Over the New Year’s holiday, the Trump administration extended the suspension on entry of H-1B, H-2B, J (for exchange visitors participating in intern, trainee, teacher, camp counselor, au pair, or summer work travel programs), and L visa applicants, along with their spouses and children, through March 31, 2021.

This means, that so long as this presidential proclamation is in effect, U.S. consulates will not issue the visas listed above unless the visa applicant can demonstrate that he or she falls within an exception to the proclamation.

Most notably, some applicants are able to show that their entries fall within a national interest exception – some reasons that support this exception are outlined by the Department of State here. National interest exceptions have been issued for those who are supporting COVID-19 related research or otherwise aiding in economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

To read an earlier client alert regarding President Trump’s initial proclamation suspending entry of foreign nationals on these visas, click here.

Ulmer’s Immigration Law Group is closely monitoring these developments.