Impact of U.S. Visa Processing Cuts on Africa

The Trump administration plans to significantly reduce visa-processing facilities across Africa. This move could affect thousands of potential green card lottery winners and family members of U.S. citizens, according to a Newsweek analysis.

Visa Processing Changes

The U.S. State Department is set to cut the number of embassies and consulates handling visa applications from nearly 50 to 20 regional hubs. This information comes from a leaked memo and anonymous officials cited by the Associated Press.

A State Department official refrained from directly confirming the move, stating the department constantly evaluates overseas operations and maintains rigorous security screening and vetting standards.

Newsweek reached out to the department again for comments on the matter.

Countries Most Affected

Newsweek’s analysis of State Department immigrant visa data from July to September 2025 highlights the countries and applicants most impacted should visa processing move from African posts.

Egypt leads with the highest number of visas affected. Family members of U.S. citizens represent the largest impacted group after Diversity Visa applicants.

Detailed Impact by Country

Cairo, Egypt, has the most significant number of immigrant visas at stake, issuing 1,995 within the specified period. Algiers, Algeria, follows with 867, along with Casablanca, Morocco, which issued 752. Cotonou, Benin, issued 365, while Tunis, Tunisia, processed 194.

The State Department has not released specific details on replacement posts for Africa. Generally, applicants in areas where routine operations are suspended should apply at designated processing posts. For instance, Cairo’s nearest hub would be Djibouti, about 1,486 miles away. Algiers and Casablanca applicants would turn to Dakar, situated 1,979 miles and 1,443 miles away, respectively. Cotonou finds Lagos close by at 66 miles, while Tunis is 2,136 miles away from Lagos.

Diverse Visas and Family Visas Impact

Diversity Visas are notably affected, making up 2,165 of the 4,778 total issuances. This lottery-based program is one of the few paths to U.S. residency not requiring family ties or employer sponsorship. The Trump administration is tightening its procedures to enhance screening and reduce fraud.

Family-linked visas like the IR1 for spouses of U.S. citizens had 674 issuances in this period. The IR5 visa for parents accounted for 417, the F4 for siblings reached 334, and the IR2 visa for unmarried children under 21 also stood at 334.

Trump’s Immigration Policies

Immigrant visa issuance is not ceasing, though the new measures pose additional hurdles for applicants where services may be cut.

Analysis Methodology

Newsweek identified African posts potentially losing routine visa processing by comparing the AP-reported visa hubs with current Department of State information. The analysis examined immigrant visa issuances by post and visa class over July, August, and September 2025, totaling issuances by post and class for those identified losing services.