News

President Biden has signed a Presidential Proclamation on the Suspension of Entry as Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting Coronavirus Disease 2019: 

  • The Presidential Proclamation temporarily restricts entry to the United States of foreign nationals who were physically present in any of the following countries during the 14-day preceding their attempted entry to the U.S:
  • Republic of Botswana, Kingdom of Eswatini, Kingdom of Lesotho, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Mozambique, Republic of Namibia, Republic of South Africa, and Republic of Zimbabwe
  • The Proclamation is effective on November 29, 2021, 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST).  It does not apply to persons aboard a flight scheduled to arrive in the United States that departed prior to 12:01 a.m. EST on November 29, 2021.
  • The Proclamation does not grant any exception to these travel restrictions to nonimmigrants in F and J statuses; however, it provides the U.S. Secretary of State, the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, or their designees, with the authority to exempt “any noncitizen or group of noncitizens whose entry would be in the national interest.”
  • The Proclamation states that “it shall remain in effect until terminated by the President.”

 

Update on U.S. Travel Policy Requiring COVID-19 Vaccination 

The COVID-19 travel restrictions as they relate to the suspension of entry into the United States of persons physically present in Brazil, China, India, Iran, Ireland, the Schengen Area, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, will end effective November 8, 2021. In place of these restrictions, a global vaccination requirement for all adult foreign nationals traveling to the U.S. by air will take effect on November 8, 2021: A Proclamation on Advancing the Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic.  More information regarding the global vaccination requirement, including details on accepted COVID-19 vaccines, proof of vaccination, exceptions and waivers due to humanitarian concerns, is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at Non-U.S. citizen, Non-U.S. immigrants: Air Travel to the United States.

By separate CDC order, all air travelers to the U.S. also continue to be required to show results of a negative COVID-19 viral test on a specimen taken three days (if fully vaccinated) or one day (if not fully vaccinated and entering under an exception) prior to flight departure from a foreign country to the U.S.  This means that foreign nationals traveling by air to the U.S. will have to show both the negative COVID-19 viral test and documentation of either full COVID-19 vaccination or eligibility for an exception to the vaccination requirement.

 

Expansion of Visa Interview Waivers

In a September 14, 2021 announcement, the U.S. Department of State stated that through the end of December 2021, U.S. consulates may expand the categories of F, M, and academic J visa applicants (students, professors, research scholars, short-term scholars, or specialists) eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview to include those who were previously issued any type of U.S. visa, or who are applying for the first time from a Visa Waiver Program country.  Previously, the visa interview waiver was limited to renewals in the same visa classification and category.

U.S. Consular officers may, if they so choose, and pursuant to local conditions, now waive the visa interview requirement for: 

  • "F, M, and academic J visa applicants who were previously issued any type of visa, and who have never been refused a visa unless such refusal was overcome or waived, and who have no apparent ineligibility or potential ineligibility; or
  • "First-time F, M, and academic J visa applicants who are citizens or nationals of a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), provided they have no apparent ineligibility or potential ineligibility.  This applies only to non-U.S. citizens who are nationals of eligible countries... Applicants from non VWP countries whose prior visa was issued when they were less than 14 years of age, may need to submit biometric fingerprints, but can still be approved for an interview waiver."

For details about country eligibility and necessary procedures, check the website of the relevant U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

 

U.S. to relax COVID-19 Travel Restrictions for Vaccinated International Travelers

On September 20, 2021, media outlets reported that the Biden administration plans to lift the COVID-19 geographic travel restrictions (Brazil, China, India, Iran, Ireland, Schengen Area, South Africa, and United Kingdom) in November 2021 for individuals who establish that they are fully vaccinated if they also show results of a negative coronavirus test performed on a specimen taken during the three days preceding their flight's departure from a foreign country traveling to the United States: 

ISSS will provide updated information once the U.S. White House and U.S. agency announcements regarding this policy change become available.

 

Special Student Relief (SSR) for F-1 Students from Burma (Myanmar), Haiti, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has suspended certain regulatory requirements for F-1 nonimmigrant students from Burma (Myanmar), Haiti, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen, and who are experiencing severe economic hardship as a result of emergent circumstances in their country of citizenship.

Please contact your ISSS Advisor for guidance if you are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current crisis and would like to:

  • Request employment authorization;
  • Work an increased number of hours on or off-campus while school is in session; and
  • Reduce your course load while continuing to maintain F-1 nonimmigrant student status.

These provisions also apply if you have or are planning to apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). For additional information about SSR, please refer to the Study in the States What is Special Student Relief (SSR)?.

 

Please be aware that on April 30, 2021, the White House issued a presidential proclamation imposing travel restrictions on individuals traveling from India to the United States due to the current Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Effective May 4, 2021, the presidential proclamation temporarily restricts the entry of foreign nationals who were physically present in the Republic of India during the 14-day preceding their attempted entry to the U.S. Per the US Department of State (DoS) April 30, 2021 Press Release, the same set of National Interest Exceptions will apply to India as they do to all other regional travel restrictions currently in effect as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although some points of the new policy still need further clarification, this means that international students traveling from India to the United States may qualify for an NIE and could directly travel to the U.S. for the start of the Fall 2021 semester without having to first go to another country for 14 days.

Positive news from the U.S. Department of State (DoS) related to our international students’ return to campus. As of April 26, 2021, the U.S. government has extended the National Interest Exceptions (NIEs) for COVID-related Proclamations to permit students from Brazil, China, Iran, and South Africa to travel to the United States for programs beginning after August 1, 2021, similar to existing NIEs for Schengen countries, the UK and Ireland.  Although some points of the new policy still need further clarification, this means that students traveling to the U.S. from a country impacted by COVID-related travel restrictions could directly travel to the U.S. for the start the Fall 2021 semester without having to first go to another country for 14 days. We also heard that in light of the expanded NIE provisions, U.S. visa sections in China plan to begin interviewing students the week of May 4th.

In addition, the DoS has taken steps to alleviate some of the backlog due to the pandemic of visa applicants waiting for a visa interview.  Consular officers will be temporarily allowed to waive the in-person interview requirement for individuals applying to renew a visa if the prior visa has not expired more than 48 months ago. The visa would have to be in the same visa classification, that is F-1 for international students and J-1 for exchange visitors. This provision is in effect until December 31, 2021.

Also, several national associations are appealing to the Federal government and the DoS to prioritize student visas in time for students to study in the U.S. for the fall semester.  As always, visa applicants should check the website of the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for the most up-to-date information about visa appointment availability. 

Updated Travel restrictions to U.S. to include South Africa, effective January 30, 2021 On January 25, 2021, President Biden signed a Presidential Proclamation on the Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Non-Immigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting Coronavirus Disease.  This proclamation continues the 14-day entry restrictions to the U.S. on individuals who were present in the People’s Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the European Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, or Brazil, and, effective on January 30, 2021, adds South Africa to the list of countries with travel restrictions to the U.S.  Certain travelers, including F-1 and J-1 students as well as their F-2 and J-2 dependents seeking to enter the U.S. from the Schengen area, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, may continue to qualify for National Interest Exceptions.

Ending Discriminatory Bans on Entry to the United States On January 20, 2021, President Biden signed a Presidential Proclamation on Ending Discriminatory Bans on Entry to the United States.  This proclamation ends the travel restrictions under Presidential Proclamations 9645 and 9983 that had suspended entry into the United States of certain nationals, based on visa type, from Burma, Eritrea, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Nigeria, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Venezuela, and Yemen. While the previous travel bans did not directly affect students in F-1 or J-1 status from these countries, this Presidential Proclamation should be a comfort to international students whose family members from affected countries were unable to enter the U.S. for visits due to the now rescinded travel bans.

Pursuant to President Biden’s proclamation, the U.S. Department of State (DoS) can immediately process visa applications for individuals from the affected countries.  Please note that the rescission of Presidential Proclamations 9645 and 9983 does not necessarily mean that local U.S. embassies or consulates are able to immediately schedule all affected applicants for visa interviews.  The resumption of routine visa services during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, prioritized after services to U.S. citizens, will occur on a post-by-post basis, consistent with DoS’s guidance for safely returning their workforce to consular facilities. 

DHS Proposes Regulation to Eliminate "Duration of Status" Policy The Department of Homeland Security is proposing a regulation that would subject international students, exchange visitors and representatives of foreign information media to fixed periods of stay, eliminating the longstanding “duration of status” policy, among other changes. If the rule is finalized as proposed, F, J and I nonimmigrants would be required to apply for extension of stay with USCIS to continue their activities beyond their admission period and fulfill the related biometrics requirements. This application is fee-based and may be subject to lengthy USCIS processing times. International students may need to file for the extension multiple times, depending on their program length and if they would like to pursue post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). Nonimmigrants in these categories that stay beyond their fixed periods of stay would become subject to the unlawful presence rules currently in place for other nonimmigrant categories.  View the complete DHS proposed rule published in the Federal Register.

This item is at the proposed rule stage, and there is a 30-day comment period before the final rule is published. We encourage students to read the proposed rule and submit comments by October 26, 2020 in order to advocate against this change to be finalized as proposed, and for the “Duration of Status” Policy to remain. A Comment Now! button appears at the upper right corner of the proposed rule on Regulations.gov, at: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DHS_FRDOC_0001-1933. Follow the website instructions to submit comments.

International students are core and valued members of the University of Miami community.  Be assured that the Department of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) will advocate against any legislation that negatively affects international students and scholars, and will continue to support you.

As of July 14, 2020, U.S. Embassies and Consulates are beginning a phased resumption of routine visa services, including the processing of F-1 and J-1 visas.  Please check your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate’s website for re-opening dates and up-to date information.

As of July 16, 2020, students may qualify for National Interest Exceptions to the presidential proclamations restricting travel from the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland. The announcement specifies that:

  • If you are a student traveling from the Schengen Area, the UK, and Ireland with valid F-1 visa, you do not need to seek a national interest exception to travel.
  • If you are a student traveling from Schengen area, the United Kingdom and Ireland in with a valid J-1 visa, you may contact the nearest embassy or consulate to initiate an exception request.   

The following countries make up the Schengen Area: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

For a summary of the national interest exception for F-1 students and their F-2 dependents and
a list of the 15 U.S. airports authorized to receive flights from those countries, see July 24, 2020
CBP’s Carrier Liaison Program Information Sheet.

If you are a student who has been physically present during the 14-day period preceding your entry to the U.S. from People’s Republic of China, Islamic Republic of Iran, and Brazil, the National Interest Exceptions do not apply to you.

U.S. Suspends Entry of Aliens who present a Risk to U.S. Labor Market following Coronavirus Outbreak: On June 22, 2020, President Trump signed a proclamation, suspending the entry of certain nonimmigrants to the U.S.  The proclamation is part of the Trump Administration’s response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic:

  • The ban took went into effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on June 24, 2020 and will be in place through December 31, 2020. 
  • The proclamation extends the existing ban on certain immigrant entries through December 31, 2020.
  • The proclamation does not affect international students and scholars in F-1 and J-1 status and their dependents in F-2 and J-2 status.  It also does not affect Optional Practical Training (OPT) and OPT STEM, which are benefits for students in F-1 status completing an academic degree in the U.S.
  • International students and scholars in F-1 and J-1 status and their dependents in F-2 and J-2 status traveling from a country impacted by the May 24, 2020 Proclamation on Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting Novel Coronavirus must continue to comply with the May 24 Presidential Proclamation.  It suspends entry into the U.S. of all non-U.S. citizens who were physically present within the following countries during the 14-day period preceding their entry to the U.S.:

- People’s Republic of China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau)

- Islamic Republic of Iran

- European Schengen area (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland).  In addiition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention include Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City.

- United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

- Republic of Ireland

- Brazil

U.S. Imposes Travel Restrictions on Individuals Traveling from the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland: On March 14, 2020, the White House issued a presidential proclamation imposing travel restrictions on individuals traveling from the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland to the United States due to the current Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak:

  •  The presidential proclamation temporarily bars the entry of foreign nationals who were physically present in the United Kingdom, excluding overseas territories outside of Europe, or the Republic of Ireland during the 14-day preceding their attempted entry to the U.S.  This includes foreign nationals of any nationality who hold a valid F-1 or F-2, or J-1 or J-2 visa to the U.S. (as well as Canadian citizens who are exempt from the J-1 and J-2 visa requirement). 
  • The travel restrictions will go into effect on Monday, March 16, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.  
  • Although President Trump stated that these travel restrictions would be in effect for 30 days, the proclamation states that “it shall remain in effect until terminated by the President,” thus leaving open the possibility that the travel restrictions may be in effect for more than 30 days.

U.S. Imposes Travel Restrictions on Individuals Traveling from the Schengen Area in Europe: On March 11, 2020, the White House issued a presidential proclamation imposing travel restrictions on individuals traveling from the Schengen Area in Europe due to the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak:

  • The presidential proclamation temporarily bars the entry of foreign nationals who were physically present in the Schengen Area during the 14 days preceding their attempted entry to the U.S.  This includes foreign nationals of any nationality who hold a valid F-1 or J-1, or F-2 or J-2 visa to the U.S. (as well as Canadian citizens who are exempt from the F-1/J-1 and F-2/J-2 visa requirement).  The Schengen Area includes the following countries:
    • Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. The list does not include the United Kingdom.
  • The travel restrictions will go into effect on Friday, March 13, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.  
  • Although President Trump stated that these travel restrictions would be in effect for 30 days, the proclamation states that “it shall remain in effect until terminated by the President,” thus leaving open the possibility that the travel restrictions may be in effect for more than 30 days.

U.S. Imposes Travel Restrictions on Individuals Traveling from Iran: On February 29, 2020, the White House issued a presidential proclamation imposing travel restrictions on individuals traveling from the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United States due to the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak:

  • The presidential proclamation temporarily bars the entry of foreign nationals who stayed in or visited Iran in the 14 days preceding their attempted entry to the U.S.  This includes foreign nationals of any nationality who hold a valid F-1 or J-1 or F-2 or J-2 visa to the U.S. (as well as Canadian citizens who are exempt from the F-1/ J-1 and F-2/ J-2 visa requirement).
  • The travel restrictions went into effect on Monday, March 2, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST).  At this time, it is not known how long these travel restrictions will be in effect.

South Korea Travel Advisory: On February 26, 2020, The U.S. Department of State published a Travel Advisory that advises to reconsider travel to South Korea due to an outbreak of COVID-19. Click on South Korea Travel Advisory to read the entire advisory.

Italy Travel Advisory: On February 26, 2020, The U.S. Department of State published a Travel Advisory that advises to exercise increased caution in Italy due a recent outbreak of COVID-19. Click on Italy Travel Advisory to read the entire advisory.

China Travel Advisory: On February 2, 2020, The U.S. Department of State published a Travel Advisory that advises against travel to China due to the novel coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China. Travelers should be prepared for the possibility of travel restrictions with little or no advance notice. Most commercial air carriers have reduced or suspended routes to and from China. To view the complete advisory, please visit China Travel Advisory.

U.S. Imposes Travel Restrictions on Individuals Traveling from China: On January 31, 2020, the White House issued a presidential proclamation imposing travel restrictions on individuals traveling from the People’s Republic of China (PROC) to the United States due to the current 2019 Novel Coronavirus outbreak:

  • The presidential proclamation temporarily bars the entry of foreign nationals who stayed in or visited mainland China in the 14 days preceding their attempted entry to the U.S.  This includes foreign nationals of any nationality who hold a valid F-1/F-2 or J-1/J-2 visa to the U.S. (as well as Canadian citizens who are exempt from the F-1/F-2 and J-1/J-2 visa requirement).
  • The travel restrictions went into effect on Sunday, February 2, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.  At this time, it is not known how long these travel restrictions will be in effect.
  • In light of these travel restrictions, we recommend that you do not visit mainland China as you will otherwise not be permitted to reenter the U.S.

Also, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in China have cancelled visa appointments for the week of February 3, 2020, following the Chinese government’s decision to impose restrictions on large gatherings.  While the U.S. Department of State has indicated that it hopes to resume routine visa services as soon as possible, it is unable to provide an exact date for the resumption of visa services at this time.

U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Travel Ban: On June 26, 2018, the United State Supreme Court upheld a presidential proclamation that imposes indefinite travel restrictions on certain nationals of Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen, reversing a federal district court’s grant of a preliminary injunction against the restrictions.  For detailed, up-to-date information on the travel ban/entry bar, please visit NAFSA’s Travel Advisory on the Section 2(e) Entry Ban.

Chad Removed from List of Travel Ban Countries: Effective April 10, 2018, a Presidential Proclamation removed Chad from the list of countries subject to the country-specific travel ban.  For updated information, please visit NAFSA's Advisory on the Indefinite Entry Bar Under Executive Order.

New U.S. Domestic Air Travel ID Requirements Take Effect on January 22, 2018: Beginning January 22, 2018, air travelers in the United States must show identification that complies with the document security requirements of the REAL ID Act. If you use a state-issued driver's license or identification card when traveling domestically: 

  • The state of issuance must meet REAL ID requirements or have received an extension; or
  • You must present an alternative form of identification, such as a valid passport or other acceptable documentation, to board a domestic flight.

To date, most U.S. states have either complied with the REAL ID Act or have received an extension.  This includes the State of Florida which is compliant.

For information on how to obtain a Driver’s License or ID in Florida, go to Obtain a Driver's License.

Is your state driver's license acceptable for air travel?
Before January 22, 2018, check the REAL ID Act compliance status of your state using the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's color-coded map.

  • If your state is compliant, you may use your state-issued identification to board a U.S. domestic flight.
  • If your state was granted an extension, you may use your state-issued ID to board a domestic flight through the specified extension date.
  • If your state is under review, prepare to use a REAL ID-compliant document for air travel beyond
    January 22, 2018. Keep checking the map, however, because DHS could grant your state an extension or deem it compliant before January 22, 2018. 

Other acceptable forms of identification
If your state has not met REAL ID requirements or received an extension, the Transportation Security Administration will accept the following documents, among others:

  • An unexpired U.S. or foreign passport;
  • A DHS trusted traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST);
  • A USCIS Employment Authorization Document (EAD);
  • A U.S. lawful permanent resident card (green card); or
  • An enhanced driver's license (EDL) (even if your state is not otherwise compliant with REAL ID).

For additional acceptable documents, see the TSA's full list. 

Looking ahead
By October 1, 2020, all U.S. states will be required to issue REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and state identification documents. All domestic air travelers will be required to use a REAL ID-compliant document by that deadline.

Greater Scrutiny for Visa Applicants at U.S. Consular Offices: The U.S. Department of State has ordered U.S. consulates to increase the screening of visa applicants and restrict the number of visa appointments held each day.  Visa officers will conduct more intensive interviews to determine whether visa applicants are eligible for the immigration category they seek and will have more discretion to order additional security checks beyond the regular background checks that all visa applicants undergo. These new processes, and the limits on the number of visa interviews, are likely to cause longer waits for interview appointments, and longer waits for passports with visas to be returned after the interview.  For detailed information on how to apply for an F or J visa and approximate wait times for visa interviews and visa application processing, please visit the U.S. Department of State’s website.

Foreign nationals flagged by a US consular officer for additional security screening will be asked to complete new visa application questions and may be asked to provide the following additional details:

  • Five years of public social media account information, email addresses and phone numbers
  • All prior passport numbers
  • 15 years of residence, employment and travel history (including source of travel funds)
  • The names of all children, siblings and current and former spouses

Though not every visa applicant will be subject to the new questions, foreign nationals may wish to prepare for the possibility that they will be asked to respond. Gathering social media, travel, work and residence history, details of prior passports and the like before a visa appointment can help minimize delays in the event a traveler is asked to provide additional information.  

 

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