Canadians and Individuals with Valid Visas Not Subject to New Immigration Ban

The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has confirmed with Customs & Border Protection headquarters in Washington that Canadians are exempt from the executive order issued on June 22, 2020, which restricts the entry into the United States of certain H-1B, H-2B, J, and L non-immigrants (and accompanying family members). In addition, a senior government official has confirmed that individuals outside the US on June 24, 2020 (the effective date of the order) with a valid visa issued prior to that date are exempt and will be allowed to enter the United States, regardless of whether they had previously entered the US on that visa.

 Other exceptions to the order include current permanent residents, spouses and children of US citizens, workers who are essential to the US food supply chain, individuals whose entry is necessary to facilitate the continued economic recovery of the United States, and workers whose entry into the United States is in the national interest, including health care workers involved in treating or researching COVID-19.

 AILA is continuing to liaise with government officials to clarify the scope of the new executive order. We will update you as additional information becomes available.