The United States issued approximately 26,000 immigrant visas in February 2026, about half the monthly average of 52,000 recorded before President Donald Trump returned to office, according to an analysis of Department of State data.
The decline is significant, but it does not mean every U.S. visa category or green card pathway fell by 50%. The figure covers immigrant visas issued through U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. It excludes green cards approved through adjustment of status inside the United States and does not directly measure F-1 student or H-1B worker visas. (economictimes.indiatimes.com)
As of October 19, 2026, February remains the latest month included on the Department of State’s public immigrant visa issuance page. This reporting delay means the data captures conditions early in the year—not necessarily the current monthly issuance rate. (travel.state.gov)
Compared with monthly averages from 2023 and 2024, reported immigrant visa issuance fell most sharply in:
The underlying analysis also reported that student and work visa issuance declined by approximately 30% year over year in February, while business and tourist visa issuance fell by about 25%. These are nonimmigrant categories and should not be confused with the separate 26,000 immigrant visa total. (economictimes.indiatimes.com)
Several policies were operating at the same time, but they did not have identical scopes.
| Policy | Effective date | Status as of October 19, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Presidential Proclamation 10998 restrictions covering 39 countries and certain Palestinian Authority travel documents | January 1, 2026 | Remains in effect, subject to stated exceptions and waivers |
| State Department immigrant visa pause covering nationals of 75 countries | January 21, 2026 | Vacated by a federal court on August 21, 2026; the government has appealed, but the order remains effective |
| Expanded screening and public-charge review | Implemented through multiple 2026 actions | Applicants may face additional documentation, review, or appointment delays |
Presidential Proclamation 10998 fully suspended immigrant and nonimmigrant visa issuance for nationals of 19 countries, with limited exceptions. Another 19 countries became subject to partial restrictions covering immigrant visas and B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas. Turkmenistan was separately subjected to partial immigrant visa restrictions. (travel.state.gov)
The 75-country immigrant visa pause was different. It did not apply to ordinary F-1 or H-1B visas because those are nonimmigrant classifications. A federal court vacated that policy on August 21, 2026, and the State Department now says it is no longer in effect. The government’s appeal does not currently suspend the ruling. (travel.state.gov)
Readers can review Day1CPT.org’s separate explanation of the court ruling ending the 75-country immigrant visa pause.
The February data does not create a new rule for F-1 status, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), STEM OPT, or H-1B status. However, it shows that visa applicants are operating in a more restrictive consular environment.
International students and professionals should understand four distinctions:
A visa stamp is not the same as immigration status. A decline in visas issued abroad does not automatically cancel the status of someone lawfully present inside the United States.
Nationality now matters more in some consular cases. Students from countries covered by Presidential Proclamation 10998 may face full or partial F, M, or J visa restrictions.
Consular processing is different from adjustment of status. An F-1 student or H-1B professional completing an employment-based green card case abroad may be affected by immigrant visa restrictions even when their current nonimmigrant status is not.
Applicants outside the restricted-country lists can still face delays. Additional screening, appointment availability, document requests, fees, and category-specific policies may affect applicants from countries such as India even though India was not included in the 39-country proclamation or the former 75-country pause.
Students considering international travel should verify their visa stamp, Form I-20, CPT or OPT documentation, and current consular requirements. Day1CPT.org’s F-1 visa stamping and reentry guide explains the difference between visa issuance, status, and employment authorization.
Applicants should identify the specific process involved before reacting to the headline:
The February numbers show a major contraction in consular visa issuance. They do not, by themselves, establish that every applicant faces a ban or that an existing F-1, CPT, OPT, or H-1B authorization has ended.
No. The approximately 50% decline refers to immigrant visas issued through U.S. consulates, not F-1 student visas. The source analysis separately found a decline in student and work visa issuance, but applicants must examine the relevant visa category and nationality rather than applying the immigrant visa figure to all students.
No. Visa issuance statistics do not change CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT eligibility requirements. Students inside the United States must continue following the applicable F-1 regulations and their university’s procedures. Consular restrictions may become relevant if a student travels abroad and needs a new F-1 visa stamp.
No. A federal court vacated the policy on August 21, 2026, and the Department of State confirms that the pause is no longer in effect. The government has appealed, but the court’s order currently remains operative. Separate restrictions under Presidential Proclamation 10998 may still apply to some nationalities.
No. The 26,000 figure covers immigrant visas issued by U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. It does not include people who obtain permanent residence through adjustment of status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services while inside the country.
India was not included in the 39-country restrictions under Presidential Proclamation 10998 or the former 75-country immigrant visa pause. Indian applicants can nevertheless be affected by other screening requirements, appointment delays, H-1B policies, fees, or category-specific rules.