The order bars foreign nationals from being able to obtain immigrant visas at a US Embassy or Consulate abroad if
- They are outside the US on April 23, 2020;
- They do not have an immigrant visa that is valid on April 23, 2020; and
- They do not have an official travel document other than a visa (such as a transportation letter, an appropriate boarding foil, or an advance parole document).
Most family-based immigration (parents, adult sons and daughters and siblings of US citizens) will be placed on hold. The backlog in some of these categories is many years, even decades.
Also, spouses and children of lawful permanent residents will not be able to get immigrant visas under the executive order.
The Executive Order does not apply to Children and Spouses of US Citizens.