrant visas, there are a large number covering many regions around the world, including Cambodia, Laos, Mianma, Vietnam and "Thailand," as well as large countries like Russia, Brazil and Egypt, also on this list.

Petitioner fate: Interviewed, but "not visa"

For Thais currently in the process of relocating to the US, the authorities have clarified the following guidelines:

Appointments: Petitioners can still submit documents and undergo interviews at the Embassy as usual.

Consideration: The officer will take up the matter, but "no visa will be issued during this suspension until the policy review process is completed.

Exceptions: People with "Dual Nationality" if they hold a passport of a country that is not on a flat list can use that passport to apply for a visa.

Confirmed "tourist visa" was not affected.

The most confusing and alarming point is that of general travel, the Ministry clearly confirms that this order applies only to "Immigrant Visa" (those who request permanent relocation).

Non-immigrant Visa: Travel visa, business visa, or student visa are not affected by this measure.

Existing Visas: People who hold an unexpired immigrant visa can enter the U.S. normally without retroactive revocation.

What's behind Public Charge?

This policy reflects an intensified "America First" stance, emphasizing that new citizens must have financial self-sufficiency. This temporary suspension is the moment when the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will dismantle the financial monitoring system of all new visa applicants to prevent the leakage of the land budget.

Conclusion: It is a big news that directly affects Thais planning to emigrate to the US, who have to keep a close eye on the regulatory review process for how long it will last. Thai tourists and businessmen can also travel normally without worry.

Citation: U.S. Department of State (Travel.State.Gov) - 14 Jan 2026