USDOS Announces NIE Issued By US Embassy/Consulate Valid for Entry to US for 12 Months, Multiple Entries
On July 6, 2021, the U.S. Department of State announced an Extension of validity for National Interest Exceptions (NIEs) for Travelers from China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and India. The extension applies to travelers subject to Presidential Proclamations restricting travel from or through China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, the Schengen area, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and India, who have been granted NIEs. Per the announcement, unless otherwise indicated, existing NIEs, previously granted by U.S. Consulates, and which may appear to have expired, will be “valid for 12 months from the date of approval and for multiple entries, as long as they are used for the purpose under which they were granted.”
Prior to this update, an approved NIE was only valid for travel/entry to the U.S. for 30 days and only one entry.
As a reminder, along with the NIE, students and scholars subject to the travel restriction must also have a valid entry visa in their passport (for their F or J visa status) issued by a U.S. Embassy/Consulate to be able to enter the U.S. The NIE is not a substitute for a valid F or J entry visa.
Details about the original Presidential Proclamation, subsequent updates, and National Interest Exceptions and can be viewed on the Major Immigration Alerts & Updates, as well as ISchO News and ISO Visas and Travel pages.
