US Travel Restrictions: U.S. DOS Issues New Guidance For Non-Immigrant Visas – Path2USA

The U.S. Division of State has issued new tips proscribing the issuance of non-immigrant visas to worldwide vacationers to the U.S. That is relevant to vacationers from the Schengen Space, UK, and Eire. And it notably impacts L-1 & E visa holders, in addition to these touring beneath the visa waiver program (ESTA). 

If eligible to journey and authorized by the DOS in Washington D.C. the visa stamp shall be legitimate for one entry into the uswithin 30 days of approval. Every subsequent journey would require a brand new justification or if certified, a brand new NIE waiver approval.

Earlier, throughout restricted Covid journey, U.S. allowed for L-1 visa holders within the capability of specialists, senior-level managers and executives to enter the nation. Skilled athletes and their dependents in addition to E visa holders might additionally qualify to journey to the U.S. This has now been rescinded.

Who Can Journey Underneath The New U.S. Journey Restriction

Underneath the brand new stricter journey tips, solely these vacationers and/or guests from the Schengen area, UK or Eire who present very important assist for important infrastructure within the U.S. shall be given an exception to journey. This can cowl people within the following sectors – 

• Chemical;
• Industrial Services;
• Communications;
• Crucial Manufacturing;
• Dams;
• Protection Industrial Base;
• Emergency Providers;
• Power;
• Monetary Providers;
• Meals and Agriculture;
• Authorities Services;
• Healthcare and Public Well being;
• Data Know-how;
• Nuclear Reactors, Supplies, and Waste;
• Transportation Programs; and
• Water Programs.

Moreover, worldwide guests whose journey would instantly assist the creation or retention of U.S. jobs would possibly qualify for a Nationwide Curiosity Exception waiver. 

Essential: Whereas many technicians and specialists instantly concerned within the set up and upkeep of specialised equipment might qualify for a visa or NIE, many executives, skilled athletes and traders won’t qualify beneath this new NIE steering.

How To Apply For Nationwide Curiosity Exception Waiver When Touring To The U.S.

Candidates who fall beneath the above sectors and supply assist for important infrastructure within the U.S. must apply for the visa or NIE waiver on the Division of State in Washington, D.C. They must present documentary proof to consular officers concerning:

• The rationale to journey to the U.S.,

• Have to be bodily current in the usto execute the duty,

• Instant timelines of the venture or process that displays that it can’t be postponed or carried out remotely,

• How the duty or particular person touring will instantly assist substantial job creation or retention within the U.S.

Definition Of “Very important Sector” In accordance To The DOS

In response to the brand new journey tips introduced by the Division of State, vacationers from UK, Schengen and Eire must assist an important sector inside the US to qualify for a visa.

They outline ‘very important sector’ because the “set up, acquisition, upkeep, and important security coaching essential to maintain the provision and manufacturing chains within the referenced sectors”.

Furthermore, those that assist the continuity of operations in a important infrastructure-linked provide chains sector may qualify for an NIE. 

Exceptions To The New Journey Restrictions

Underneath the brand new steering, the next exceptions to journey bans live on and shall be granted by U.S. consular posts:

• NIE waivers and visa stamps which have been beforehand authorized won’t be revoked on account of this coverage. Subsequently, in the event you acquired an NIE waiver earlier than March 2, 2021, you’ll be able to journey to the U.S. in the course of the 30-day interval following such approval.

• U.S. residents, inexperienced card holders, and their dependents;

• Mother and father of minor U.S. residents and authorized everlasting residents;

• A or G visa holders touring as diplomats;

• C1/D visa holders as a part of air and ship crew;

• F or M worldwide visa college students;

• Journalist and J-1 Tutorial and Analysis Trade guests;

• Exceptions for humanitarian circumstances; and

• Exceptions for people touring to deal with COVID sufferers or conduct public well being analysis.

As extra journey opens up, the U.S. is taking a cautious strategy in what number of vacationers shall be allowed in. Path2USA retains you abreast of the most recent in all U.S. journey