National Interest Exception (NIE) Overview

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

F-1 STUDENTS:

The U.S. Department of State announced that students traveling from India, China, Iran, Brazil, and South Africa who have a valid F-1 visa 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).  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. 

At this time, there is lack of clarity on the actual date of eligibility to enter the U.S. for new or continuing students traveling from the affected countries. Specifically, there is confusion over whether or not students can enter 30 days prior to the start of their academic program if that date falls before August 1, 2021. The start of the Carnegie Mellon academic program for fall 2021 is the August 30, 2021 start of classes.  We encourage you to check with your local consulate and/or airline for confirmation prior to your travel date.

I am a new student currently in one of the affected countries. What does this mean for me?

• 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.
• With an August 30 program start date, students should be able to enter the U.S. as early as July 31, 2021.

I am a continuing student planning to return to the U.S. from one of the affected countries. What does this mean for me?

• F-1 students who are continuing their studies and who meet the NIE criteria are automatically eligible and do not need to contact an embassy or consulate to seek the individual NIE for travel.
• It is our current understanding that F-1 students returning to the U.S. to continue their academic studies will not be able to return to the U.S. until 30 days prior to the next session start date, which falls on August 30, 2021.

I am on post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT and presently in one of the affected countries. What does this mean for me?

• F-1 students on OPT/STEM OPT who meet the NIE criteria are automatically eligible and do not need to contact an embassy or consulate to seek the individual NIE for travel.
• It is our current understanding that F-1 students who are on OPT/STEM OPT and presently in a country under a COVID travel ban will be unable to return to the U.S. until August 1, 2021.

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."