The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova reacted to the decision of the United States to suspend the issuance of immigrant visas for 75 countries, including Moldova, starting January 21, 2026. The authorities clarified that the measure is administrative and forms part of a reassessment of criteria related to the use of public assistance, known as the public charge rule. They stressed that the decision does not amount to a general ban on travel to or access to the United States.
The ministry emphasized that immigrant visas already issued remain valid and will not be revoked. It also noted that non immigrant visas, including tourist, student, work and business visas, remain unaffected and continue to be processed and issued as usual. Applicants may still submit and attend interviews for immigrant visas, but authorities have temporarily suspended the actual issuance of these visas. According to the ministry, the impact on Moldovan citizens remains limited, as the number of immigrant visas issued annually in Chisinau has traditionally been low.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that immigrant visas allow individuals to settle permanently in the United States, while non immigrant visas apply to temporary stays such as tourism, education or fixed term employment.