The recent announcement that united states suspends visas for citizens of Venezuela has generated great concern, and we understand why.
The measure came into effect on June 9, 2025following a Presidential proclamation signed on June 4 by Donald Trump. This decision seeks to protect national and public security, according to official sources, and its impact reaches hundreds of thousands of affected people.
In the article today we will tell you clearly what it means, who is affected, what exceptions exist and what we can do to adapt.
Context and reasons for the suspension
When we hear that United States suspend visasthe first thing we want to understand is why.
According to the proclamation of presidencyl issued on June 4, 2025 and effective as of the 9th, the measure is part of a strategy to protect the country from foreign terrorists and other threats to national security and public safety.
Basically, United States The purpose of these measures is to guarantee peace in its territory and to ensure that people who have an entry visa to enter the United States can enter the country. United States, "do not endanger national security or public safety".
In the case of VenezuelaThe problems are reported to be verify the authenticity of passports and civil registries, as well as difficulties in the migration cooperation between the two countries.
According to the U.S. administration, certain patterns detected in the use of temporary visasThe main reasons for this are: from trips for purposes other than those declared, to overstays.
These factors, coupled with an already tense diplomatic context, have led to the decision to apply a temporary suspension in various visa categories.
This decision blocks the issuance of the types of visas B-1 (business), B-2 (tourism, visits or medical treatment), B-1/B-2 (combined), F (academic students), M (vocational students) and J (exchange programs), provided that they have not been issued before June 9, 2025.
Although from our perspective this decision seems too broad and affects many people unrelated to these problems, the truth is that it marks a before and after in the way we plan our lives. travel, studies and visits to relatives.
Exceptions and restrictions
Although the suspension hits us squarely, not all cases are blocked.
There are exceptions for legal permanent residents (Green Card), immediate family members with immigrant visa, diplomats, officials governmental, children in the process of adoption, persons with dual nationality using an unrestricted passport, participants in the international sporting events and authorized cases.
Now, what is happening with Venezuela is part of a broader framework that affects other countries. We are not the only ones facing restrictions, in fact, the U.S. government. maintains a list of countries with full entry restriction. If you are a citizen of Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan or YemenYou cannot apply for any visa to enter, except in very specific cases.
Partially restricted countries
There are also countries with partial restriction in the issuance of visas, among which we are one of them.
The rule here is that the Secretary of Statein coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security, may authorize cases by "national interest" one by one.
This partial list includes: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.with the suspension for visas which we will discuss later.
Exceptions for this group are more limited, but still exist:
- Certain immigrant visas for immediate relatives.
- Adoptions by U.S. citizens.
- Immigrant visas for persecuted ethnic and religious minorities in Iran.
- Dual nationals with unrestricted passport.
- Special immigrant visas for U.S. government employees.
- Participants in major sporting events.
- Legal permanent residents.
If we already had a valid visa issued before June 9, 2025, we can continue to use it for the following purposes to enter the United States. The government itself clarified that "no visa issued prior to June 9, 2025 has been or will be revoked under the Proclamation."
Impact according to our case
If we are students (F and M)
For those of us who had planned to begin studies at universities, colleges or technical institutions of United Statess with visas F or MThe news has fallen like a bucket of cold water.
Not only does it stop the possibility of presenting new applicationsIt also generates great uncertainty for those who have already been accepted by an institution but have not yet obtained a visa.
If the visa was issued before June 9, we can still travel, but we cannot assume that the entry will be automatic. Customs and Border Protection officer may ask additional questions and request documentation to support our purpose of travel.
This implies that, even for those who already have the visa in hand, it will be essential to prepare in detail the entire academic, financial and rooting information.
Those who have not yet started the process should evaluate alternativesThe suspension of the course, such as postponing the start of the course, changing the admission date or considering educational programs in other countries for the duration of the suspension.
If traveling as a tourist or visitor (B-1/B-2)
Here the impact is felt from immediate way.
When the issuance of visas B-1 and B-2, the possibility of initiating proceedings for the tourism trips, family visits, business meetings or medical treatmentexcept for very specific exceptions.
This means that planned trips for family celebrations, international conferences or even specialized medical consultations in the USA. should be rethought.
Those of us who already have an issued visa before June 9 we can continue to use it, but we must be prepared to explain the reason for our trip and present evidence to back up that we are going back to Venezuela.
The entry experience may include interviews or reviews at the port of entry, so it is advisable to arrive with all documents well organized.
If we participate in exchanges (J)
The programs of cultural exchange, academic o professional with J visaas scholarships, internships, teaching programs or work experience, have also been put on hold for new applicants.
This affects students who expected to spend a semester at U.S. universities, professionals who were going to work in research programs, and young people participating in au pair or summer camp experiences.
The only possible exemptions are to have a recognized exception or to demonstrate that the program is of strategic value to the national interest of the country. USA. USA.This is evaluated on a case-by-case basis and usually requires the direct support of the host institution.
Even in these scenarios, obtaining the visa is not guaranteed, and the process may be longer and more complex.
For those who already had the J visa issued before the suspension date, the possibilities are greater, but the recommendation is to bring letters from the sponsoring institutionprogram details and any evidence that demonstrates the temporary nature of the stay.
Situation of those of us already in the U.S.
Importantly, although United States suspends visas, those of us who are already inside the country with a valid status we can, in some cases, apply for a change of status or extension without having to leave.
This does not mean it is easy or guaranteed, but it is an option to consider.
What we can do if we are affected
- Review our current visaif issued before June 9, 2025, is still valid, but does not ensure automatic entry.
- Confirm our appointment: if we had it pending, it is likely to be cancelled or rejected. It is worth contacting the consulate to confirm.
- Analyze exceptions: if we have dual nationality, permanent residence or we are in a special process such as adoption o international event, an exception may apply to us.
- Document our case well: if we have the opportunity to travelwe must carry clear evidence of our purpose and that we we will return to Venezuela.
- Keep us informed: this measure will be reviewed 90 days after its entry into force, so in September 2025 there could be changes.
Is there room for hope?
Although today we face a complex scenario and many doors that seem to be closing, all is not lost.
We have seen how similar decisions have been modified or lifted after periodic revisions, and this will be no exception. proclamation establishes that the suspension will be re-evaluated after 90 days and every 180 days thereafter.
In addition, there are always paths for those who prepare well.
We have seen cases in which, thanks to a dual nationalitya educational offering or a supported programhave managed to travel even in the midst of restrictions.
There are also communities and support organizationsboth in Venezuela as in USA. USA.The company offers advice and accompaniment to identify alternatives and not to miss out on opportunities.
As a community, we are experienced in adapting, finding creative solutions and supporting each other.
This measure forces us to rethink our plans and be more strategic, but it does not mean that the dream of traveling, studying or getting together is over.
History shows us that restrictions do not last forever, and in the meantime, we can prepare ourselves so that when the doors open, we are ready to walk through them.
At CuriaraWe know that these news are not just headlines, they are decisions that affect our plans, our families and our dreams.
Therefore, we will continue to follow every update, sharing verified information and practical advice so that, as a community, we can make informed decisions and prepare for new opportunities.