President Donald Trump has extended immigrant and nonimmigrant work visa bans through March 31, 2021. The bans had been set to expire Dec. 31, 2020.

Key Points:

  • Under the extension, the government will continue to bar entry to most immigrant visa applicants who are outside the United States.
  • The government will also continue to bar entry to most new nonimmigrant visa holders under the H-1B, L-1, H-2B, and J-1 visa categories and derivative family members.
  • U.S. lawful permanent residents, spouses and children of U.S. citizens, current visa holders, individuals whose entry would be in the national interest and a limited number of others are exempt from the restrictions.

Background: On April 22, President Trump issued the initial proclamation to temporarily suspend the entry of most immigrant visa applicants because of the COVID-19 pandemic. On June 22, Trump issued a second proclamation, extending the immigrant visa ban and imposing the nonimmigrant visa ban as well.

BAL Analysis: BAL continues to monitor COVID-19 entry and travel restrictions and will provide updates as additional information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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