Apr 01, 2021 Immigration Law

Biden Administration Will Not Renew Working Visa Ban

The Biden administration has allowed Presidential Proclamation 10052 (the visa ban enacted last June to prevent the issuance of certain working visas) to expire on March 31, 2021. The ban had suspended the issuance of certain new H-1B, H-2, L and J visas. Beginning April 1, 2021, applicants are now eligible to apply for these visas at US embassies and consulates abroad.

However, applicants should keep in mind that the embassies/consulates are still managing large backlogs while operating below normal capacity. Many embassies/consulates may continue to prioritize processing immigrant visas (green card applications), particularly in countries where applicants for working visas would be subject to a travel ban. While the expiration of the working visa ban is a positive development, we expect applicants will continue to encounter delays in scheduling consular interviews and processing new visas.

If you have any questions about these developments, please contact us.