On Thursday the Department of State announced that the travel of immigrants, fiancé(e) visa holders, certain J exchange visitors, and certain pilots and aircrew traveling to the United States is in the national interest for purposes of approving exceptions under the geographic COVID Presidential Proclamations impacting China, Iran, the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, Ireland, Brazil, and South Africa.
Travel on an immigrant or fiancé(e) visa is in the national interest for purposes of granting exceptions under the geographic COVID proclamations. Immigrant Visa processing posts may now grant immigrant and fiancé(e) visas to applicants otherwise eligible, notwithstanding these proclamations.
Travel by certain J exchange visitors is in the national interest for purposes of granting exceptions under the geographic COVID Presidential Proclamations. National interest exceptions under these proclamations may be approved for the following categories of travel:
Travel by an au pair to provide care for a minor U.S. citizen, LPR, or nonimmigrant in lawful status when the au pair possesses special skills required for a child with particular needs (e.g., medical, special education, or sign language).
Travel by an au pair that prevents a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or other nonimmigrant in lawful status from becoming a public health charge.
Travel by an au pair to provide childcare services for a child whose parents are involved with the provision of medical care to individuals who have contracted COVID-19 or medical research at United States facilities to help the United States combat COVID-19.
Travel for an exchange program conducted pursuant to an MOU, Statement of Intent, or other valid agreement or arrangement between a foreign government and any federal, state, or local government entity in the United States that is designed to promote U.S. national interests if the agreement or arrangement with the foreign government was in effect prior to June 24, 2020.
Travel by Interns and Trainees on U.S. government agency-sponsored programs (program number beginning with "G-3" on Form DS-2019) in which he or she will be hosted by a U.S. government agency and the program supports the immediate and continued economic recovery of the United States.
Travel by Specialized Teachers in Accredited Educational Institutions (program number beginning with "G-5" on Form DS-2019) in which he or she will teach full-time, including a substantial portion that is in person, in a publicly or privately operated primary or secondary accredited educational institution where the applicant demonstrates ability to make a specialized contribution to the education of students in the United States.
Travel in support of critical foreign policy objectives: This only includes exchange visitors participating in a small number of exchange programs that fulfill critical and time sensitive foreign policy objectives.
Travel by pilots and aircrew for training or aircraft pickup, delivery, or maintenance is in the national interest for purposes of granting exceptions under the geographic Presidential Proclamations.
This announcement expands previously announced category exceptions to the Regional COVID proclamations for the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland.
After meeting demand for services for U.S. citizens, embassies and consulates will continue to prioritize immediate family members of U.S. citizens including intercountry adoptions and spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens, as well as fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens, and certain Special Immigrant Visa applications, in accordance with the phased resumption of visa services guidance.