The United States has lifted a months-long suspension on immigrant visa issuance for citizens of Bangladesh and 74 other countries, reopening the pathway for eligible applicants seeking permanent residency in the country.
The US Department of State confirmed that the policy was declared unlawful and overturned on August 21 by US District Judge Janet Vargas in New York. The State Department formally updated its website on August 28, stating that the suspension was no longer in effect. The decision allows eligible Bangladeshi applicants to once again move forward with their immigrant visa applications, which can eventually lead to permanent residency and a green card.
The ruling followed a lawsuit filed by the Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC). In January 2026, the State Department had suspended immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries, including Bangladesh, citing concerns that some applicants could become dependent on US government benefits after entering the country.
However, the court ruled that the Secretary of State does not have unlimited authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act to deny immigrant visas solely on the basis of an applicant’s nationality.
With the suspension now lifted, qualified applicants can proceed through the regular immigrant visa process. Those who had already submitted applications or completed interviews while the suspension was in place can also move forward toward final visa issuance, subject to meeting all applicable requirements.
The decision is expected to ease months of uncertainty for Bangladeshi applicants who had been waiting for their immigrant visa cases to proceed.
