On April 26, 2021, the United States Department of State made a national interest determination regarding categories of travelers eligible for exceptions under Presidential Proclamations (PPs) 9984, 9992, and 10143 related to the spread of COVID-19. As a result of this determination, certain travelers who were subject to these proclamations, due to their presence in China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, the Schengen area, the United Kingdom, and Ireland, may now be eligible for a National Interest Exception (NIE).

Until now, the NIE was only offered to F-1 students traveling from the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom and Ireland. With this update, the NIE has been expanded to include students and certain academics covered by exchange visitor programs who are subject to the above proclamations due to their presence in China, Iran, Brazil, or South Africa. The NIE covers students with a valid F-1 visa and supporting documents (including a Form I-20) with an academic program start date of August 1, 2021 or later. Please note, new F-1 students with an initial I-20 can enter the U.S. no earlier than 30 days prior to the program start date indicated on their I-20.

Students with a valid F-1 visa can travel to the United States without contacting the US embassy if their program is commencing on August 1, 2021 or later. 

See the April 26, 2021 announcement here.