NIEs Now Valid for 12 Months from the Date of Approval
Gabriela Ungo • July 7, 2021
The U.S. Department of State has extended the validity of National Interest Exceptions (NIE)
for travelers subject to travel bans related to the spread of COVID-19. Existing NIEs will now be valid for 12 months, instead of 30 days, from the date of approval and for multiple entries, as long as they are used consistent with the purpose under which they were granted.
Certain non immigrant visa holders and ESTA travelers have been subject to travel restrictions for almost 16 months, due to their physical presence in countries including the UK, Ireland, Schengen EU, Iran, Brazil, China, South Africa and India. Travelers may renter the United States by submitting evidence at the U.S. Consulate that the are "traveling to provide vital support or executive direction to critical infrastructure; those traveling to provide vital support or executive direction for significant economic activity in the United States; journalists; travel due to extraordinary humanitarian circumstances; or travel in support of national security or public health."
Travelers physically present in those countries, who are also eligible for NIE are:
- Travelers with immigrant or fiancé visas;
- Journalists;
- Students holding valid F-1 or M-1 visas traveling to begin or continue an academic program. They may enter the United States no earlier than 30 days before the start of their academic studies. NIE eligibility for students who have been present in Brazil, China, India, Iran or South Africa applies to programs that begin on or after August 1, 2021.
For assistance with a National Interest Exception Waiver application, or for information on other areas please contact our office at info@gcngo.com.
Importance that all foreign nationals promptly file Form AR-11, Change of Address during Trump Administration 2.0
USCIS announced that the initial registration period for the fiscal year 2026 H-1B cap will open at noon Eastern on March 7 and run through noon Eastern on March 24, 2025.
A Priority Date is essentially your place in line for a Green Card.
The USCIS Final Fee Rule will be effective as of April 1, 2024. It includes an overall weighted average increase of 40% in application fees
USCIS will soon be announcing the opening of the fiscal year (FY) 2025 H-1B Lottery. arch 1, 2024 is expected to be the first day on which USCIS will accepts H1B registrations for the fiscal year 2025 that begins on October 1, 2024.
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) released guidance and FAQs on the pilot program to resume domestic visa renewals for qualified H-1B nonimmigrant visa applicants who meet certain requirements.
Effective February 26, 2024, premium processing fees will increase from $2,500 to $2,805; from $1,750 to $1,965; and from $1,500 to $1,685
On October 23, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to modernize and improve the H-1B visa program. DHS will accept public comments until December 22, 2023.
Limited to principal H-1B applicants, the stateside visa renewal pilot program is expected to kick off early 2024, and will be available to nationals of countries that are not subject to visa reciprocity fees, such as India.
USCIS to increase the maximum validity period to 5 years for initial and renewal Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for certain noncitizens