US Opens Borders for Schengen field, Ireland & UK students, academics & businessmen

The United States has agreed, in an unprecedented move, to open borders for some business travelers, investors, treaty merchants, scholars, and students from the Schengen Region, Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Although the general travel ban for U.S. citizens of those countries remains in place, the U.S. Department of State has argued that these categories of travelers from selected countries in Europe are eligible for entry into the U.S. under the National Interest Exceptions, which allow temporary travel on a temporary basis, which is a significant advantage for the U.S. economy.

Students traveling with valid F-1 and M-1 visas from the Schengen Region, the United Kingdom and Ireland do not need to apply for a national interest exemption in order to travel. In a notice published on the website of the Bureau of Consular Affairs, the Department of State announces that students from those areas who travel on J-1 can contact the nearest embassy or consulate to initiate an exemption request.

The notice also asserts that the granting to the United States of the Schengen Region, the United Kingdom and Ireland of national interest exemptions for such travel would assist with the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and support key components of our transatlantic relationship.

The following conditions must be met by students holding F1 or M1 visas and their dependents:

• Have to have a valid I-2020

• In-person lessons must be offered by the college or university

• There are no colleges or universities switching to online-only courses.

• The SEVIS tax paid by SEVIS

• Under local requirements, students would need to self-quarantine.

Those who currently hold a valid F1/F2 and I-20 visa can travel to the United States and apply for admission. They are not allowed to reapply.

Academics holding J1 visas have a valid DS-2019 and their dependents. Under this decision, the following groups holding J1 visas are allowed to enter:

• PROFESSORS

• Scholars of Science

• Short Term Researchers

• The Professionals

Changes to the entry rules do not refer to the following: au pairs, summer camp, instructors, volunteers, trainees, students, travel programs for summer jobs.

As far as business travellers (B1/B2) are concerned, the following are included in the entry ban exemption:

• Technical experts and The Professionals

• Managers and executives at senior level

• Professional athletes and key workers who attend major sporting events

Their dependents are eligible for admission, too.