On July 6, 2021, the Department of State (DOS) announced that approved National Interest Exceptions (NIEs) are valid for 12 months and multiple entries. This policy applies retroactively to travelers granted an individual NIE within the prior 12 months. Previously, NIEs were valid for a single entry within 30 days of approval.
Students and dependents in F status have a “blanket” NIE with a valid F visa that permits entry to the US from certain countries subject to Presidential Proclamations related to the spread of COVID -19: UK, Ireland, the Schengen Area , China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa and India.
Nonimmigrants in other visa categories who are physically present in any if these countries in the 14-day period preceding their desired date of travel to the US are restricted from entry unless they have obtained an individual NIE from a consulate.
Read the State Department’s announcement here.
