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Are US Work Visas Suspended? Options Instead of Work Visas to the US

By Ella Bergquist June 22, 2020 (Updated June 30, 2020) 3 min. read
Work Visas Trump
USAWork in the USTemporary Visa

Back in March, the Trump administration used the COVID-19 epidemic as an excuse to threaten the existence of legal employment and family immigration to the US. Months later an executive order was signed to limit the entry of certain foreign immigrants and nonimmigrants into the US. President Trump signed a Proclamation on June 22, 2020, that will go into effect on June 24, 2020. Although this is similar to many executive orders he has signed, this H-1B Executive Order is actually called a Proclamation. This Proclamation is to restrict foreign workers from being employed in the US in response to the surge of unemployment due to the economic shutdown by the Coronavirus. There are several options you have to still enter the US during this period. Learn more about these options below.

Which US Visas Are Temporarily Suspended?

According to the Trump administration the new Proclamation will focus on the following visas:

H-1B Visa

H1B visas are designed for certain skilled workers in specialty occupations to fill positions not filled by US citizens.

H-2B Visa

H2B Visas are issued for seasonal workers, typically agricultural or vacation spots.

“(a)  an H-1B or H-2B visa, and any alien accompanying or following to join such alien;”

L-1 Visa

The L1 visa enables a US employer to transfer an executive or manager to an affiliated office in the US.

“(c)  an L visa, and any alien accompanying or following to join such alien.”

J-1 Visa

J1 Visas apply to research scholars and professors.

“(b)  a J visa, to the extent the alien is participating in an intern, trainee, teacher, camp counselor, au pair, or summer work travel program, and any alien accompanying or following to join such alien”

Exceptions to Entering the US on a Work Visa During the Suspension

There are several exceptions that allow some US Work Visa holders to enter the US during the COVID-19 Suspension.

When Will These US Work Visas Be Suspended and For How Long?

Previously in May 2020 when Trump was suggesting this idea he said it would last for 60 days and apply to those who are seeking permanent residents. The US Work Visa suspension will expire on December 31, 2020, and may be continued as necessary.

There are options to take before waiting until after December 31, 2020. Book a consultation with us today to review your options for US Immigration.

Options For US Immigration Instead of Work Visas

There are several options you can take instead of waiting until the Work Visa suspension is over.

E-1 and E-2 Investor Visas

E visas promote trade and investment between countries. The E1 visa is reserved for treaty traders and E2 visas are for treaty investors. To qualify for either E1 or E2, the applicant must be from a U.S. Department of State treaty country.

Learn more about the E-1 and E-2 Visas.

B-1 in Lieu of H-1B Visa

 The B1 in lieu of H1B visa grants entry usually for multiple entries for up to a year for a short term work need in the US. Under the B-1 in lieu of H-1B visa category, usually, the work is done based on a contract between the US company and the overseas business. 

Contact us today to learn more to know your eligibility for the B-1 Visa

Canadians Not Affected

If you are a Canadian, don’t worry, you are not affected! You will still be able to enter the US and change your status at an Immigration Service Center. Learn more about how Canadians can still work in the United States during the suspension. You will want to be represented by a US professional so book a consultation today to learn how to go about this process of working in the US from Canada.

What Should I Do If I Have a US Work Visa?

We do advise those who possess any of these US Work Visas to enter the US immediately so that they are not denied at the border once the order goes into effect on June 24th, 2020.

Hire an Immigration Lawyer to Get a US Work Visa

Did you already receive a job offer and want to enter the US? Book a consultation with our US Immigration Professionals as soon as possible to review your case.

Need Immigration Help?

Book a consultation and start your immigration process now!

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Ella Bergquist Avatar

VisaPlace Immigration News Contributor

Ella Bergquist

Hello! I am one of VisaPlace's many immigration news contributors. Comment below if you have any questions or comments about this article.

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Walter J.

I was frustrated after talking to several different immigration firms. Many just didn’t seem honest or upfront. However, a friend recommended VisaPlace to me, and I am glad they did. I worked with a lady and she was very knowledgeable and explained the process to me. She was so essential for the immigration process. I would definitely go back to her if i needed any further support.

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Marco Tame

I’d like to be clear that I’m somewhat of a skeptic, especially when it comes to investing time and money into a new venture. I’m originally from the UK but I made the decision to migrate to Canada after meeting my girlfriend online six months ago. I know the process is going to take time, but I wanted legal counsel to make sure I approach the process in the most efficient way possible – I HATE wasting time. My consultation over the phone was informative and eased some of my initial concerns about potential hiccups. The lawyer I worked with was good about getting back to me, although occasionally she couldn’t be reached due to being in court – that was fine, she typically followed up relatively quickly. I’m now well within the process of immigrating and I have appreciated having the legal support.

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Michael Her

It was pretty easy to make an appointment with visaplace. I have seen some people complain about the pricing, which is odd because in comparison to other firms, their rates are relatively fair. They were also honest and upfront with the complexities of my case and gave me the option to decide whether or not I wanted to move forward. I did end up moving forward and things have been going according to what we discussed. I am relieved to know there are honest professionals out there who won’t over-promise you things they can’t deliver.

Michael Her Avatar

Michael Her

It was pretty easy to make an appointment with visaplace. I have seen some people complain about the pricing, which is odd because in comparison to other firms, their rates are relatively fair. They were also honest and upfront with the complexities of my case and gave me the option to decide whether or not I wanted to move forward. I did end up moving forward and things have been going according to what we discussed. I am relieved to know there are honest professionals out there who won’t over-promise you things they can’t deliver.

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Morgan Whitaker

I had a bad experience with a previous firm so I was hesitant to reach out to another to get my wife into the country. But, I needed guidance. After a consultation with VisaPlace, I was put at ease. The process was smooth and they were usually quick to respond. If they couldn’t respond to me that day, they always followed up with me, which I appreciate.

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Joan Whittington

UPDATE: I am choosing to update and not remove my original post so others will see that they do seem to care about the success of their clients cases.
After posting my initial review I was contacted by a senior consultant that took ownership of the lack of progress on my case on their end. I am updating because they are trying to make a difference and I have now been assigned a team that contacted me in one business day and gave me all of the paperwork I need to get started on for processing. At this point I am very satisfied and am hopeful my case gets resolved in a timely fashion and in a professional manner.

Initial Post: I had an appointment 2+ weeks ago and spoke with someone that was supposed to send a follow up email but have yet to hear back from her. She wanted to get my credit card info for payment but I had to wait for it to clear another payment. They are very irresponsible and not professional. Would not recommend.

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Gregory Larocque

I had a fantastic experience with Brenda! I was very anxious about my status for an upcoming trip to the U.S and Brenda managed to really ease my nerves. She gave exceptional customer service and she made my day. I truly had an incredible experience. I would recommend Brenda to anyone and everyone!