US immigrant visas for Bangladeshis remain suspended: Embassy

Dhaka: The United States has reiterated that the suspension of immigrant visa issuance for Bangladeshi nationals remains in effect, citing concerns over the high rate of public welfare usage by some immigrants.

In a social media post on July 11, the US Embassy in Dhaka said the measure was aimed at ensuring that immigrants do not unlawfully access government welfare programs or become a public charge in the United States.

"As a reminder, on January 21, 2026, the Department paused the issuance of immigrant visas for Bangladesh, whose nationals have had a high rate of US public welfare usage," the embassy said.

According to the embassy, the suspension is intended to allow the US Department of State to conduct a comprehensive review of its screening and vetting policies and procedures to ensure they "put Americans first."

The embassy clarified that the suspension applies only to immigrant visas and does not affect the nonimmigrant ones, including tourist, business, student, and other temporary visas.

The announcement reiterates the policy first introduced on January 21, with the embassy emphasizing that Bangladeshis applying for nonimmigrant visas can continue to do so under existing procedures.