In an ever-changing world, we know it can be a challenge to keep up with what’s new, especially when it comes to your business.
That’s why we want to make sure you understand the recently passed proclamation that impacts work visas.
On June 22, 2020, President Trump issued a proclamation that extends the restrictions from April concerning new green card recipients and expands to the work visa categories that include executives and managers, specialized knowledge workers, interns, trainees, teachers, camp counselors, au pairs, and summer work travel participants; and their spouse and children.
The new restrictions don’t impact visas issued before the effective date of June 24, 2020.* If you have or are planning to hire employees who require a visa, here are some details you may need to know:
- It suspends any new H-1B, H-2B, L-1, and J-1 visas (the categories listed above) until the end of the year.
- It extends the policy issued in April until the end of the year.
- There are exemptions for reasons that are “in the national interest,” such as individuals who are involved in the medical care of hospitalized individuals with COVID-19 or medical research helping to diagnose, treat, or prevent COVID-19, as well as people who are necessary to help the economic recovery of the U.S.
- Additional exemptions to the ban include U.S. permanent residents, the immediate family members of U.S. citizens who are “national interest” exempt, and temporary workers employed in an essential U.S. food supply chain job.
Right now, there is no additional insight beyond the proclamation and the fact sheet released by the White House. Nextep is here to guide you through employment-related policies and will continue to monitor for any new info. You can reach out to your HR business partner if you need guidance on any employment questions.
