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US Suspends Immigrant Visa Applications for 75 Countries

The Trump administration has suspended immigrant visa processing from 75 countries, affecting artists planning to work in the US.

Published: 20 January 2026 | 3:07 PM
The American flag on a flagpole in the sky.
The MU will be closely monitoring how the new immigration rules will impact artists planning to come to the US. Image credit: Shutterstock.

Further to our last update on US artist visas, the US has recently imposed a ban on immigrant visa applications from a wider group of countries, with 75 countries now affected.

We are told that this new announcement does not apply to artist ‘O’ and ‘P’ work visas.

Join the webinar on Wednesday 21 January

Tamizdat - a nonprofit organisation that supports international cultural mobility - is hosting a webinar on Wednesday 21 January 2026 on how the new rules might impact artists planning to come to the US.

Tamizdat attorney and legal fellow Liz Moller will also provide an update regarding advocacy efforts to push back against how these rules impact the cultural sector.

Artists can register for free, and can also submit questions to ask the panelists in advance.

More updates to follow

Tamizdat continues to provide vital advocacy and assistance to the international performing arts community, helping navigate the challenges posed by US immigration policy and border procedures.

The MU will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available. If you’re planning a tour or work trip to the US and need advice, please contact your regional office for guidance.

Get support as a musician working overseas

The MU helps musicians with many aspects of working overseas - from everything on touring in Europe, visa issues for working in US, to travelling with musical instruments.

Get support as a musician working overseas

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