Effective June 24, 2020, President Trump signed an executive order blocking work visas into law through the end of 2020 for foreign workers seeking jobs in the US.
Specifically, the order suspends work visas for a range of jobs, including:
- H-1B tech visas for skilled workers;
- H-2B seasonal worker visas;
- H-4 visas for spouses of certain visa holders;
- J visas for workers who may participate in an intern, trainee, teacher, camp counselor, au pair or summer work travel program; and
- L visas that allow American companies with global operations and international employers to transfer foreign employees to their US offices.
The executive order does not apply to those who are already in the US on a visa. It only applies to individuals who:
- Are outside the US on the June 24 effective date;
- Do not have a nonimmigrant visa that is valid on the effective date; and
- Do not have an official travel document other than a visa that is valid on the effective date or issued on any date thereafter that permits them to travel to the US and seek entry or admission.