US Immigration Updates

US Immigration Updates

What is this database?

This resource is a searchable database of US immigration updates impacting members of the Appalachian community. This is a general information summary database of select immigration updates and is not intended to be comprehensive.

This table is updated weekly on Mondays.

Please contact issso@appstate.edu if you would like to suggest an update or if you have questions or concerns regarding your specific situation.

Title Topic Population impacted Effective start date of guidance End date of guidance

New H-1B Prevailing Wage Rule Effecting Researchers and Faculty

  • Proposed rule to increase minimum wage levels by 39% - 49%; this would raise the mimimum wage universities are required to pay H-1B employees 
  • Applies to new H-1Bs and H-1B extension filed after effective date
  • Proposed rule is not in effect and is currently frozen for review until November 14, 2021
Employment
Other
H-1B
May 14, 2021
Ongoing

Presidential Proclamation Ending Discriminatory Bans on Entry to the US ("Muslim Bans")



Travel
F-1 student
J-1 student
J-1 scholar
H-1B
Permanent resident
Dependent
January 20, 2021
Ongoing

Removal of requirement for Proof of Negative COVID-19 Test or Recovery from COVID-19 for All Passengers Arriving in the United States within 1 day of arrival

Travel
F-1 student
J-1 student
J-1 scholar
H-1B
Permanent resident
Dependent
DACA
June 12, 2022
Ongoing

COVID-19 Travel Restrictions and Exceptions


Travel
Immigration/Visa status
F-1 student
J-1 student
J-1 scholar
H-1B
January 2, 2022
Ongoing

Work Permits and Relief from Removal for DACA Students

Other
DACA
January 20, 2021
Ongoing

State Department updates on U.S. visa news

Travel
Other
F-1 student
J-1 student
J-1 scholar
H-1B
Permanent resident
Dependent
Ongoing

H-1B Travel Ban and Exceptions

  • June 22, 2020: Presidential Procolamation suspends entry to the US for any H-1B or H-4, or new green card holder who is entering the US in H status and was not present in the US or had a valid H visa on June 24, 2020
  • Suspends entry to the US for other J-1 categories, but NOT for J-1 Scholars or Students
  • Certain H-1B holders may be eligible to apply for a National Interest Exception, allowing them to enter the US despite the travel ban
  • February 24, 2021: Biden rescinded the portion of the order that bans entry of new green card holders; he left intact the sections temporarily barring entry for new H-1B and H-4 workers
  • Proclamation expired on March 31, 2021 and is no longer in effect
Travel
Employment
Other
J-1 student
J-1 scholar
H-1B
Permanent resident
February 24, 2021
March 31, 2021

ICE guidance on international students taking online classes during COVID-19

Travel
Other
F-1 student
May 31, 2022
May 15, 2023

Phased Resumption of Routine Visa Services at US Embassies

Travel
Immigration/Visa status
F-1 student
J-1 student
J-1 scholar
H-1B
Permanent resident
Dependent
February 24, 2020
Ongoing