A senior US diplomat mentioned on Sunday that the US mission in India is “actively working” to accommodate extra scholar visa candidates in July and August, and facilitating their official journey is a prime precedence.
Counselor Don Heflin, the Minister of Consular Affairs on the US Embassy, additionally mentioned that college students touring to the US won’t want any proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter the nation. A unfavourable report of their COVID-19 take a look at shall be required to be taken inside 72 hours from their departure.
Concerns are rising amongst numerous Indian college students aspiring to go to the US for larger research within the wake of some restrictions in getting visas as a result of coronavirus pandemic.
The embassy will begin providing visa interview slots for Indian college students from Monday.
“We recognize the stress and anxiety of students and their families, and we are actively working to accommodate as many student visa applicants as possible in July and August. Legalized student travel in the United States is facilitated in India. remains the top priority for the US mission,” Heflin informed PTI in an interview.
The official was requested concerning the rising uncertainty amongst Indian college students eager to journey to the US, which imposed new journey restrictions in May.
“Students returning to academic programs that resume on or after August 1 may travel to the United States for up to 30 days before the program resumes. No national interest exception is required in this situation,” he mentioned.
“We recommend that students discuss their specific reinstatement plans with their respective universities to develop a continuing student travel timeline,” Heflin mentioned.
The National Interest Exception (NIE) permits journey to the US for people whose entry is deemed to be within the nationwide curiosity.
“We intend to begin a two-month intensive interview of student visa applicants on July 1. We will plan to safely open multiple appointments across India depending on the local pandemic situation,” Heflin mentioned.
“Student visa candidates don’t want an expedited appointment to schedule their visa interview. On June 14 we are going to open the July and August appointments for college students.
When requested about fears associated to vaccination, the official mentioned proof of vaccination isn’t required to enter the United States.
“Please be aware that proof of a unfavourable COVID-19 take a look at end result, taken inside 72 hours of the departure of your flight, is required to board a flight and enter the United States.
“While proof of vaccination isn’t required to enter the United States, particular person faculties or establishments can set their very own necessities. The American training system operates independently of the federal authorities, and college students adjust to particular person vaccination necessities. ought to seek the advice of carefully with their host establishment to make sure.”
Heflin mentioned there are greater than 4,500 accredited universities within the US that function autonomously, and the coverage adopted by one faculty for its college students and the educating group is probably not the identical for an additional.
When requested whether or not the exception can be thought-about for fogeys who want to accompany a scholar to the US, the official mentioned the dad and mom touring to the nation, in that case, can be labeled as vacationers. Will go
“Tourist travel is prohibited in accordance with Presidential Declaration 10199,” he mentioned.
In the wake of rising COVID-19 infections in India, President Joe Biden licensed a journey ban for sure non-immigrants from India underneath a presidential proclamation, which got here into pressure on May 4.
“President’s Proclamation 10199 applies solely to non-citizens who’ve been bodily current in India inside 14 days previous to their utility for entry into the United States. US embassies and US consulates don’t advise on particular journey planning Let it’s,” mentioned the officer.
He was requested if a scholar might go to a different nation to use for a US scholar visa and be quarantined there for 14 days earlier than coming into the US.
“Please be aware that F and M-visa holders touring from India will have the ability to enter the US inside 30 days from the date of the beginning of a brand new program or the date of resumption of this system on or after August 1 This implies that some college students shall be eligible to journey until July 2. No nationwide curiosity exception is required in these issues,” he mentioned.
Heflin mentioned scholar visa candidates with canceled appointments might want to make a brand new appointment and that new scholar visa appointments shall be made out there on a first-come, first-served foundation.
Asked whether or not the dependents of somebody with a legitimate H1B visa are thought-about for NIE exemption, he mentioned such individuals, who’ve particular plans to journey and may exhibit their eligibility for NIE, can apply to the embassy. Or contact the consulate.
He mentioned holders of nonimmigrant visas, together with these with H1-B and who are usually not topic to Presidential Declaration 10199 by advantage of their household relationship with a US citizen or LPR (lawful everlasting resident) partner or single minor little one They don’t require NIE.
“Such passengers must bring proof of qualifying relationship to present to airline officials when commencing travel to the United States,” he mentioned.
When requested whether or not instant relations of a US citizen can get an expedited visa if the US citizen is planning to journey quickly, Heflin mentioned that there’s a want for expedited visa appointments primarily based on the aim of the applicant’s journey. The choice is made.
“Visa candidates who’ve an pressing must journey to the US, for instance, for life-saving medical therapy, can apply for an expedited visa appointment …
“Applicants requesting early appointment must also present evidence that they are not subject to President’s Declaration 10199 or otherwise qualify for a national interest exception from these travel restrictions,” he mentioned.
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
