Updates to Federal Restrictions for International Travelers
Three new policy announcements from the Biden administration ease restrictions for students, scholars and staff attempting to enter the United States.
-By Hal Matthews/Duke Global Staff
Travel restrictions for lifted for fully-vaccinated individuals
The Biden Administration announced that it plans to lift international travel restrictions in November for individuals fully-vaccinated against COVID-19. Travelers must also show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days before their flight to the U.S.
Read more.
U.S. State Department expands waivers for student visa interviews
The U.S. State Department has authorized consular officers to waive required visa interviews through the end of 2021 for eligible F, M, and academic J visa applicants. Eligible applicants include those who have previously been issued any type of visa, have never been refused a visa and have no apparent or potential ineligibility. The waiver also applies to first-time visa applicants who are citizens or nationals of a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Read the full announcement.
U.S. State Department delegates authority to consular officials for restrictions affecting Chinese scholars
The State Department recently released a federal registrar notice delegating authority to consular officials to determine whether it is in the national interest to admit an applicant who would otherwise be subject to restrictions under Presidential Proclamation (PP) 10043. PP10043 restricts entry to the United States for many Chinese students or scholars on an F or J visa who currently or previously have been affiliated with the People’s Liberation Army.