On June 22, United States President Trump signed an executive order to suspend new work visas through the end of the year. The new visa restrictions go into effect on June 24 and follow up on the 60-day green card suspension Trump ordered in April that expires June 23. Trump announced the new work visa restrictions will "free up jobs for Americans" and are a response to the COVID pandemic and soaring American unemployment, as well as Trump's campaign promise to limit legal immigration.
What Does the U.S. Suspension of Work Visas Mean to Canada?
WATCH: The new work visa suspension may not apply to TN Visas or Canadians making their initial L-1 applications at the border.
Canada immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah said that many American and Canadian businesses will be hit hard by the new restrictions that suspend:
- L-1 visas for intracompany transfers and foreign corporate executives
- H-1B visas for workers in specialty occupations including highly skilled tech workers
- H-4 visa for spouses
- H-2B visas for temporary non-agricultural workers, construction and hospitality industries
- J-1 visas for exchange visitors, scholars and professors
An immigration lawyer for over 20 years practicing Canada and U.S. NAFTA immigration law, Evelyn Ackah said,
While suspending new American work visas will be devasting to the recovery of many Canadian and American businesses who rely on international talent, this is a good opportunity to help build Canada's economy. Canada needs hundreds of thousands of skilled and educated foreign workers to help grow our economy.
Canada is a good option for Americans to open a business because we share a common language, similar work and home cultures, education goals and are in the same time zones with shared borders. Many American workers welcome the opportunity to move to Canada's progressive society with free and accessible education and health care.
Learn More:
- How Can an American Open a Business or Branch in Canada?
- H-1B Visa Denied? Try Nearshoring to Canada!
- Why American Tech is Nearshoring to Canada
If you have questions about cross-border business, your immigration application, your eligibility for your or your team to cross the U.S. / Canada border on business, or other immigration issues during the coronavirus restrictions or for post-restriction business, contact Ackah Law today at (403) 452-9515 Ext. 100 or 1-800-932-1190 or email contact@ackahlaw.com.
