National Interest Exceptions for Certain Travelers From China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, Schengen Area, United Kingdom, Ireland, and India

On April 26, 2021, the Department of State (DoS) Secretary Blinken made a national interest determination regarding categories of travelers eligible for exceptions to all regional travel restrictions currently related to the spread of COVID-19. As a result of this determination, together with national interest determinations already in place, travelers subject to these proclamations, due to their presence in China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, the Schengen area, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and India, who are seeking to provide vital support for critical infrastructure; journalists; students and certain academics covered by exchange visitor programs, may now qualify for a National Interest Exception (NIE).

Who qualifies?

Students and academics subject to these proclamations due to their presence in China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, or India may qualify for an NIE only if their academic program begins August 1, 2021 or later. Students and academics subject to the European regional bans do not need to meet this requirement.

Students with a valid F-1 visa intending to begin or continue an academic program commencing August 1, 2021 or later do not need to contact an embassy or consulate to seek an individual NIE to travel. They may enter the United States no earlier than 30 days before the start of their academic studies. Students seeking to apply for a new F-1 visa should check the status of visa services at the nearest embassy or consulate; those applicants who are found to be otherwise qualified for the F-1 visa will automatically be considered for an NIE to travel.

What's next?

As with all NIEs for qualified travelers seeking to enter the United States under a Presidential Proclamation, if circumstances warrant, the Secretary of State may revise the national interest determination. As the global pandemic evolves, the DoS continues to seek ways to process more visa applications, in line with science-based guidance from health authorities, and with the health & safety of its staff and applicants as their main priority.

ISSS will continue to closely monitor any further development regarding this exception and communicate additional information when available. Please refer to the following NAFSA resource page for a detailed explanation of the newly expanded NIE and its implications for new and continuing students, scholars, and staff: NAFSA COVID-19 Restrictions on U.S. Visas and Entry.

Sources: American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs