Visa Processing Changes Affecting Tonga and Fiji (Feb. 2026)

New travel and visa restrictions took effect in January, expanding the Trump administration’s travel ban. Tonga is now under a partial ban, halting new visitor, student, and business visas that will not be issued during the ban (B-1; B-2; F; M & J visas). 

Additionally, the Department of State has paused immigrant visa processes for 75 countries–including Fiji-while reviewing the “public charge” test, which determines if an applicant for U.S. admission might rely on public benefits. The review is expected to be stricter than before, now considering standards based on factors like age, health, English language proficiency, finances, education-raising new barriers for families seeking entry to the U.S.

What this means:
The travel ban applies only to foreign nationals outside the U.S. without a valid visa as of January 1; current visa holders are not directly affected but should travel with caution due to possible re-entry issues. New visa applications and interviews are still accepted, but no visas—temporary or immigrant—will be issued during the ban or visa freeze. These policies disrupt families, education, work, and medical care, keeping students from traveling home and preventing families from reuniting. Combined with a stricter public charge test, the changes create unnecessary barriers and risk bias against immigrant families, underscoring the need for continued advocacy to protect dignity, mobility, and family unity.