Article

Ban on certain US work visas until December 31

29 June 2020 | Applicable law: US

Effective June 24, 2020, US President Donald Trump issued a Proclamation suspending visa issuance of all H-1B, L-1, H-2B, and certain J-1 categories, and derivative visas for dependents, with some exceptions. The ban extends through December 31, 2020.

Relevant non-immigrant visa categories believed to be unaffected by the Proclamation:

  • E-1 (Treaty Trader), E-2 (Treaty Investor), E-3 (Australian professional speciality)
  • F-1 Student visa
  • H-1B1 (Singapore/Chile), Free Trade Agreement Professionals
  • J-1 (limited exchange program participants)
  • O-1 Extraordinary Ability
  • TN (Canada/Mexico), NAFTA professional worker
  • Canadian nationals in any of the affected categories

Recommendations for clients considering relocation to the US:

  • Review overall background and available citizenships to determine if eligible for alternative work visa options such as O-1 extraordinary ability; E-1 Treaty Trader/E-2 Treaty Investor based in existing bilateral investment treaty with US; E-3 (Australia); H-1B1 (Singapore citizens); or TN (Canada/Mexico).
  • Re E-1/E-2, if not bilateral investment treat exists, consider filing for citizenship-by-investment under an immediate citizenship program (4-6 months), which offers US E-2 Treaty Investor eligibility; e.g.: Grenada or Montenegro.

Key Contacts

If you have any questions, please reach out to one of our US immigration professionals listed under 'Get in touch' below.

This document (and any information accessed through links in this document) is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Professional legal advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from any action as a result of the contents of this document.

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