Study Abroad: Don Heflin, the Minister Counselor for Consular Affairs at the US embassy, informed that the US-bound students will not require any proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter the country. They will need a negative report of their COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before their departure. Also, on Sunday, the US mission in India is working to accommodate as many student visa applicants as possible in July and August. Their top priority is facilitating students legitimate travel, a senior American diplomat said. 

Student’s Visa Applicants 

The Minister Counselor for Consular Affairs at the US embassy informed that they will start an intensive two months of interviewing student visa applicants on 1st July. They have plan to open as many appointments as we can safely accommodate, based on local pandemic conditions across India.  Student visa applicants do not need an expedited appointment to schedule their visa interview. On 14th June, they will open July and August appointments for students. 

Proof of Vaccination

The official said proof of vaccination is not required to enter the United States. However, the proof of a negative COVID-19 test result, taken within 72 hours of the flight’s departure, is required to board a flight and for entry into the United States. Although proof of vaccination is not required to enter the United States, individual schools or institutions may set their requirements. 

The US education system operates independently from the federal government, and students should consult closely with their host institution to ensure compliance with individual vaccination requirements. There are more than 4,500 accredited universities in the US that operate autonomously, and the policy adopted by one school for its students and teaching community may not be the same as that for another one. 

Also, parents travelling to the country, to accompany a student headed to the US, will be classified as tourists. “Tourist travel remains prohibited according to Presidential Proclamation 10199.” as per the officials. 

Statement of Don Heflin

As per media reports, Don Heflin said that “We recognise the stress and anxiety this has caused to students and their families, and we are actively working to accommodate as many student visa applicants as possible in July and August. Facilitating legitimate student travel to the United States remains a top priority for the US Mission to India.” 

About National Interest Exception

The official was asked about the rising uncertainty among the Indian students wanting to travel to the US, which had imposed fresh travel restrictions in May. “Students returning to academic programmes that resume on or after August 1 may travel to the United States up to 30 days before the programme resumes. There is no National Interest Exception required in this situation.” He further recommended students discuss their specific resumption plans with their respective universities to develop a travel timeline. The National Interest Exceptions (NIE) allow travel to the US for persons whose entry is considered of national interest. 

Earlier, due to a surge in COVID-19 infections in India, President Joe Biden authorised a travel ban for certain nonimmigrants from India under a Presidential Proclamation that came into effect on 4th May. “Presidential Proclamation 10199 only applies to non-citizens who have been physically present in India within the 14 days preceding their application for entry to the United States. The US Embassy and US Consulates do not provide advice on specific travel planning,” the official said. 

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