The US pauses visas for foreign truck drivers. On August 21, 2025, the U.S. announced a temporary pause on issuing new work visas for foreign commercial truck drivers. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the decision was made to protect the livelihoods of American truckers and enhance public safety.
In an e-mail to Newsweek, a Department of State spokesperson clarified that the pause is for applicants who wish to operate commercial trucks with H-2B, E-2 and EB-3 visa classifications.
The spokesperson also stated the government is taking this action to protect public safety, including on America’s roads. The pause will last while the Departments of State, Labor, and Homeland Security work to update their screening and vetting procedures for these visas.
This pause applies to new applications for three specific visa types: H-2B, E-2, and EB-3. This change does not affect Canadian or Mexican drivers who operate under B-1 visas, so cross-border transportation will continue largely undisrupted.
Who is impacted by the pause?
The U.S. visa pause for foreign truck drivers primarily impacts foreign nationals who apply for H-2B or EB-3 visas to work as commercial truck drivers. The three specific visa categories impacted by the pause are:
How the Pause Affects E2 Visas
Although the pause includes the E2 visa, individual drivers rarely (if ever) used it. Companies primarily use the H-2B visa to temporarily hire foreign truck drivers. The EB-3 visa is a green card (permanent residence) for skilled and unskilled workers, including truck drivers.
While the pause includes the E-2 visa, it has a minimal impact on drivers. The E-2 visa is for investors who start or buy a business and typically do not drive the trucks themselves.
Additionally, the pause also affects spouses of E-2 visa holders, if they want to operate commercial trucks in the US. Pursuant to the rules and regulations, spouses of E-2 visa holders have unrestricted right to work in the United States, including as truck drivers provided that they obtain a CDL. The current pause now affects spouses of E-2 visa holders who want to work as truck drivers in the U.S..
For foreign nationals already running a trucking business on an E-2 visa, the pause adds uncertainty regarding future visa renewals.
You can apply for E2 visa at a US Consulate abroad or through change of status to E2, if you are in the US. Keep in mind that applying for E2 while in the US is possible under certain circumstances, buy is not available to individuals travelling to the United States on ESTA.
To learn more about visas for Canadians, visit E2 visa for Canadians and US visa for Canadian citizens.
Contact us to learn more about other investment visa options and other visa options to start a business in the US.
Who Is Not Impacted?
The new policy only affects new visa applications. If you already have a valid E-2, H-2B, or EB-3 visa, this pause does not impact you.
What does this mean for foreign truck drivers?
As the government determines the full scope of the new screening and vetting procedures, the process may become more stringent and could lead to longer processing times. New requirements may include:
Malescu Law can assist
As the US pauses visas for foreign truck drivers, we continue to monitor the situation. We serve companies and individuals across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Contact us or schedule a consultation.
Malescu Law P.A. – Business & Immigration Lawyers
