Trump Reinstates Travel Ban: Implications for O-1 & EB-1 Visa Applicants

On June 4, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued a new presidential proclamation putting travel restrictions to the U.S. on citizens of 19 countries. This action, effective June 9, 2025, fully bans entry into the United States for nationals of 12 countries, and imposes partial restrictions on seven additional nations.

Full Travel Ban: The U.S. will not issue any immigrant or non-immigrant visas to the citizens of fully-banned countries (except in the situations listed below under “EXCEPTIONS”). 

Countries Fully Banned:

• Afghanistan

• Myanmar (Burma)

• Chad

• Republic of the Congo

• Equatorial Guinea

• Eritrea

• Haiti

• Iran

• Libya

• Somalia

• Sudan

• Yemen

Partial Travel Ban: The U.S. will not issue visitor visas, student visas, or immigrant visas to the citizens of partially-banned countries (except in the situations listed below under “EXCEPTIONS”). However, non-immigrant employment visas will continue to be issued.

Countries with Partial Restrictions:

• Burundi

• Cuba

• Laos

• Sierra Leone

• Togo

• Turkmenistan

• Venezuela

Exceptions to the Ban:  The travel ban does NOT apply to:

• Anyone who has a valid visa to travel to the U.S. issued before June 9, 2025. 

• Green card holders (aka legal permanent residents of the U.S.);

• Any dual national of a banned country and non-banned country that is traveling with the passport of the non-banned country; 

• A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1, NATO‑2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, or NATO-6 visa holders;

• Athletes or members of an athletic team, including coaches, necessary support personnel, and immediate relatives, traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the Secretary of State;

• Husbands, wives, parents and children under 21 of US citizens applying for immigrant visas with clear and convincing evidence of identity and family relationship (e.g., DNA);

• Adoptions (IR-3, IR-4, IH-3, IH-4);

• Afghan Special Immigrant Visas;

• Special Immigrant Visas for United States Government employees; and

• Immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran.

Purpose of the Travel Ban

The administration cites national security concerns, including inadequate vetting processes and visa overstay rates, as justification for these measures.

Impact on O-1 and EB-1 Visa Applicants:

For individuals seeking O-1 (Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement) and EB-1 (Employment-Based, First Preference) visas, this proclamation presents significant challenges:

• Suspension of Visa Issuance: Nationals from the fully banned countries are prohibited from entering the U.S. under both immigrant and non-immigrant visa categories, directly affecting O-1 and EB-1 applicants. Nationals from the partially-banned countries may receive O-1 visas, but may not receive immigrant visas based on approved EB-1 petitions.

• Processing Delays: Applicants from partially restricted countries may experience heightened scrutiny, additional documentation requirements, and extended processing times.

Recommendations for Affected Applicants:

• Consult Immigration Experts: Individuals from the listed countries should seek guidance from immigration attorneys to understand the nuances of the proclamation and explore possible exemptions or alternative pathways.

• Monitor Official Updates: Stay informed through official channels such as the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for the latest information and guidance.

• Prepare Comprehensive Documentation: Ensure all applications are thorough, with complete and accurate information to facilitate the review process under the new restrictions.

Free-Consultation

At Global Talent Immigration Law Group, we understand the complexities introduced by recent policy changes. Our team offers free consultations to help you navigate the current immigration landscape, assess your eligibility, and identify viable options for your O-1 or EB-1 visa applications. CLICK HERE for your Free Consultation.