The United States Department of State has confirmed the list of countries whose nationals will be affected by the US government’s decision to pause the issuance of immigrant visas.

As previously reported, 11 Caribbean countries are among the 75 nations included in the policy, which goes into effect from January 21.

The Caribbean countries affected are:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• The Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Cuba
• Dominica
• Grenada
• Haiti
• Jamaica
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

The State Department also provided additional clarification through responses to frequently asked questions, outlining how the pause will be implemented and which visa categories are affected.

The department confirmed that the measure applies only to immigrant visas, which are issued to individuals seeking to live permanently in the United States. Applicants from the affected countries may still submit applications and attend scheduled interviews, but no immigrant visas will be issued during the pause.

Non-immigrant visas, including tourist, student, business and temporary work visas, are not affected by the policy and will continue to be processed.

The State Department further noted that dual nationals applying with a valid passport from a country not included on the list are exempt from the pause. No previously issued immigrant visas have been revoked as part of the policy.

The Department of State said it will continue to review its immigration policies.