Presidential Actions: Proclamation on the Suspension of Entry as Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting Coronavirus Disease 2019

On April 30, 2021, President Biden signed a proclamation effective May 4, 2021, which bars entry of travelers coming from India similar to the previous geographic COVID-19 proclamations. On April 26, 2021, Department of State updated its National Interest Exception (NIE) page to expand certain NIE eligibilities to China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland. On April 30, 2021 the Department of State included India in its National Interest Exception (NIE) policies.

In the Proclamation, President Biden stated that the entry into the United States, as nonimmigrants, of noncitizens, who were physically present within the Republic of India during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States be suspended and limited. Subsequently, the NIE provided limited exceptions to the proclamation.

Affected Individuals

• Nonimmigrants, of noncitizens of the United States (“noncitizens”) who were physically present during the 14‑day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States in the following countries:
  • India
  • China
  • Iran
  • Brazil
  • South Africa
  • Schengen Area countries
  • United Kingdom
  • Ireland
• Valid F-1 visa holders intending to begin or continue an academic program, in the United States, commencing before August 1, 2021

Exceptions

The following individuals are not subject to the entry restrictions:

• Persons aboard a flight scheduled to arrive in the United States that departed prior to 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on May 4, 2021
• Students with a valid F-1 visa intending to begin or continue an academic program commencing August 1, 2021 or later
• F-1 visa holders on OPT or STEM OPT seeking to re-enter the U.S. after August 1, 2021
• Immigrants, U.S. citizens, and lawful permanent residents (LPR)

Implications for the immigrant population of UT Dallas

• Valid F-1 visa holders intending to begin or continue an academic program after August 1, 2021 may enter the United States no earlier than 30 days before the program start date listed on their Form I-20
• F-1 students on Post-Completion OPT or the STEM Extension of OPT, if re-entering before August 1, will need to spend 14 days outside the listed geographical region before entering the U.S. Can enter directly from the listed geographical regions after August 1, 2021
• Students with a summer start date, or students on OPT, who need to return prior to August 1, 2021 may consider traveling to a third country for at least 14 days prior to traveling to the U.S.
• Individuals from the listed geographical regions, present in the United State, in valid F-1 status or other nonimmigrant category, are able to remain in the U.S. working and studying as appropriate for their immigration category
• Legal Permanent Residents from the listed geographical regions are able to remain in the U.S. working and studying as appropriate for their immigration category

The ISSO is here for you

If you have immigration questions about your F-1 status, please contact the ISSO through the iComet “Ask an Advisor” eForm. If you would prefer to speak with an advisor one-on-one, you may join us for Live Chat (available every week day) or schedule an appointment with an F-1 advisor (available up to seven days in advance).

ISSO Advising Hours May 3 – 7

The ISSO will not be available to offer advising the week of May 7. We are temporarily reducing advising availability to allow ISSO advisors to focus on processing time sensitive student requests. We appreciate your patience and understanding. The ISSO will return to full advising services, including Live Chat hours, on Monday May 10.