Trump has signed the EO of the ban he described in a tweet a couple of days ago. Looking at the text of the ban there are some important points.
- It does not affect people who already have a valid immigrant visa or existing permanent residents.
- It does not affect those inside the USA looking to adjust status.
- It does include DV lottery cases.
- There are a number of exceptions for medical professionals, which may be useful to some DV lottery cases.
- The order starts tomorrow night (April 23rd) and lasts 60 days
The EO is likely to be challenged, BUT it is important to note it only lasts 60 days. Embassies are currently closed so that only stops visa issuance until late June – which is not that different to the impact we already knew because of the embassy closures. So, although the order could be extended (if not already blocked) it does not mean the end of the road for DV2020 cases.
It will have little or NO impact on DV2021 unless it is extended greatly.
The order itself can be read here.
April 23, 2020 at 15:47
I have a feeling that the Department of State won’t let us down and WILL cut the coming visa bulletins to CURRENT. I read there’s a total of 8k actual EU cases left? Is that true?
April 23, 2020 at 16:11
You can check the data from Xarthisius’ page.
April 27, 2020 at 07:54
Hi Brit,
so basically, from what you say the DV lottery process is on hold for the moment, and ‘current’ means that no further action will be taken for at least the next 60 days. more or less?!
Thanks
April 27, 2020 at 14:58
That is NOT what current means. Current means any case number can be interviewed. But of course – embassies are closed, and there is a ban – so that is the “on hold” aspect.
April 23, 2020 at 15:52
Dear Simon,
Is this EO affects people who are in process of I-130, who is a spouse of a permanent resident?
April 23, 2020 at 16:10
I only answer DV lottery questions, but the EO is linked above.
April 23, 2020 at 16:21
All the remeaning cases of dv 2020 are not get 2nl after 60 days ban? Please tell me.there are remain many cases.stay
Stay safe sir.
April 23, 2020 at 16:42
There are significant numbers of people still waiting to be interviewed. There obviously will not be time to interview them all.
April 24, 2020 at 02:30
As 141## from nepal will be time to interview?
April 24, 2020 at 02:36
I dont know
April 23, 2020 at 18:53
I know that you are answering only DV questin. But as ur follower for several yrs, I just ask u as a family member of your page! bThanks.
April 23, 2020 at 20:52
It’s not because I don’t “want” to answer non DV questions – it’s that I don’t study the other types of immigration – meaning I have no expertise on other types. So – you can read the EO yourself, just as well as I can.
April 25, 2020 at 08:17
Hello Britsimon, sir
I am from the family of five. We hold a U.S. Immigrant Visa that is going to be expired on May 8, 2020. Are we exempted from this order or affected. If affected then, is there any chance of visa extensions.
Please guide me.
From Pakistan
April 25, 2020 at 14:04
The article above answers one of your questions and another recent article is about extending the visa. Please read.
April 23, 2020 at 16:14
Am a dv 2020 AF 58***, a nurse by profession and your article gives me hope which i had lost. I really pray that things get back to normal sooner. Thank you Brit Simon may God give you a long life full of blessings.
April 23, 2020 at 16:20
Hello Simon
When update coming visa bulletin or not any guess ??? and what % of chance get 2NL (case no 2020AS12×××)
April 23, 2020 at 16:41
I’m not guessing……
April 23, 2020 at 16:22
Hi Brit!Hope you’re doing fine.It’s been a little since I haven’t write here.Firstly I just wanted to thank you for all your time an d patience.You’re really a very gentle,nice and a good person with a big heart.You’ve been the only one that always answered to all my questions and gave me the necessary answers.I appreciate this so much.Sorry for every time I disturbed you with my questions.Today I just had that feeling that everything ends here for my “American Dream” for a better life.I’m not trying to be pessimistic,I’m just besing realistic.I lost every single hope because after this 60 days I’m afraid he will decide to suspend again and we have no time.Even if I had a pretty CN EU23K, I think that is all.I feel so disappointed but this is life.No hope for me.Sorry again and thank you again for everything.God bless you and your family!
April 23, 2020 at 16:57
Well I hope things will work out better than you expect. Best of luck!
April 23, 2020 at 17:05
Hi Brit! Actually i am a dv 2020 lottery winner from Nepal and my case is around 14k. Currently i live in usa with F1 visa. Also i have valid Registered Nurse license from USA. I don’t have work permit because i am still on my BSN program which will be completed on next summer 2021. My case number is still not shown on visa bulletin. So is there any chance i could continue my processing and get interview soon? I would like to work in this pandemic situation as soon as possible.
April 23, 2020 at 18:11
If your case goes current you can process AOS.
April 25, 2020 at 15:22
Hi, same case number here from Nepal. Currently in F1. Is your case number current yet in May? If you feel like sharing the experience and plans on moving forward, email me at [email protected].
Thanks!
April 23, 2020 at 17:25
Simon, do you know what exactly they mean under (III) as this seems to be an additional travel document requirement? It can’t mean a passport by the sounds of it. Not how it is stated “AND” between (II) and (III).
So someone from the European Union area who has the visa label in his/her passport after a successful DV interview, cannot travel to the US to activate their PR status, as they are not deemed a permanent resident at the time of boarding the flight, right?
“Sec. 2. Scope of Suspension and Limitation on Entry. (a) The suspension and limitation on entry pursuant to section 1 of this proclamation shall apply only to aliens who:
(i) are outside the United States on the effective date of this proclamation;
(ii) do not have an immigrant visa that is valid on the effective date of this proclamation; and
(iii) do not have an official travel document other than a visa (such as a transportation letter, an appropriate boarding foil, or an advance parole document) that is valid on the effective date of this proclamation or issued on any date thereafter that permits him or her to travel to the United States and seek entry or admission.”
April 23, 2020 at 18:17
Someone who has the DV visa already is not affected by the ban. That is covered in point (II)
April 23, 2020 at 18:12
Dear Brit
My interview was canceled, I’m a nurse, you said doctor and nurse not effect them, in order to I could be reschedule again? during ban for 60 day,please answer
April 24, 2020 at 01:51
Hey Brit,
Is DV Lottery 2020 cancelled? or suspended only for 60days? My DV interview was scheduled on 6th April and unfortunately Embassy contacted me to inform that my visa interview has been postponed till next notice.
Will they continue interviewing DV applicants after 60 days ban Proclamation or Pandemic?
Please need your significant reply.
Thank you.
April 24, 2020 at 02:37
The program will continue.
April 23, 2020 at 18:24
Hi.
I was granted asylum status in the US and I have applied for my wife and kids to join me.
I got aproval notice last month for my family to join me.
Does this EO effect my family
April 23, 2020 at 18:30
I don’t know. I only answer DV lottery questions.
April 24, 2020 at 18:44
thank you
would this EO effect the result of DV coming next month
April 25, 2020 at 05:21
Probably.
April 23, 2020 at 18:55
Hi Brit,
I hope you are doing well. I have only one question take in reference that my case is ready and i lost my apointment at ambessy by one day, before they closed from Covid. Do you think i will have any chance to get a visa till the end of the fiscal year.
Thank you in advance
April 23, 2020 at 20:55
Maybe – wait and see.
April 23, 2020 at 19:12
Hi Brit,
I have a question. From what I understood if you have a valid immigrant visa and if you are from one the countries affected by the travel restrictions, if you travel to another country, stay there for 14 days you can still travel to the states!? And also you said that if you are in the US it might be better to adjust status. I am currently in the US, I was a derivate of my one of my parents who won the lottery. I was afraid that it would be risky to adjust status because I would not be able to adjust status before September. My number was current in December, I did not go to the interview with them and scheduled my interview in April which was cancelled because of covid-19. Is it possible for me to adjust status at this point?
April 23, 2020 at 20:57
Maybe. I don’t know enough about your circumstances to give a more confident answer.
April 23, 2020 at 21:06
I’m an international student in the US. Do you know how long AOS for DV lottery takes? I am dying of anxiety.
April 23, 2020 at 21:37
It varies – usually around 2 to 4 months
April 23, 2020 at 20:32
Hi Brit. First of all thanks for all your efforts. Do you think KCC will continue to work? ( sending 2NL’s, publish visa bulletin…)
April 23, 2020 at 21:33
Yes
April 23, 2020 at 21:58
My cousin tried to call KCC today for keeping some informations for me (winner of DV2020) but the offices are closed and nobody answered the phone.
April 23, 2020 at 22:03
Hi Simon, I am a dv 2020 lottery winner. Currently i live in USA with F1 visa. My number goes current in May. However I chose to go through CP when I submitted DS-260 at Feb. Due to the ban, I’m thinking of changing the status from CP to AOS. Do you know how long does it take to switch from CP to AOS?
April 24, 2020 at 00:08
Doesn’t take any time – you just let KCC know, pay the fee and start the process.
Read about the process here:
https://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2020-aos-only.340762/
April 24, 2020 at 01:00
Thanks a lot for your reply
Is there any risk if I change to AOS? In your previous reply I see you mentioned that ‘AOS usually takes around 2 to 4 months’. If I change to AOS. Does KCC still process the order based on the number?
April 24, 2020 at 02:38
Yes.
April 23, 2020 at 23:30
Hi Brit, I’m from Europe and my Immigrant Visa DV1 expired on April 21 because I couldn’t travel due to the European travel ban. I’ve contacted the embassy in March, they told me about the possibility of extending or renewing my visa after my visa expires.
I’ve contacted the embassy again on April 22 to ask about the next steps. Their answer ” Please wait until after the COVID-19 health crisis passes before taking the next steps. At that time we will be more able to assist you.”
My question, how will the 60 day ban on immigration affect me? Can they now refuse to extend or renew my visa?
Thank you for all your help, informations and hard work. There’s a lot of precise and valuable information on this blog you can’t find anywhere else.
April 23, 2020 at 23:56
Their advice is EXACTLY what I have been saying. Don’t apply for the extension now. Do it later so that there is more chance of the pandemic being under control and the US economy returning to normal. So – the ideal time to get the process going is July/August/September, so that your new visa will be valid for 6 months past the new medical.
With that timeline in mind, the ban will hopefully have expired by then.
April 24, 2020 at 12:26
Thank you Brit
April 24, 2020 at 02:39
Hello,
Thanks for consistently bringing up to date information.
Just wanted to clarify that if I have my approved immigrant visa which is due to expire early May, I’m able to fly into the U.S and activate permanent residency?.
I am an Australian citizen and resident who has applied for a travel exemption.
Thank you!
April 24, 2020 at 02:40
Yes.
April 24, 2020 at 03:05
Hi Brit
I read your post and watched your video summary, after reading the EO. I went through the DV process successfully and have a valid visa in my passport that will expire in a few weeks time.
Is it possible or probable that people like myself can arrive and get rejected at immigration? I understand under any circumstances, the officer can deny entry (not just under COVID-19), so could they have instructions to deny entry to immigrants seeking green cards?
I know you can not predict this with certainty, I am just curious to hear your opinion. Do we have any similar occurrences in that past we could look to?
Best,
Jo
April 24, 2020 at 03:42
You are worrying for no reason.
April 24, 2020 at 03:06
Hi brits thank you for update i want know does the kcc will published regular visa bulletin related to dv or will be stopped for ban period?
April 24, 2020 at 03:42
We will see the VB tomorrow.
April 24, 2020 at 04:14
Even, VB will be published tommorrow?
April 24, 2020 at 04:18
Yes.
April 24, 2020 at 04:25
Thanks for your advice sir.
April 24, 2020 at 03:56
My husband Lives outside the USA and received his immigrant visa in early March this year. Due to covid 19 he has not traveled to the USA yet, his visa expires in August. Will this travel band affect him if he tries to enter the USA
April 24, 2020 at 04:09
No.
April 24, 2020 at 04:53
Charles Oppenheim, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) Chief of the Visa Control and Reporting Division, stated during a conference call this afternoon that the May 2020 Visa Bulletin has finally been cleared for release. He expects to issue it Friday, April 24, 2020.
April 24, 2020 at 05:43
Yes, I know. Thanks.
April 24, 2020 at 05:06
Dv processing work continue after usic open in May 4….or Althing ban for 60days….
April 24, 2020 at 05:44
It will continue.
April 24, 2020 at 11:16
Will 2NL be sent too?
April 24, 2020 at 14:28
Wait and see.
April 24, 2020 at 06:36
Hi ,
My Visa was already approved but Passport still remain in the embassy so will EO delay to receive my passport with visa or i will receive my passport if embassy opens sooner ?
Thank you.
April 24, 2020 at 14:20
I don’t know the status of your case.
April 25, 2020 at 00:38
but ceac satus shows Ready .
April 25, 2020 at 05:40
That doesn’t help.
April 24, 2020 at 08:17
Hi, Brit! Using your priceless advices i was able to complete all process, to pass the interview and finally to get green cards. Than you very much once again! Brit, i have an issue. Me, my wife & son entered US in November 18 as. Wife was main applicant. On the 4th of December they left US. Now on June 4 it will be 6 month. And i am wondering that is it ok if they don’t enter by that time and enter later? We are afraid for child because of Covid19. Will there be any problems if they enter US later 6 month after leaving US?
April 24, 2020 at 14:22
No – they have up to 12 months.
April 24, 2020 at 19:50
Thank you sir! There is a true Guru, Sensei of GC story and it is you!!!
April 24, 2020 at 10:28
Thank you for this analysis BritSimon- very very helpful. Best wishes to everyone at this difficult time.
April 24, 2020 at 10:39
My visa i going to expire on late may so is there a chance of the embassy reissue the visa after or during the ban?
April 24, 2020 at 11:45
Hi
I have faced my interview in 10th March. Until yesterday morning It was AP. Yesterday evening My CEAC status changed from AP to Ready. What has happened to my DV status??
April 24, 2020 at 14:29
Wait and see.
April 24, 2020 at 12:11
I knew it! Oh my God, all regions for June became CURRENT and I believe that it won’t change till the end of the fiscal year.
April 24, 2020 at 12:11
ALL THE REGIONS BECAME CURRENT !! They uploadad MAY VISA BULLETIN. Brit, we are waiting for your video, please
April 24, 2020 at 12:50
Now it’s just a question if the 2NLs will be send out? if DOS opens their embassies any time soon? Will the interviews happen and just put on AP until this ban is over? ?
April 24, 2020 at 14:31
https://britsimonsays.com/visa-bulletin-published-for-june-2020-interviews/
April 24, 2020 at 13:01
ALL REGIONS ARE CURRENT!!!!!
April 24, 2020 at 13:39
Hi Brit.
I paid the immigration fee, but due to the coronavirus, i may lose my visa because it expires on May 6th. If so, is it possible to return the immigration fee? Thank you so much.
April 24, 2020 at 14:35
No. You can apply to extend the visa, but you would need to pay the fees again.
April 24, 2020 at 16:24
Excuse me. I meant the immigration fee for issue of green card – $ 220, not the consular fee. Will i also need to pay again?
April 24, 2020 at 19:04
Possibly.
April 24, 2020 at 13:48
I already have an immigration visa obtained from dv lottery, if the flights open after May 20, do I have the right to fly ?? or have to wait about 60 days for the suspension.
April 24, 2020 at 14:36
Did you read the article above?
April 24, 2020 at 13:53
Brit I am from Nepal my case number As 140## can we hope for next VB to get current our case or it will stop
April 24, 2020 at 14:36
https://britsimonsays.com/visa-bulletin-published-for-june-2020-interviews/
April 24, 2020 at 14:05
Brit, I’ll try to get my question clear. In prebvious visa bulletins we had the exact numbers and people knew they were current and they were waiting for interviews to be scheduled. Now we don’t really know which case numbers will receive their document’s confirmation letters. For me, it’s very unclear if I receive mine. Is there any chance that despite of that “CURRENT” in visa bulletin they will not text anyone at all and will not schedule interviews any more. We don’t have exact case number, so anyways we will not be able to understand it. Is it possible?
April 24, 2020 at 14:37
https://britsimonsays.com/visa-bulletin-published-for-june-2020-interviews/
April 24, 2020 at 14:08
Hello Mr. Brit. My dad passed away a week ago, should I unlock my ds-260 and change information about him?
April 24, 2020 at 14:38
Sorry for your loss. No need to update the DS260.
April 24, 2020 at 14:15
Wooo all regions current. I think they might prioritise processing bulk DV visas because they want them done ASAP before September, additionally they will have extra capacity as consulates will be getting very little tourist and working visa applications as a lot of people will not be traveling to the US in the current situation, especially as many citizens are not allowed to leave their home countries
April 24, 2020 at 14:17
It is said that even though you have a dv lottery visa, you cannot be allowed to enter before June 23? It’s true ? if there are flights from my country
can i travel before this date ?? thank you if you answer !!
April 24, 2020 at 14:40
That is only said by people that don’t read my article above.
April 24, 2020 at 14:25
Hi Brit! All numbers are current now. I’m in USA and chose AOS . I was waiting for the number to become current. Should I submit the I485 now?!
April 24, 2020 at 14:42
Yes
April 24, 2020 at 14:29
Should we even proceed under the ban, we will not be issued a visa anyway.
April 24, 2020 at 14:45
The new ban is scheduled to end in June.
April 24, 2020 at 14:35
I am selected for DV 2020 and had my interview already. My visa was approved and I hold valid visa which will expire on July. I am currently in Nepal. Can i enter US after the lockdown ends here in Nepal? Will this proclamation affect me ?
April 24, 2020 at 14:47
Please read above.
April 26, 2020 at 04:30
Yes we can. This proclamation doesn’t affect us who have already immigrant visa.
April 24, 2020 at 16:51
Hello Simon, Thanks for this great video, but i still have a question, if i have already a valid us immigrant visa, and the airports are working as normal BEFORE June 23, CAN I ENTER THE USA ?
April 24, 2020 at 21:05
That question is already answered in the article and video above.
April 24, 2020 at 19:30
Hi Brit,
I just have another question. Does concurrent filing apply to dv lottery applicants for AOS? Cause on the USCIS website it says concurrent filing is available for “immigrant visas immediately available”. In other words, considering that my parents have gotten their visas but have not travelled to the US yet, is it possible for me to file form i-485 as a derivate of my parents?
Thanks,
Soli
April 25, 2020 at 05:27
No. Because they have not entered yet.
April 24, 2020 at 19:33
I’ve just hung up a call with KCC, and they have no idea if the interviews will be resumed or not!
The operator said; it’s going to be up to the embassies!
Also mentioned they could receive an update to extend the DV processing after September 30, in case if the pandemic crisis will last longer, but no confirmation on that.
And to follow
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry.html
for future updates.
April 25, 2020 at 05:28
I have said the same thing many times.
April 25, 2020 at 05:33
I wonder why they even mention there’s a possibility on extending the processing deadline after sept. 30? They must know something more or expect something coming ? would this be possible Simon?
April 25, 2020 at 05:44
No.
It’s just misinformed people, or someone trying to put words in their mouths.
April 25, 2020 at 14:12
according to cnn
“Supreme Court denies request to suspend ‘public charge’ rule for immigrants during pandemic”
I’ts true?
April 25, 2020 at 14:35
Yes
April 25, 2020 at 14:31
I appreciate your blogs. I apologize if you have already answered this question. Am I understanding correctly that the May 2020 lottery won’t happen? Do the people entered in that need to apply for the next lottery?
April 25, 2020 at 14:37
No you are incorrect. THe results are probably going to be delayed to June, but the program will continue.
April 25, 2020 at 15:41
Mr Brit,
I already submitted all the documents on first week of March and only received Auto reply. Not any confirmation email.
Today I asked KCC DV department my documents are satisfied?
I only received Auto reply saying system does not showing any documents.
1. That means I want to send my documents again?
Do U think it is better to call them and ask about my documents.
My cn As26×××
April 25, 2020 at 17:33
Call them in a few days.
April 25, 2020 at 16:20
Hello
I am the winner of DV 2020 I had the interview in April and the interview did not take place for the Covid-19 offer. My question is? Will it be rescheduled that we will do internships? And will you fill the attention processing June 23? And do we hope that it will not be postponed more than June 23? We are anxious.
April 25, 2020 at 17:32
Please look at the article above about the ban, and also watch the video below.
https://youtu.be/lGp3fpMhzh0
April 26, 2020 at 11:40
Hi Brit Simon i am dv2020 winner and my interview will be in May but there is no chance as i read the ban. But as you point on #4 i am health professional, have i a chance to process my dv case? if yes how.
Thanks
April 26, 2020 at 14:21
Contact the embassy making it clear you want to keep your appointment based on your profession.
April 26, 2020 at 19:42
Kindly which country? Which embassy will have interview in may ?
April 26, 2020 at 19:11
Hello, Mr. Simon, I would like to ask your opinion if you don’t mind. First of all, I won a dv2020, my case number is current for may (EU26k). I would like to ask if I can be an exception for presidents proclamation of 60 days ban to immigration. I’m a medical student (in Europe) who are going to take United States medical licence examinations (USMLE) in order to get a licence to work in USA as a doctor (as I’m finishing my medical school in my home country). I’m planning to apply for medical residency in 2021. I’m considering if due to this fact the proclamation shall not apply to me? Or until I don’t have licence as a doctor in USA it doesn’t matter and I should wait those 60 days? Or maybe I should write to KCC and ask about my case? Thank you.
April 26, 2020 at 19:15
No – I don’t think you would qualify for an exception.
April 26, 2020 at 19:45
Dear Simon,
I’m current since March VB MY CN :AS 16XXX my DS processed and got congratulations email for Documents in Jan 7 but I didn’t receive 2NL
What I have to do please?
April 26, 2020 at 23:02
Wait.
April 27, 2020 at 00:08
1/ Do I need to contact KCC?
2/ why some winner case are ready and mine is at NVC despite that we are in the same VB ?
3/ When it possible that KCC send 2NL to cases which ready for schedule?
April 26, 2020 at 21:28
Hi . do SB1 VISA will affect with this order. Thanks
April 26, 2020 at 23:05
No idea what you mean.
April 27, 2020 at 00:27
my wife has return residence visa SB1 can she enter US or her visa denied by new trump order. Thanks
April 27, 2020 at 01:57
She is not affected.
April 27, 2020 at 02:28
Good Morning Brit,
Hope you doing good. I have a quick question regarding about the latest EO. I have already got my green card a year back and been in and out of USA. Currently I am in my home (after resigning from my work and finishing all my paper work) country and planning to move to USA for good .
Will I be able to enter the USA now, does the EO applicable for my situation ?
April 27, 2020 at 14:26
Not affected.
April 27, 2020 at 06:19
Sir,
“Proclamation Suspending Entry of Immigrants Who Present Risk to the U.S. Labor Market During the Economic Recovery Following the COVID-19 Outbreak” Section 2(a)(ii) mentions ” do not have an immigrant visa that is valid on the effective date of this proclamation”. Can we conclude, that this proclamation cannot stop the re-issue of visa as we had immigrant visa on the effective date of the proclamation? Does this mean, those who had immigrant visa (which expires on e.g. May 5) is exempt to it and is can be re-issue under “9 FAM 504.10-5(A) (U) Issuing Replacement Visa During Validity of Original Visa”
Regards.
April 27, 2020 at 14:54
No, I don’t think so. The process of extending the visa requires a new medical and to pay the fees again. That suggests it’s almost like a new visa – and therefore would be affected. Of course, we have not seen ANY cases like that, so that is just my assumption.
April 28, 2020 at 01:24
Yes. It is you assumption and so far you have dealt with many cases and your opinion can be termed as expert opinion but I feel since the visa number, alien registration number will be same, case number available and all other data that makes a Visa is same, and it doesn’t mean that we are asking new everything… I.e. new appointment, new visa number… I do believe reissue is exempt from the proclamation. Anyways, let’s wait and see. Thanks for your response.