Green card freeze extended: Here are 3 things you should know

On Behalf of | Jul 6, 2020 | Business Immigration, Family Immigration

The green card freeze will last longer than originally planned. In April, the White House issued a proclamation making significant, temporary changes to the U.S. immigration process. That included a 60-day ban on certain green cards.

In June, the administration issued an update that extends the green card ban significantly. Here are three things you should know about the new rules.

The suspension lasts through 2020 – maybe longer

The freeze on certain green cards will no longer be a short-term measure. The White House’s June 22 proclamation extends the ban through the year 2020. However, it could theoretically continue longer.

In the order, there is an option to once again renew this freeze as the deadline nears.

It only affects green card applicants from outside the US

This particular green card ban does not impact applicants who are already in the U.S. and seeking an adjustment of status. Only those applying for a green card from outside the country are affected. Many employment-based permanent immigrant visas are on hold, including EB-1, EB-2, EB-3 and EB-4.

The freeze also extends to certain overseas family members hoping to come to the U.S. with a permanent visa, including:

  • IR-5 – for parents of U.S. citizens
  • F1 – for unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens
  • F2 – for spouses and unmarried children of those with a green card
  • F3 – for married sons/daughters of U.S. citizens
  • F4 – for adult siblings of U.S. citizens

There are a handful of exceptions

The White House’s proclamation does carve out some exceptions. For example, overseas spouses of U.S. citizens, unmarried minor children and adoptees may still apply for a permanent visa and green card. In addition, on the employment side, EB-5 investor visas are exempt, as are visas utilized by health care professionals.