(August 12, 2020) – The State Department released guidance for the Presidential Proclamations from June 22 (P.P. 10014 & 10052) that temporarily suspended issuance of new non-immigrant visas, such as the H-2B visa used by horse trainers. The guidance provides exceptions to the suspension and gives trainers the opportunity to secure more H-2B workers if at least two of the following three indicators are present:

  1. The applicant was previously employed and trained by the petitioning U.S. employer.
  2. The applicant is traveling based on a temporary labor certification (TLC) that reflects continued need for the worker.
  3. Denial of the visa will cause financial hardship to the U.S. employer.

The NTRA urges trainers in need of additional labor to contact their H-2B consultant immediately for further guidance.