On June 22, the President signed a Proclamation that extends the suspension of entry to the U.S. of immigrants abroad seeking U.S. permanent residency (adjustment of status) and individuals who present a risk to the U.S. labor market due to COVID-19. This proclamation does not apply to F or J academic visas who will enter the U.S. for the purpose of study. J-1 academic exchange categories, and J-1 professor, research scholar, short-term scholar, and college or university students are excluded from this proclamation.
This proclamation does not apply to F-1 students authorized for OPT. OPT was excluded from this proclamation and no changes have been made to the current OPT benefits.
The proclamation suspends and limits entry through the end of December 2020 for immigrants abroad seeking permanent residency to the U.S. The proclamation also suspends entry to the U.S. of new H, J (non academic categories), and L visa categories through the end of December. This does not apply to immigrants or visa holders already in the U.S. under these visa categories or anyone abroad who already holds one of these valid visas. For individuals outside the U.S. who are applying for an immigrant visa for U.S. permanent residency (adjustment of status) or an H, J (non academic category), or L visa, consult an immigration attorney for advice and options.