US work visa travel ban expires
The Biden Administration has declined to extend the US travel ban imposed by former President Trump on US work visa petitions.
Proclamation 10052, which had been in effect since June 24, 2020, expired on March 31st, 2021, meaning foreign nationals in certain categories including the H-1B, J-1, and L-1 visa are now no longer barred from entering the USA based on their visa classification.
While this has come as extremely welcome news for multinational employers and workers, travelers do remain subject to COVID travel restrictions and public health rules imposed by US authorities.
Regional travel bans also remain in place, affecting travelers present in Brazil, China, Iran, Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and European/Schengen areas in the 14 days prior to attempting to enter the US. There is currently no indication as to when these restrictions will ease or expire.
Consulates also remain subject to local restrictions, affecting petition processing and service availability. Emergency appointments and US citizen services continue to be available.
In order to travel to the United States, travelers must provide documentary evidence of a negative COVID-19 test that has been taken within 72 hours of travel, or documentation as proof of recovery from a recent COVID-19 infection.
US immigration advice
As a dedicated team of US attorneys based in London, NNU Immigration are advising multinational employers, entrepreneurs, investors, workers and other non-US nationals on US travel plans in light of the ongoing travel and entry restrictions due to the pandemic. If you have a query about travelling to the US for work purposes, we are able to advise on your options under the current rules, and update on current US Consular processing services and timescales. Please contact our US immigration specialists for the latest advice for your specific circumstances.
This article does not constitute direct legal advice and is for informational purposes only.
Author
Founder & Principal Attorney Nita Nicole Upadhye is a recognized leader in the field of US business immigration law, (The Legal 500, Chambers & Partners, Who's Who Legal and AILA) and an experienced and trusted advisor to large multinational corporates through to SMEs. She provides strategic immigration advice and specialist application support to corporations and professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, artists, actors and athletes from across the globe to meet their US-bound talent mobility needs.
Nita is an active public speaker, thought leader, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals.
