In June 2025, the Trump administration reinstated and expanded the travel ban, a controversial policy that restricts immigration from several countries based on national security justifications. While much of the media focus has been on immigrant visa categories and refugee admissions, extraordinary ability visa applicants, including those seeking O-1 and EB-1A classifications may also be impacted.
Below, we break down the key details and what it could mean for high-achieving professionals hoping to work or live in the United States.
Who Is Affected by the Travel Ban?
The newly reinstated travel ban blocks visa issuance to nationals from 12 countries and imposes partial restrictions on visa categories for 7 others.
Full entry bans (no immigrant or nonimmigrant visas)
• Afghanistan
• Burma (Myanmar)
• Chad
• Republic of the Congo
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Haiti
• Iran
• Libya
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Yemen
Partial restrictions (immigrant visas banned; B-1/B-2, F, M, J visas restricted)
• Burundi
• Cuba
• Laos
• Sierra Leone
• Togo
• Turkmenistan
• Venezuela
This affects:
• People applying from outside the U.S.
• Those who do not already hold a valid visa
• Individuals who do not qualify for an exemption (such as dual nationals or those already in the U.S.)
What This Means for O-1 Visa Applicants
The O-1 visa is designed for individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, business, education, or athletics. It’s often used by entertainers, researchers, tech innovators, and executives.
Impact under the travel ban:
• O-1 applicants from banned countries may be unable to obtain a visa unless they qualify for a national interest exception or meet a waiver requirement.
• O-1 holders already in the U.S. are not affected as long as they don’t leave the country and attempt to re-enter without a new visa.
• Visa stamping abroad could be blocked even if USCIS has approved the petition.
What This Means for EB-1A Applicants
The EB-1A green card is for individuals with extraordinary ability who plan to continue working in their field in the U.S.
Impact under the travel ban:
• Applicants from banned countries may be unable to complete consular processing even after I-140 approval.
• For those in the U.S. who file adjustment of status (Form I-485), the ban may not apply but travel abroad is risky.
• Processing delays and denials are possible, especially if there are future changes or enforcement shifts.
Are There Any Exemptions?
Yes. The travel ban does not apply to:
• Green card holders (U.S. lawful permanent residents)
• Dual nationals traveling on a passport from a non-banned country
• Individuals already inside the U.S. with valid status
• Certain humanitarian, national interest, or diplomatic exceptions
Key Takeaways for O-1 and EB-1A Applicants
• Check your country of citizenship against the current list of banned nations.
• If applying from abroad, consult with an immigration attorney to assess waiver or exemption eligibility.
• If already in the U.S., avoid international travel unless absolutely necessary.
• Start your case early – processing times and policies can change quickly during election years.
