On June 29, 2021, the U.S. Department of State extended National Interest Exceptions (NIE). This applies to travelers subject to Presidential Proclamations (PPs). These include PPs: 9984, 9992, 10143, 10199, and others related to the spread of COVID-19. Unless otherwise stated, NIEs are valid for 12 months from the date of approval. NIE’s are valid for multiple entries, if used for the intended purpose. This extension applies to travelers subject to these proclamations due to presence in China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, the Schengen area, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and India with currently approved NIEs or NIE’s granted in conjunction with a visa application. Most of these PP’s date back to 2020.
Travelers should contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate before traveling, if they were not previously approved for a NIE and have a valid visa in the appropriate class or have a valid ESTA authorization for travel under the Visa Waiver Program and seek to travel for purposes consistent with ESTA authorization. If approved, they may travel on either a valid visa or ESTA authorization. Each approved NIE is valid for 12 months from the date of approval. The NIE may be used to travel to the United States multiple times for the intended purpose. The 12 month and multiple entry extensions applies retroactively to all existing NIEs approved in the last 12 months. Travelers approved for an NIE may travel to the United States using their existing NIE if it was approved in the last 12 months and if the purpose of travel is the same as the purpose for which it was granted. Travelers who need visas and who believe their travel to be in the United States’ national interest should review the website of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for instructions. More information may be found on the U.S. Department of States website at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/extension-validity-for-nies-for-china-iran-brazil-south-africa-schengen-uk-ireland-india.html
The immigration attorneys at Heiferman & Associates have successfully obtained National Interest Exemptions. Additionally, we applied for them before multiple US Embassies in foreign countries. Our immigration lawyers also assist clients with applying for most visas, green cards and citizenship. We defend clients in Immigration Court and with appeals. We are available by appointment, Zoom, Teams, Google and more. Please contact us today at (718) 888-9545 to schedule an initial consultation.