Ban on H-1B and Other NIVs Will Expire 3/31/2021

March 31, 2021

The Presidential Proclamation issued by President Trump which suspended the entry of certain H-1Bs, H-2Bs, J-1s and L-1s sunsets on 3/31/2021. President Trump issued the Proclamation in June 2020, indicating it was necessary to protect U.S. workers during the COVID emergency, and it was set to expire on December 31, 2020. He subsequently extended the ban to March 31, 2021. 

Although the suspension will expire, nonimmigrants may still encounter many hurdles in returning to the U.S. due to other travel restrictions and consular office closures or reduced hours due to COVID. Currently, individuals who have been in one of the following countries in the 14 days preceding entry to the U.S. are not permitted to enter the U.S.: the Schengen Area, the U.K., Ireland, China, Brazil, Iran and South Africa. Land travel between the U.S., Canada and Mexico is still restricted. In addition, a negative COVID test is required for all entering the U.S. via airline travel.