Philippines Excluded From US Visa Suspension as 75 Other Countries Get Blocked

PH spared in US visa suspension as 75 other countries get blocked

Good news for Filipinos applying for a US visa! Philippines is excluded from the list of 75 countries hit by the new US visa suspension.

If you have been scrolling through your phone today, you might have seen worrying news about the US embassy closing its doors to dozens of nations. For many Pinoys, a visa is a huge life milestone that takes months of saving and paperwork, so a sudden rule change usually causes a lot of stress.

However, Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel "Babe" Romualdez confirmed on Thursday that we are safe. When asked about the matter in a text message, the envoy simply stated: “No, not included.”

Why is the US government suspending visa processing?

Image credit: US Sen. Marco Rubio | Facebook

Halt instructions have been issued to consular officers to pause immigrant visa applications from specific nations. The goal is to prevent new arrivals from becoming a burden on US public assistance.

Looking closely at those who might become "public charges," the Trump administration aims to ensure immigrants do not rely on the government for financial help or welfare. This effort is currently being led by Secretary Marco Rubio.

In a statement, the State Department explained they are bringing an end to “the abuse of America’s immigration system by those who would extract wealth from the American people.”

This specific crackdown only affects those seeking green cards to live in the US permanently. This means tourists and business travellers are safe. If you are just visiting on a temporary visa, your process remains unchanged while the US focuses on these 75 target countries.

Also read: PH Travellers Safe from New US Visa Bond Rule

Full list of 75 countries affected by US visa freeze

The list of affected nations is long and covers several regions. If you have friends or relatives from these places, their immigrant visa processing has been stopped:

1. Afghanistan

2. Albania

3. Algeria

4. Antigua and Barbuda

5. Armenia

6. Azerbaijan

7. Bahamas

8. Bangladesh

9. Barbados

10. Belarus

11. Belize

12. Bhutan

13. Bosnia

14. Brazil

15. Burma

16. Cambodia

17. Cameroon

18. Cape Verde

19. Colombia

20. Congo

21. Cuba

22. Dominica

23. Egypt

24. Eritrea

25. Ethiopia

26. Fiji

27. Gambia

28. Georgia

29. Ghana

30. Grenada

31. Guatemala

32. Guinea

33. Haiti

34. Iran

35. Iraq

36. Ivory Coast

37. Jamaica

38. Jordan

39. Kazakhstan

40. Kosovo

41. Kuwait

42. Kyrgyzstan

43. Laos

44. Lebanon

45. Liberia

46. Libya

47. Macedonia

48. Moldova

49. Mongolia

50. Montenegro

51. Morocco

52. Nepal

53. Nicaragua

54. Nigeria

55. Pakistan

56. Republic of the Congo

57. Russia

58. Rwanda

59. Saint Kitts and Nevis

60. Saint Lucia

61. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

62. Senegal

63. Sierra Leone

64. Somalia

65. South Sudan

66. Sudan

67. Syria

68. Tanzania

69. Thailand

70. Togo

71. Tunisia

72. Uganda

73. Uruguay

74. Uzbekistan

75. Yemen

What this US visa update means for Filipinos

Since Philippines is excluded, the usual processing at the US Embassy in Manila should continue as normal. This is a massive relief for thousands of Pinoys who already have pending petitions for their family members. While other nationalities are now facing a sudden halt, your papers are still moving.

Even though we are spared from this specific block, the US is still being much stricter with everyone. They are looking more closely at your finances and your ability to support yourself once you land.

It is a good time to make sure all your bank statements and sponsorship papers are 100% accurate to avoid any delays.

Featured image credit: Canva Pro