News & Announcements

On October 12, 2021, the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security announced that, beginning in November 2021, non-essential travelers (for example, tourists, friends and family visitors) who have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19, will be permitted to enter the U.S. from Canada and Mexico via land border and ferry crossings by showing appropriate documentation. Click on title for full details.

On October 25, 2021 President Biden issued a Proclamation, effective November 8, 2021, removing most travel restrictions on entry to the U.S. by nonimmigrant air travelers.

UPDATED 10/21/2021: US Department of Homeland Security/Customs and Border Protection has extended the restrictions on “non-essential travel” across the land borders between Canada and the US, and between Mexico and the US. Notices were published in the Federal Register, indicating that the non-essential travel restrictions will remain in place until January 21, 2022.

On August 12, 2021, the U.S Department of State updated their website posting on National Interest Exemptions (NIE) with some additional frequently asked questions (FAQ). Click on title for full details.

On July 6, 2021, the U.S. Department of State announced an Extension of validity for National Interest Exceptions (NIEs) for Travelers from China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and India. Click on title for full details.

On May 27, 2021, the U.S. Department of State provided updated guidance regarding certain individuals traveling to the U.S (including those in F and M student visa status and certain academics in J exchange visitor programs) from the restricted countries mentioned below.” Click on title for full details.

The U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Russia website indicates that routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services have been suspended. Click on title for full details.

On April 30, 2021, President Biden signed a Presidential Proclamation/Executive Order adding India to the list of countries subject to COVID-19 travel restrictions for entry to the U.S. within 14 days of being physically present in India. Click on title for full details.

On April 27, 2021 the U.S. Department of State announced that all in-person and interview-waiver visa appointments are cancelled at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, and the Consulates in Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata until May 15, 2021 due to COVID-19. Click on title for full details.

On April 19, 2021, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) published a Travel Advisory Update. It states that “the COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose unprecedented risks to travelers. Click on title for full details.

Presidential Proclamation 10052, which temporarily suspended the entry to the U.S. of certain H-1B, H-2B, L nonimmigrants, and certain J Exchange Visitors, expired on March 31, 2021. Click on title for full details.

On February 24, 2021, President Biden released a Proclamation revoking the prior administration’s suspension of immigrant visas due to the 2019 corona virus outbreak (Proclamation 10014, section 1 of Proclamation 10052 and section 1 of Proclamation 10131). The “immigrant” visa allows an individual to enter the US as a permanent resident (I-551 stamp).