Temporary Restriction on Entering the U.S. after Travel from India
Under a presidential proclamation issued April 30 the following restriction takes effect at 12:01 a.m. (EST) on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 and applies to individuals who have recently been present in India.
Foreign nationals (not a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident) 鈥� other than immediate family of U.S. citizens and permanent residents and a few other limited exceptions described in the proclamation 鈥� who have been in India within the last 14 days will be denied entry into the United States.
Summary of All U.S. Entry Restrictions Related to COVID-19
There are 14-day entry restrictions on individuals who have recently been present in China, Iran, 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, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Brazil, South Africa, and India. These restrictions will remain in effect until the president terminates them. Foreign nationals who have been in these countries within the last 14 days will be denied entry into the United States.
National Interest Exception/Waiver Available鈥� Students on F-1 or J-1 Visas & Exchange Visitors on J-1 Visas
There is an exception /waiver process for foreign nationals whose entry would be in the 鈥渘ational interest.鈥� According to the U.S. Department of State, this includes students entering the U.S. on F-1 or J-1 visas.听
The U.S. Department of State鈥檚 guidance specifically indicates the following:
- Students with valid F-1 visas coming from China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, and India intending to begin or continue an academic program commencing Aug. 1 or later do not need to contact an embassy or consulate to seek an individual exception to travel. They may enter the United States no earlier than 30 days before the start of their academic studies.
- Students with valid F-1 visas comings from the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland may have an academic program starting earlier than Aug. 1.They do not need to contact an embassy or consulate to seek an individual exception 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 visas should check the status of visa services at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.They will be considered by the embassy/consulate for a national interest exception as part of the visa appointment process.Students and academics subject to the 14-day entry restriction due to their presence in China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, or India may qualify for the national interest exception/waiver only if their academic program begins Aug. 1 or later.听
- Students seeking to apply for new F-1 visas coming from the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland should check the status of visa services at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.They will be considered by the embassy/consulate for a national interest exception as part of the visa appointment process.Their academic programs may begin before Aug. 1.
- Students with valid J-1 visas or are seeking to apply for a new J-1 visa should contact the U.S. embassy/consulate for instructions on how to apply for the national interest exception.
- The exception/waiver process may apply to non-student Exchange Visitors applying for J-1 visas who want to enter the U.S. as in one of the following categories: research scholars, visiting professors, or short-term scholars. ISSS has received conflicting guidance. Please reach out to ISSS for advice if you are an Exchange Visitor in one of these categories.
Travel Plans
Please keep these entry restrictions in mind if you plan on departing the U.S. and/or intend on returning to the U.S. Also, please bear in mind that travel restrictions are subject to change. A country that is not subject to a travel restriction today, may be subject tomorrow.
Reaching Out
We understand that these are stressful times for the international community given the many uncertainties and tragic situations caused by the pandemic. CU Boulder is here to assist you to navigate any challenges. Campus resources include the听,听303-492-8855,听which offers 24/7 phone support for students, faculty and听staff;听,听303-492-2277,听which offers 24/7 phone support for听students;听and the听,听303-492-3020,听which offers support for faculty and staff.听听
ISSS is here to support its community. Please feel free to join an ISSS听Zoom Advising听session or reach out by听email.听