Does it mean my country is on the 75-country US visa ban list 2026?

There are numerous African countries, the Caribbean, and the Middle East in the list. The countries that were affected are Nigeria, Iran, Cuba, and Venezuela. The official Department of State list is always updated.

What can I do to prevent the abandonment of the Green Card during long travel?

The scrutiny of the intent to reside is high in 2026. Assuming you have to spend over 6 months in other countries, get a Reentry Permit when you are leaving the U.S.

What is Visa Bond on some countries?

You might have to post a refundable bond of up to 15,000 dollars to come on a B1/B2 visa to citizens of 38 countries (including such new additions as Nepal and Bangladesh).

USA Green Card Application Process 2026

Have you intentions to get your future in the United States this year? The USA Green Card Application Process 2026 has been transformed in a radical way as never before. Since the very first step of a mind-blowing 100 000 H-1B Visa Fee to a colossal 75-Country Immigrant Visa Pause, the bridge to America is being reinforced with new fees and more stringent vetting.

The 2026 Landscape Tougher Vetting and The 75-Country Pause

On January 21, 2026, the Department of State has applied an indefinite 75-Country Immigrant Visa Pause. The policy is aimed at particular nationalities to re-examine such risks as public charge and vetting process.

Impact on Families: The F1 (Unmarried Adult Children of US Citizens) and F2A (Spouses/Children of Green Card Holders) are two of the major categories which are experiencing big delays in these 75 countries.
The DV-2026 Race: The holders of the Diversity Visa lottery who have been declared winners are required to have their visas before the September 30, 2026 deadline. The inactivity has put a lot of winners on a time limit.
Social Media Review Standards: Within the end of 2025, there is a mandatory Social Media Review. To have an online presence review, applicants will have to configure all social media privacy settings to public.

Employment-Based (EB) Shifts goodbye Lottery, Hello Wages

The greatest transformation to skilled personnel is the abolition of the unpredictable H-1B lottery. Beginning with the H-1B Cap Registration of FY 2027 in March 2026, the U.S. has transitioned to a Wage-Weighted H-1B Selection System.

The New H-1B Math

Selection chances have been raised to be directly dependent on the wage rate of the job. Increased salary implies increased opportunities:

Level IV Wages: First preference of selection (probability of selection is estimated >60%).
Level I Wages: Low priority and high disadvantage of a lottery draw.

The $100,000 Tariff on Labor

There is a new H-1B Visa Fee of $100,000, which now applies to new H-1B petitions, in a move to prioritize to American workers. This single-payment fee to employers is a kind of tariff, which only original global talent is sponsored by the firms.

Plan of action Instructions Guard Your Road to Residency

The most prudent approach to take is to shun any form of the so-called consular processing in case of the current Continuous Vetting Protocol and the In-Person Interview Mandate 2026.

Priority Adjustment of Status (AOS): In case you are already in the U.S. with a valid visa, it will be safer to file Form I-485 Adjustment of Status 2026 than go overseas to have an interview.
Check Visa Bulletin: Mark Priority Date Movement Every month in order to use Concurrent Filing Eligibility.
Retain Legal status: Policy changes elevate the risk of travel. Advance Parole Be careful with Advance Parole when your home country appears in the pause list.
Medical Validity: To prevent delays in RFE (Request for Evidence), be sure to have your Medical Examination (Form I-693) filled in by a civil surgeon.

FAQs

Does it mean my country is on the 75-country US visa ban list 2026?

There are numerous African countries, the Caribbean, and the Middle East in the list. The countries that were affected are Nigeria, Iran, Cuba, and Venezuela. The official Department of State list is always updated.
What can I do to prevent the abandonment of the Green Card during long travel?

The scrutiny of the intent to reside is high in 2026. Assuming you have to spend over 6 months in other countries, get a Reentry Permit when you are leaving the U.S.
What is Visa Bond on some countries?

You might have to post a refundable bond of up to 15,000 dollars to come on a B1/B2 visa to citizens of 38 countries (including such new additions as Nepal and Bangladesh).

Final Thoughts

The USA Green Card Application Process 2026 is no longer a one set and forget it process. It involves proactive administration of your NVC Case Status (CEAC) and rigid Form AR-11 Change of Address Compliance. The prices are more expensive and the vetting is more rigorous but the end result of permanent residency is the jackpot of millions of people.

Disclaimer

The article is informative and educational. It is recommended that a reader should be able to confirm an information provided by a reliable source, including an official government site (uscis.gov).