Which workers are exempt from Trump's visa freeze?

Despite a few exceptions, more than half a million applicants will take a direct hit

BY Rachel Ranosa 29 Jun. 2020

Canadians who have no intention of applying for permanent residency in the US are safe from President Donald Trump’s visa freeze on foreign workers.

US officials issued the advisory to members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, which confirmed early reports.

But while Canadians will remain unaffected by the temporary halt, the freeze in effect still strips them of the additional protection that a work visa provides.

Unlike other nationalities, Canadians do not need a foreign worker visa to seek employment in the US. However, securing an H-1B visa – typically granted to workers in the technology, finance, engineering and medical fields – gives them a head start should they wish to apply for permanent residency and, subsequently, US citizenship. Only about 4,600 Canadians were given H-1B visas last year, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

More opportunities for Americans
“Under the extraordinary circumstances of the economic contraction resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak, certain non-immigrant visa programs authorizing such employment pose an unusual threat to the employment of American workers,” Trump said in the executive order imposing the restrictions – a move that he hopes opens more opportunities for Americans.

The restrictions temporarily halt the issuance of visas under the categories H, L and J as well as the issuance of new green cards. Those who’ve been granted their papers, however, won’t be affected.