Apr 28, 2021, 3:51 PM
(From NBOA) On April 26, the State Department announced an exception to the COVID-related visa and entry ban. As a result of this determination, applicants for F-1 and M-1 visas for academic programs will qualify for a “national interest exception” (NIE) to the ban, so they may be issued visas and enter the United States. NIEs apply for certain travelers from China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, Schengen Area, United Kingdom and Ireland.
Students with valid F-1 and M-1 visas 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 new F-1 or M-1 visas should check the status of visa services at the nearest embassy or consulate; those applicants who are found to be otherwise qualified for an F-1 or M-1 visa will automatically be considered for an NIE to travel.
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