A US federal judge has struck down a government policy suspending the issuance of immigrant visas to citizens of 75 countries, including Pakistan, in a major blow to the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. The ruling, released Friday, said the policy, introduced in January, exceeds Secretary of State Marco Rubio's statutory authority and cannot be used to block immigrant visas.

For applicants in Pakistan who have been waiting months or years for consular interviews, the decision opens a legal path forward. This policy froze the issuance of visas to those wishing to settle permanently in the United States. A federal court ruled that the ban was unconstitutional, so the US State Department would have to start processing the applications again rather than rely on the indiscriminate ban.

Who is eligible and impact on Pakistani applicants

The court's decision directly affects Pakistani nationals who have submitted applications approved through family sponsorship, employment-based categories, or the diversity visa lottery. If you are awaiting an interview at the US Embassy in Islamabad or the Consulate General in Karachi, your case will no longer be stuck with the January freeze.

  • Family-based preferences (spouses, children, and siblings of US citizens or permanent residents)
  • Employment-based immigrant visas (categories supported by US employers)
  • Diversity visa candidates who meet all administrative requirements

Although the ban has been lifted, applicants must still meet all standard US immigration requirements. This includes police clearance certificate, medical examination approved by panel physicians in Pakistan, and proof of financial support.

Next Steps for Your US Immigrant Visa

If your case was on hold due to a 75-country suspension, you should monitor your status through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) portal. The National Visa Center (NVC) and the US Embassy in Islamabad will take some time to adjust their scheduling systems following the court order.

Don't panic if you don't get an immediate interview notice. Check your registered email daily and ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months prior to your intended travel date. If you were close to scheduling a medical examination or submitting a fee, have your documents ready so you can respond quickly when the embassy resumes normal queues.