April 1, 2021: Good news, The suspension of most H1-B, H-2B, L-1 and J-1 categories (and their dependents) expires today. It had been put in place on June 24, 2020 by a presidential proclamation by President Trump. Trump extended it on December 31, 2020 through March 31, 2020.

There are still restrictions in some countries, specifically a regional travel ban for foreign nationals physically present in Brazil, China, Iran, Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the “Schengen Area” (Germany, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland) within 14 days of attempting entry into the USA. (Certain exemptions apply.)

Consulate operations are still slowed down and reduced, which have led to visa application delays and backlogs. Visa applicants should expect delays.