SUMMARY OF ALL U.S. ENTRY RESTRICTIONS RELATED TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC
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 President Biden terminates them. Foreign nationals (not a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident) – other than immediate family of U.S. citizens and permanent residents and a few other limited exceptions– who have been in these countries within the last 14 days will be denied entry into the United States.
National Interest Exception/Waiver Available– Students on F-1 or J-1 Visas & Select Others
There is an exception/waiver process for foreign nationals whose entry would be in the “national interest.”
Students
According to the U.S. Department of State, students entering the U.S. on F-1 or J-1 visas are eligible for national interest exceptions.
The U.S. Department of State’s guidance specifically indicates the following regarding students who wish to enter the U.S. on F-1 visas:
Students With Valid F-1 Visas Present in China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, and India
Students with valid F-1 visas coming from China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, and India intending to begin or continue an academic program including Optional Practical Training (OPT) 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 program.
- For students starting a new degree program, this means that they can enter the U.S. on a valid F-1 visa up to 30 days prior to the start date indicated on the Form I-20 as long as the start date is after Aug. 1.
- For students who are returning to the U.S. to continue a degree program, this means that they can enter the U.S. no earlier than July 24 which is 30 days before the start of classes for the Fall 2021 semester.
- For students who are returning to the U.S. to continue with OPT, this means that they can enter the U.S. no earlier than July 1 which is 30 days prior to Aug. 1.
Students With Valid F-1 Visas Present in the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland
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 date of their academic program.
- For students who are starting a new degree program, the start date is indicated on the Form I-20.
- For students who are returning to the U.S. to continue a degree program, to ensure you are allowed entry into the U.S., we suggest that you do not try to reenter the U.S. any earlier than July 24.
- For students who are returning to the U.S. to continue with OPT, it is unclear from the U.S. Department of State guidance if you are able to enter prior to July 1.You may want to wait until after that date to return to the U.S. to ensure that you will be allowed entry.
Students Needing to Apply for F-1 or J-1 Visas –
Present in Country Subject to 14 Day Entry Restriction
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 subject to the 14-day entry restriction due to their presence in China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, or India seeking to apply for F-1 visas may qualify for the national interest exception/waiver only if their academic program or OPT begins Aug. 1 or later.
- Students seeking to apply for 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.
Scholars
Exchange Visitors Present in Country Subject to 14 Day Entry Restriction
The U.S. Department of State recently released guidance clarifying that the exception/waiver process applies to non-student Exchange Visitors applying for J-1 visas or intending to enter or renter the U.S. in one of the following categories: research scholar, visiting professor, short-term scholar, or specialist. Scholars who intend to apply for an Exchange Visitor (J-1) visa and/or enter (or return) to the U.S. as an Exchange Visitor should check the status of visa services at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and inquire about how to apply for the national interest exception.
Scholars With or Applying For H-1B Visas & Present in Country Subject to 14 Day Entry Restriction
According to the U.S. Department of State’s recent guidance if individuals do not meet one of the articulated exceptions, they may be granted an individual exception if they are:
- “providing vital support for critical infrastructure sectors or directly linked supply chains” as detailed on this U.S. government website;
- continuing with research in an area with substantial public health benefit (e.g. research related to cancer, COVID-19, communicable diseases, etc.); or
- or assisting with national security.
If you believe that one of these exceptions applies to you, check the status of visa services at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and inquire about how to apply for the national interest exception.
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.
Any physical presence in any of the countries listed above, including flight connections and layovers, may trigger the 14-day entry restriction. The U.S. government has not released specific guidance regarding flight connections and layovers and the 14-day entry restrictions.
Reaching Out
We understand that these are stressful times for the international community given the many uncertainties. CU Boulder can assist you to navigate any challenges. Campus resources include the Office of Victim Assistance (OVA), 303-492-8855, which offers 24/7 phone support for students, faculty and staff; Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS), 303-492-2277, which offers 24/7 phone support for students; and the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP), 303-492-3020, which offers support for faculty and staff.
ISSS is here to support its community. Please feel free to join an ISSS Zoom Advising session or reach out to us by email.