Immigration Updates for 2021-2022 Academic Year

National Interest Exceptions for Certain Travelers from China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland

On April 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of State shared some positive news affecting students and some scholars traveling from China, Iran, Brazil, and South Africa, and reconfirmed prior guidance for some travelers from the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland. Students in those locations who have a valid F-1 visa and are intending to begin or continue an academic program in the United States commencing August 1, 2021 or later will automatically qualify for a National Interest Exception (NIE) and J-1 students and scholars will be able to request an NIE under Presidential Proclamations (PPs) 9984, 9992, and 10143 related to the spread of COVID-19.

What does this mean for CMU students and scholars?

FOR F-1 STUDENTS:

• Previously, F-1 students traveling from the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland  were allowed to travel from those countries to the U.S. under a National Interest Exception (NIE) and may continue to do so under the updated policy. 
• Under the new policy, F-1 students traveling from China, Iran, Brazil, and South Africa can now also travel to the U.S. under an NIE if they are beginning or resuming their studies August 1, 2021 or later.
• F-1 students who are continuing their studies do not need to contact an embassy or consulate to seek the individual NIE for travel.
• Students applying for an F-1 visa will automatically be considered for an NIE to travel if found to be otherwise qualified for an F-1 visa.

For J-1 students and scholars:

• J-1 students and "certain academics covered by exchange visitor programs" which begin August 1 or later, and who have a valid visa, should contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consult to request a National Interest Exception (NIE) before traveling.
• J-1 students and scholars applying for a J-1 visa should request an NIE at the time of visa application.

Scholars in other immigration statuses traveling from these countries may be eligible for an NIE if they are traveling to the U.S. for "purposes related to humanitarian travel, public health response, and national security."

The full statement is available on the Department of State website.

Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP) Shares 2021-2022 Academic Year Guidance

Also on April 26, 2021, the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP) updated its COVID-19 guidance to reflect the 2021-22 academic year. As a reminder, the initial guidance provided in March 2020 pertained to colleges and universities that were operating in remote or hybrid modalities. While no substantive changes were made to the guidance, OIE sought additional clarification from SEVP and has received confirmation on the following:

• When schools resume normal operations in the fall, students will be expected to comply with the normal immigration regulations requiring on-campus, in-person study. 
• Students who were studying in the U.S. on or before March 9, 2020, will be able to retain active SEVIS status if they are unable to return to the U.S. and will be enrolled full-time while abroad.
• Based on the current guidance, students traveling to the U.S. to participate in CMU’s plans for a robust in-person experience this fall should plan to register for in-person courses.

OIE will continue to  seek clarifications, as necessary, and we will communicate with students and departments as we learn more.  In the meantime, it is clear that CMU will be able to continue to issue electronic I-20s for students to use at visa appointments and for travel purposes.

The university and OIE continue to be mindful about the potential impacts updated guidance may have on our international community. Supporting and advocating for Carnegie Mellon’s international community - so students and families are well-informed when making decisions - has always been central to OIE's work. When additional updates and clarifications are received from SEVP and as the university finalizes plans for the fall 2021 semester, OIE staff look forward to sharing that information.

As always, OIE staff are looking forward to assisting students, families and scholars who have questions or concerns.