Hello, this is Matsui of IMS Legal Professional Corporation. In Japan, the number of new coronavirus infections is on the rise, mainly in Tokyo. In the United States, however, there are unbelievable news reports that the daily number of infections has exceeded 50,000! The US unemployment rate continues to be difficult, with the worst level since the Great Depression recorded in April.
Under these circumstances, President Trump signed a presidential decree on June 22 in order to secure domestic employment. This decree suspends the issuance of some work visas until the end of the year.
Affected visa categories
This measure may be extended or otherwise changed depending on future circumstances.
- H1-B (professional) visa
- H2-B (non-agricultural seasonal labor) visa
- Various categories of J (exchange visitor visas), including Trainees and Interns
- L (intra-company transfer) visa
- Dependent (family) visas for the above
Entry into the US will be restricted if the following conditions are met as of June 24th (effective date)
- Currently outside of the US
- Not in possession of a valid visa
- Not in possession of valid travel documents other than a visa
Therefore, this decree does not affect those who are currently staying in the US with valid visas, those who already have valid visas as of June 24 but have not yet arrived in the US, and those who wish to re-enter the country. However, in order to avoid necessary risk, some companies are advising expatriates in currently the US not to leave the country.
The category most affected by Japanese visa holders are those applying for the L visa. L visas are intra-company transfer visas and are used by many large corporations with local subsidiaries in the US. The L visa has been suspended until the end of the year, so I think this will prove to be a major obstacle to personnel planning.
In addition to L visas, many expatriates also go to the US on E visas. This is the most stable nonimmigrant visa because the visa category is under a treaty of commerce and navigation with the US. Applicants who meet the conditions may be able to travel to the US with an E visa instead of an L visa. The conditions for E visa applications are detailed and lengthy, so please feel free to contact IMS for more information.
For more information, please contact us below ↓
https://imsvisa.support/en/contact/
