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The State Department posted two updates regarding the ongoing travel bans that suspend entry of immigrants and certain work-visa applicants.
Diversity visas. The agency will begin issuing immigrant visas to winners of the DV-2020 lottery, in compliance with a court order requiring the government to issue the visas by Sept. 30.
J-1 national interest exceptions. The State Department also posted FAQs regarding J-1 visa applicants who may be eligible for a national interest exception to the work-visa travel ban, including:
BAL Analysis: Visa applicants are reminded that multiple travel bans remain in place and many U.S. consulates are only accepting emergency appointment requests at this time, during the phased resumption of visa services. The State Department stated that it may reschedule interviews for applicants in other visa categories in order to prioritize DV applicants. Those who are issued diversity visas remain barred from entering the U.S. under the immigrant-visa ban, unless they qualify for an exemption. They may, however, enter the U.S. if the ban expires during the diversity visa’s validity period, typically six months. BAL is closely following the multiple lawsuits challenging the travel bans, and will report additional information as it 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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