Update:

As an update to our earlier message on the presidential proclamation titled Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers, several government agencies have issued additional information to clarify the application and scope of the proclamation.

U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued a memo stating that this proclamation applies prospectively to petitions that have not yet been filed. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has also provided an update on the CBP X account confirming that the proclamation does not impact the ability of current H-1B visa holders to travel to or from the U.S.

The White House further confirms the following via the Rapid Response 47 X account:

The proclamation does not apply to anyone who has a current visa.
The proclamation only applies to future applicants in the February lottery who are currently outside the U.S. It does not apply to anyone who participated in the 2025 lottery.
The proclamation does not impact the ability of any current visa holder to travel to/from the U.S.

We are no longer advising that employees with current H-1B visas modify their travel plans. Employees traveling back to the U.S. after September 21 should proceed with their travel as planned. Consistent with our recent travel advice, please continue to exercise caution if you are planning to leave the U.S., and consult with your OIA adviser and department in advance of travel.We also continue to recommend that you ensure your documents are in order and you are in touch with your air carrier to ensure smooth transit.

We will provide ongoing updates as they become available, and please feel free to reach out to OIA Executive Director Nick Seamons if you have questions or concerns.

Links:

Presidential Proclamation: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/09/restriction-on-entry-of-certain-nonimmigrant-workers/

White House Fact Sheet: https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/09/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-suspends-the-entry-of-certain-alien-nonimmigrant-workers/