In this video, we'll talk about the five most common things you need to know about the closure
of the border between the US, Canada, and Mexico. This is so important to discuss,
and I'm looking forward to talking about it in this video. So, what are you waiting for? I'll
see you on the other side. Hello, everybody. In this video, we'll talk about a few things you need
to know about the closure of the borders between the US, Canada, and Mexico, what you need to know,
and how to handle the situation right now if you're planning to cross, if you need
to cross for work or for pleasure. If your family members are there, it's important to discuss this.
Firstly, before we jump in, if you're here for the first time, make sure to subscribe to our channel,
click that bell to be notified. I don't want you to miss any of our videos. And also, give us a big
like so YouTube will be able to show this video to more people just like you. My name is Jacob
Sapochnik. And I'm an immigration attorney located right here in San Diego, right on the border
between Mexico and the US. And I see those issues come up every day. And I wanted to share this
video with you to understand what you have to do, and how to make your life much easier. Let's talk
about what is important to know about the border closure between the US, Canada, and Mexico.
As you remember, when the pandemic started around May, the border was shut down to Mexico in the
US for non-essential travel, then it was extended again in June, then it was extended again through
July and August. And the final extension of this border closure, the way it is now is through
October 21, 2020. And we'll see what happens in the future. So, for now, there are quite a
few things we need to know. And let's talk about what you need to do to be able to navigate this
situation between these countries. People that were used to go to the embassies to get visas,
it’s just the trade, it's something that was taken for granted. And right now, that we can do this,
it's important to understand what is possible. And why is it important for this flow of trade
and movement of people to continue? So, in this video, I'm going to go through
some points that may be helpful for you as you try to navigate this maze. So, until these
restrictions are lifted, here's what you need to know. Number one, the travel restrictions
apply only to Land Port of Entry, they do not apply to travel by air, or by sea, that's really
important. So, if you need to get to Mexico from the US or Canada, you can actually fly directly.
But if you try to cross at a Port of Entry by land, you will have some trouble. So, remember,
it does not apply to travel by air or by sea. Number two, the border is not actually closed.
It's limited to essential travel. But what is essential travel? Let's talk about it. Now,
let's talk about what is essential travel when it comes to crossing Mexico and Canada.
Number three, the only travel that is defined as non-essential is tourists travel.
Those that hold B1, B2 visas, the typical tourist, those are deemed to be non-essential. However,
if you come to the United States as a business visitor, so for example, let's say you’re coming
to visit a company because you want to do business with them or you come for a conference
or an event. You can still enter even though you have a b1 visa, which is business tourism,
but as long as you do so by air. If you try to come by a Port of Entry, some Port of Entry
by land may not allow you to enter because of the kind of visa that you hold. So, once again,
even if you're a visitor, but you come in for a business purpose, not just on vacation,
you should be able to enter by air. If you explain to the Port of Entry why you come in, there
shouldn’t be any reason why they won't let you in. But remember, if you come for pure tourism,
if you're going to try to cross by land to visit Mexico, or enjoy sightseeing in Canada,
that may not be possible because you're not going to be able to justify the essential need of your
travel. Very important to know. Number four, CBP is still performing TN and L1 adjudications
at the Port of Entry for Canadians. So, if you're applying to work in the United States,
you can still do so at any Port of Entry by land. Remember, we've seen that some ports
are still requiring proof that they need to come to work is essential
but most are not. So, if you come into work in DC, it's a TN Visa, or you’re going to renew your L
at a Port of Entry for Canadian, you can do so and it will be still covered by essential,
although we've seen some Port of Entry will require some proof that your job is
essential. But they are processing TN visas. We've done quite a few of those, we do so for
Canadians at the Mexican Port of Entries, and for Canadians in the Canadian Port of Entry. TN visas
are everywhere. And so, those are still possible but remember to check with the port before
coming in. What do they require so you don't waste your time, waste your trip. Number five,
very important point, most third-country nationals are not able to enter Canada right now to apply
for the visa. So, before third-country nationals are able to come to Canada to apply for a visa
extension H1B visa, or any other visa, which was a very convenient way to do so. So, you don't have
to fly all the way back to your home country. But now, the US Embassy in Canada is not going to see
any third-country nationals. And this is because of the restrictions that Canada has on
people coming to Canada anyway, the quarantine, and any other restrictions.
So, there's a decision right now, not to see any third-country nationals and right now,
we're getting a lot of requests from our clients, and other people that are asking,
can they get visas instead of flying all over, to Israel or to Europe? Can they go to Canada?
The answer is right now, No. US embassies in Canada are now going to adjudicate third-country
nationals. And it's really important to know. So, these are the main five points to know right now.
If you're trying to move around between the US and Canada Border, I think these are important
tips for you to know because one, while before it was a question of habit to easily cross the border
between those countries. Right now, there are so many restrictions. And it's important to know
how to navigate the system to be able to achieve your goals, and still be able to cross if needed,
if you meet those requirements. And once again, if you have any questions, if you have
any issues with crossing the border or your cases established, let me know in the comments. I want
to know what the situation is, and what other videos we can make to address your situation.
Also, if you're here for the first time, make sure to subscribe to our channel. Click that bell to be
notified because we make new videos every single week and you don't want to miss any of our videos.
And also, remember I mentioned at the beginning of the video, if you want to join our private
membership, ImmigrationU.com where we give you updates firsthand, where we give you some samples,
videos, communities, zoom calls, it's almost like having an immigration lawyer by your side
24/7 at the convenience of your home. So, make sure to check ImmigrationU.com The link
is in the description of this video. Thank you for watching, and I'll see you in our next video.