On December 23, 2021, the Department of State announced the expansion of visa interview waiver authority through the end of 2022. This new expansion includes and applies to nonimmigrants in F-1 and J-1 status. For details, see https://www.state.gov/expanded-interview-waivers-for-certain-nonimmigrant-visa-applicants.
Category Archives: Immigration
More Stringent COVID Testing Requirments Imposed
As part of his strategy to combat COVID-19, on December 2, 2021, President Biden announced more stringent testing requirements for international travelers to the United States. Beginning on December 6, all air passengers, regardless of vaccination status, must show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 24 hours before their travel to the United States. Please visit the CDC website for more detailed information.
U.S. Travel Policy Requiring COVID-19 Vaccination
President Biden signed a new proclamation on November 26, 2021, suspending indefinitely the entry into the U.S. of nonimmigrants who pose a risk of transmitting the coronavirus disease. The immediate family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents and others excluded in section 2 are exempted. This proclamation suspends the entry into the United States, of nonimmigrants and noncitizens who were physically present within Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe during the 2 week period before their entry into the United States. The proclamation went into effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on Monday, November 29, 2021.
Travel Restrictions from Eight African Countries
President Biden signed a new proclamation on November 26, 2021, suspending indefinitely the entry into the U.S. of nonimmigrants who pose a risk of transmitting the coronavirus disease. The immediate family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents and others excluded in section 2 are exempted. This proclamation suspends the entry into the United States, of nonimmigrants and noncitizens who were physically present within Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe during the 2 week period before their entry into the United States. The proclamation went into effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on Monday, November 29, 2021.
Important Announcement on F, M, and Academic J Visas
The White House announced a new travel policy on October 25th, 2021 that effective Monday, November 8, 2021, all foreign nationals (including international students and scholars), will need to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be able to enter the United States. The accepted vaccines will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines. Please refer to the CDC website for more information. This document provides a quick visual summary.
In short, you will need to show proof of vaccination. A list of acceptable vaccines can be accessed here. There are very limited exceptions, which include:
- children under the age of 18
- those traveling in F-1 or J-1 status from countries with limited COVID vaccines
- those who have medical reasons (will need letter)
Those who receive an exception will be required to attest to complaince with public health requirements, including testing and quarantine, and a requirement to be vaccinated in the U.S.