As the COVID situation in India was very bad back in April 2021, President Biden signed an executive order on Apr 30th, 2021, that restricted travelers from India to enter US. In this article, we cover all the details of the US travel ban on Indian travelers, which US visas it applies to, who are exempt, when does it start, when does it end, other info. Also, we update this article as and when new updates happen on the travel ban.
US Travel Ban lifted from November 8th, 2021
President Biden signed a proclamation that lifted travel ban from Nov 8th, 2021. It also added new vaccination requirements for anyone entering US. Below is the key summary
- Travelers need to be fully vaccinated with the approved COVID vaccines. and have negative COVID test that is done within 3 days from departure date.
- You need to be vaccinated with either FDA approved or WHO Approved vaccines. Check List of COVID Vaccines accepted for US Travel
- Travelers need to share contact information like Phone number, email for contact tracing with Airlines
- Travelers do not need National Interest Exception, if they meet the above requirements to travel to US
- Check full details at US Travel Ban to be Lifted from Nov 2021 – Vaccination Must, India
Summary of Proclamation : US Bans Travelers from India
President Biden signed a proclamation on April 30th, that banned the entry of travelers from India. Below is the summary of the proclamation and guidance given by US Department of State based on the proclamation.
Why US Travel Ban for Travelers from India ? Reason?
As per the proclamation signed by President Biden, the decision to ban travelers from India is based on recommendations from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) based on the critical situation in India with the surge in cases due to COVID-19. They say there is a new variant in India called B.1.617, including the other variants from UK and South Africa present in India. As per CDC they are more easily transmittable and as a proactive measure they are restricting and suspending travelers from India to United states.
Who all from India does the US Travel Ban Apply to ?
The travel ban applies to the below list of individuals from India
Physically Present in India for 14 days before Travel
The travel ban applies to all non-us citizens who were physically present in India during the 14 days before their entry to US or their attempted entry to US, unless they fall under certain exceptions as listed by US Dept of State or they fall under national interest exception waiver. Below is the screenshot from the proclamation.
List of Non-US Citizens from India who are subject to Travel Ban to US
Below is the list of US non-immigrant visa holders who are banned unless they fall under national interest exceptions or other exceptions as given by department of state.
- H1B Visa holders & their dependent on H4 Visa
- L1A, L1B visa holder and their dependents on L2 visa
- B1/ B2, B2 Visa Travelers, including parents traveling on B2 visas
- F1, J1, M1 Visa holders, unless their program starts on August 1st or later.
- All other non-immigrant visa holders, who travel to India to US.
List of Travelers from India to US, who fall under Exceptions
Below is the list of travellers from India, who are exempted from the proclamation and can travel to US.
Exceptions based on President Proclamation
- US Citizens
- US Green Card Holders
- Immigrant Visa holders with valid Immigrant Visa (seeking Green card from outside US)
- Spouse of US Citizen
- Parents or legal guardians of US Citizen or Green Card holder who are under 21 years of age
- Siblings of US Citizens or green card holders who are unmarried and under 21 years of age
- Foreign diplomats traveling to US on A, G visas. E-1, NATO -1 through NATO-4, NATO-6 Visas
- Air and Sea Crew traveling on C, D, C1/D visa
Exceptions based on National Interest(NIE) by US Dept of State
- Fiancé(e)s on K-1 Visa
- F1 and M1 Visa students with academic program starting on August 1st, 2021 or later. They can enter US only 30 days before the start of the program. It includes continuing F1 and M1 Visa holders with program continuation starting on August 1st, 2021 or later.
- Journalists
- Anyone entering US to provide vital support for critical infrastructure sectors. They have not given explicit list. Very likely something related to Health care and others. You should check with consulate on this.
- Pilots and aircrew members, others supporting aircraft maintenance, training, support entering on B1/B2, B1 and M1 Visas, including Visa Waiver programs
- Someone traveling as an au pair (young foreign worker) to support minor US Citizens, Green Card holders, or nonimmigrants with special skills like medical, special education or sign language. Similar other exchange visitors who provide child care services, medical research, others
- Specialized Teachers with program under G-5, who are full time teachers.
- Exchange visitors supporting critical foreign policy needs
- Qualified travelers for purpose of humanitarian travel, public health response, national security.
- Derivative family members, who are joining someone who have been granted National Interest Exception (NIE) or likely to get NIE exception or is not subject to NIE in general. Example : If H1B holder got NIE, then H4 holder can also get NIE as per this clause. This was added on May 12th, 2021.
Process before Travel, if you fall under National Interest Exception
If you are subject to the proclamation, but fall under the exceptions listed above under National Interest Exception(NIE), you need to follow the below process. You need to have definitive plans for travel. This is as per official guidance given by US Embassy on their website
Step 1 : Email US Consulate/ Embassy with Details : You need to email Consulate that issued your Non-immigrant visa with the below details in tabular format. The below table should be in the email body with supporting information. It should be in English only.
| Last name: | Your Family Name or Last Name as it appears on passport |
| First name: | Your First Name as it appears on Passport |
| Date of birth: | Your Date of Birth as it appears on Passport |
| Place of birth: | Your Place of Birth as it appears on Passport |
| Gender on passport: | Your Gender as it appears on passport |
| Country of citizenship: | Your Country of citizenship |
| Current passport number: | Your current (most recent) passport number that is valid |
| Passport number with issued visa: | Your Passport number with US Visa is Stamped on it. This could be the same as above or different if your passport expired before visa validity |
| Visa category (H1B, H4, B1/B2, L1, L2, etc.): | US Nonimmigrant Visa category that you plan to enter the US |
| Visa expiration date: | Your US Visa expiration date. Check US Visa Sample, meaning for more info |
| Consulate/Embassy that issued the visa: | The name of the consulate that issued your US Visa |
| Current location, city, and country: | Your current Location, City and Country. This would be your current city and location where you are based in India |
| Have you applied for an NIE since May 1, 2021? (yes or no): | If you have applied for an NIE before, you need to indicate here as ‘Yes’. If not, you can say ‘No’. |
| Travel purpose and national interest category, including a clear justification for receipt of an NIE: (for H1, L1, and O1 visa holders, please be sure to include your job title, employer, and end client, where applicable) | You need to clearly articulate your purpose of travel with your job duties, employer info and why you should be given NIE. You should attach NIE Supporting letter from the employer/client to have a better chance for approval. |
Send the above template completed to the below email addresses
- US Embassy New Delhi: NewDelhiNIE@state.gov
- US Consulate Chennai: ChennaiNIE@state.gov
- US Consulate Hyderabad: HyderabadNIE@state.gov
- US Consulate Kolkata: KolkataNIE@state.gov
- US Consulate Mumbai: MumbaiNIE@state.gov
- If you want to call them, check more contact details at : US Consulates India Contact info – Email, Phone Numbers.
Step 2 : US Consulate / Embassy Review – 2 weeks : The US Consulate/ Embassy will review your request carefully and give you a decision in two weeks. They say they cannot guarantee the decision in two weeks, but will try. Some users got it 2 weeks, some had to wait for 6 weeks as well to get an update. So, you need to be prepared for delays.
Step 3 : Travel to US within 12 months : If you get approval from the Consulate, they will inform you on the same via email and it would say the validity of the NIE indicating that it would be for 12 months with multiple entry option from the date it was approved by Consulate or Embassy. This used to be 30 days with single entry in the past and changed from July 6th, 2021. Below is an example of the same from a real user experince
The above process is mandatory to follow, if you do not fall under exceptions in proclamation but fall under NIE. If you fail to follow the above, you may or may not be allowed at the airport during boarding or at may face issues with CBP officer during US Port of Entry Process. Read FAQs and Official Guidance by US Embassy India
We have many users who got NIE approval before travel and were able to travel to US. Read article : 15 NIE Approval Experiences India – Letter, Travel
When does the Travel Ban start for Travelers from India ?
The travel ban started from 12:01 EST on Tuesday, May 4th, 2021. It does not apply to anyone who have boarded flight to US before 12:01 EST, May 4th, 2021 and arrives in US after 12:01 EST on May 4th, 2021. See below screenshot from proclamation
How long is the Travel Ban applicable to Travelers from India ?
There is no end date specified that tells the duration of the travel ban. All it says is until the president cancels it. It says that US Secretary of Health and Human Services has to review the situation and report in no more than 30 days. Also, they have to report to President by the end of each month, if the Travel Ban has to continued or terminated. See below screenshot from the proclamation.
Latest News on US Travel Ban for Indian Travelers
- October 25th, 2021 : President Biden Signed a Proclamation that lifts the travel ban from Nov 8th, 2021 and introduce vacccination requirements from Nov 8th for all travelers to the US. Check completed info at : US Travel Ban Lifted – US Travel Requirements . You need to vaccinated to travel to US, check List of Vaccines to Travel to US
- September 20th 2021 : White House announced that they plan to end travel ban for vaccinated travelers with negative COVID test before departure starting from November 2021. Check US to Lift Travel Ban from Nov 2021, Vaccination Must
- Jul 26th, 2021 : The cases in US are rising citing the delta variant. Based on this WhiteHouse said that they do not plan to lift the Travel Ban in the short term. So, we may see the travel ban to be there for some more time. Check Reuters Official News
- Jul 10th, 2021 : Reuters reports that Biden Administration may not immediately lift the travel ban soon. They had multiple discussions with many leaders of various countries and could not come to a quick conclusion. So, it may be the same case for India as well. Expect the travel ban to be there for some time.
- Jul 6th, 2021 : US Dept of State extended the NIE validity from 30 days to 12 months and also added multiple entry. All this tells us is that the travel ban may stay for a long time. You can check NIE rule 12 months for Travel Guidance for more info
- June 28th, 2021 : As of today, there is no change in the travel ban situation, even though the COVID situation in India has changed significantly since the announcement of travel ban. There are no exemptions added or given despite the changes in condition in India. If you need to travel to US, you need NIE given by the consulate for visa stamping and travel to US.
- May 12th, 2021 : US Department of State added additional clarification to the press release sharing that dependents are eligible for NIE, if the primary visa holder get NIE. See below clause added. What it means is that, for instance, if H1B holders get NIE, then H4 holder also can get NIE. See below on what was added.
Common FAQs
US Travel ban was lifted on Nov 8th, 2021. There are new vaccination requirements now in place to travel to US.
After Nov 8th, 2021, you do not need NIE to travel to US.
After Nov 8th, 2021, you do not need NIE to travel to US. If you travel before Nov 8th, you have 12 months from the date of approval of NIE to travel to US. You also get Multiple entry option to travel back and forth as needed. The only catch is you need to use it for the same purpose that you originally requested the NIE for.
For exceptions in Proclamation like US Citizens, Green Card Holders, Spouse, etc. they by default do not fall under proclamation and do not need to seek any approval or anything from anyone. Unlike, if you fall under National Interest Exception (NIE), then you are technically banned under proclamation, but US State Department has determined that your entry is important for US under their National Interest, so you can travel under the National Interest Exception (NIE). This is why you need to get permission from US Consulate. Read complete info at What is National Interest Exception Meaning – Differences, How to request
US Travel ban was lifted on Nov 8th, 2021. It does not apply to you now. In the past, you can only travel, if you fall under the NIE as per the support of the Critical infrastructure sectors. You needed to submit proof to consulate or embassy and get approval before your travel.
You need to apply Emergency Appointment, that is the only option. Check Guide to US Emergency US Visa Appointment Request India
What do you think of the Travel ban ? What is your experience ? Share in comments below.
References : US Dept of State Official Guidance on Travel Ban
Hey Everyone,
I hope this relieves some mental stress to those going thru the same ordeal as I have.
If your documentation is solid, you need not worry at all.
H1B Dropbox: (REGULAR Appointment booked in early April 2021 for Aug 18, 2021)
I work fulltime for a very large financial firm in the US. And these are documents submitted.
1. Passport.
2. Two Passport photos.
3. Copy of Current I-797.
4. Copy of Prior I-797.
5. Generic Employer Letter. (Nothing that says about NIE).
Note:
1. I did not submit any NIE.
2. I was surprised that the VAC employee asked me if I have NIE.
3. I did not see any requirement of “NIE letter from employer” as in some appointment letters. I guess that has to do with my timing of booking the appointment (early April – Before PP 10199).
It was nail-biting experience to me all through out.
Below is the timeline for my case:
1. Aug 18, 2021 – Submitted Documents.
2. Aug 20, 2021 – Application Received (CEAC Status Tracker).
3. Sep 28, 2021 – Refused (with short text; CEAC Status Tracker).
4. Oct 5, 2021 – Administrative Processing (CEAC Status Tracker).
5. Oct 7, 2021 – Issued (CEAC Status Tracker).
6. Oct 8, 2021 – Email Receoved from CGI for Document Pickup.
Hope this helps!
– Best
And one more thing:
The Visa did come with the Annotation:
“NIE Under ALL P. P. S ON NOVEL CORONAVIRUS”.
I guess it means I don’t have to specially request for NIE.
Thanks
Stark,
Thanks for sharing. It could be the time, hard to say. I think luck played some part :-). Many got 221gs without NIE.
Hello ,
I have H1B approved Petition . I know currently travel ban is on for US , but can i go for Amendment on my H1B as it’s required in my case.
Regards,
Hemant
Planning to apply NIE for parents on the grounds of a pregnant wife. I understand the chances are bleak. So want to understand if there are any side effects if NIE gets denied. Would it affect smooth travel in the future ?
Did you apply for nie for your parents? I heard no impact if denied NIE on future travel. Keep posted I am also thinking to apply for parents in humanitarian travel category.
Hi,
We are in the similar situation. Can you let me know if you applied for NIE and was it approved?
hi Prasad,
I am in similar situation. can you please let me know if NIE is approved for your parents? I wanted to apply NIE for my in-laws on basis of pregnant wife. Please advise. Thanks in advance.
Hi,
Can anyone help us with this question? We are in advance parole EAD; will the travel ban apply to us as well or are we exempted from it?
Thank you,
Siva
I have the same question, can we travel in AP-EAD card? If anyone can answer, thanks!
“Parents or legal guardians of US Citizen or Green Card holder who are under 21 years of age” Does this mean if we travel can come back if the child is us citizen and residing in USA while i travel to india?
Hi,
I am currently on H1B visa and it is expiring in Sep 2021. I have got approval for the renew of my H1B from USCIS. So I am trying to find answers to below question in order to travel to India and get the visa stamped.
1. Is the consulate taking H1B visa renewal stamping requests?
2. Do I have to travel and get the visa stamping done before my H1B visa expiration in Sep 2021?
3. Does H1B visa fall under NIE category in order to travel back to US from India?
4. How many days will it take for the NIE requests to get approved?
5. If NIE is not a option for H1B visa holders, then does staying in Mexico for 14 days and then returning to US is possible? If yes, then is there any extra permission required by travelling from Mexico to US or just the Mexico visa would be enough to travel to US?
Thanks for going through my post.
I had Dropbox appointment in New Delhi on July 8th and submitted my documents. The few days I checked the status it was showing “Refused” and asked to submit ” PPNCOV (document to demonstrate you overcome PP restriction). My wife (h1b) and two US citizen kids are in the US).
How to demonstrate or what document need to submit overcome PP restriction? Is it related to NIE? Or something else.
Hi,
I have a valid H1B visa and am living in the USA. I need to go to Mexico for 1 week for work and come back to the US.
Will this pose any issues to my re-entry to the US even though I only went to Mexico and was not physically present in India or any banned countries?
Regards,
Sahil
Hello Sahil,
We’re there any issues for you to travel back into US?
I am in a similar situation and any information will be very appreciated.
Hi,
My Parents are Indian citizens and has B2 Visa. Can they enter into usa if they stop over/ stay in another country, say UAE for 14 days? Is it risky? Thank you.
Hi, I’ve a valid B1/B2 visa and want to travel to USA from India. Can I travel via third country and quarantine there for 14days prior entry to USA. I don’t fall in NIE category. Pls advise.
I am a spouse of US citizen and stuck in India, What documents will I need to travel to the USA, I am a Indian Citizen.
Thanks.
I have a Valid H1-B till 2024. Do I need to apply for NIE, to travel to India?
Hello,
I am currently on H1-B visa and have my renewal appointment in July. My duties fall under the NIE category and I should be getting an NIE letter from my employer but, I am also doing my MBA part-time (1-2 courses a semester; evening classes apart from working 40 hours a week while maintaining my H1b status). I am required to attend in-person classes from Fall 21 for my course starting in August; should I submit a letter from university also to make a strong case for receiving my visa? Don’t want to confuse the VO or jinx my application by specifying education and working in a single application although it is allowed and legal.
Any thoughts / help would be appreciated. Thanks!
Hi,
I am in US with H1B visa, and I have a US citizen kid. Currently we are expecting a second kid. Planning to get my parents. They have valid US visa. Can I apply for NIE under medical Emergency for my parents.
Thanks,
I am on H1B and have a valid visa stamp with NIE annotation and nie approval email. My wife also got the visa stampe approved but she doesn’t have NIE stamp on her visa. Can she travel along with me based ony NIE approval?
Please help.
I emailed Hyderabad NIE to approve NIE for my wife but they are taking forever to reply. Need to travel next week itself.
Hi Yogesh.
Any response from Hyderabad NIE team? I am waiting since two weeks. Thank you
Hi Yogesh, I am on similar situation. did your wife travelled with you? did you submitted any documents to get approval?
Hi All,
I have a question related to NIE. I am having a Valid H1B Visa and applied for NIE on 29th, I am still waiting to get an update from the Embassy.
The question what i have is, If everything goes smooth and if i get an Approval then,
Do i have to apply NIE separately for my family members who are on H4 or do they get by default NIE since they will accompany me to USA?
Appreciate any quick feed back here.
Thanks,
Vijay G
Hi,
I got married in march 2021 and my spouse is a H1B visa holder. I’m unable to book slots for H4. Any updates on regular H4 visa slots?
Hi,
I’m currently working as a Visiting Assistant Professor in a reputed State university in the US. I’m currently on H1B status. However, my visa stamping has expired in August 2019. I could not visit my son in India for the past two years during this pandemic. Is it possible to schedule an H1B visa stamping appointment for me and my son (H4)? Many thanks in advance!
Prasenjit Ghosh,
Currently, regular slots are not open yet. You need to get Emergency Appointment based on the National Interest exception(NIE).
I got my H1B visa stamping done in April from Japan. I traveled to India in May and couldn’t go back due to Travel ban by Japan. I cannot travel to US too due to the travel ban.
I wonder if I should request for NIE from US embassy in Tokyo or the nearest one in India? I’m into the Automotive industry and have heard fellow engineers getting NIE approved and were able to travel to US recently. Kindly help.
Thank you so much for your support.
Bhanu,
You should first ask for NIE at Tokyo as that is the place that gave you visa. if you do not get a response, then write to US consulate in India. It does not hurt to write to both and have them handy.
Hello,
My spouse is in US on H1B along with my US born daughter. Can I travel to US on B1/B2 by carrying my daughter’s birth certificate? Do I need to take any approvals? Please suggest.
Thank you
Take your daughter’s original birth certificate and a copy of her US passport. No additional approvals.
Hi;
My H4 visa was issued mid June with the NIE annotation. The officer during the visa interview said that he has issued me NIE from mid July to mid August (30 day period) after reviewing my travel plans as my tickets are booked for the first week of August . However the annotation does not mention any such information. Does the 30 day rule apply here from the date of visa issuance or does the visa officer’s word hold good? I am confused. Any thoughts!
Hi,
I think your NIE is applicable from mid July to mid August. we got NIE approved for immediate travel from date of approval as you can see below, and because the exception is processed electronically, I suggest you to check with the Consulate” before travelling.
“This exception is approved for immediate travel to the United States and is
valid for one entry 30 days from the date of approval, for the following
individuals”
“Your exception is processed electronically, and no paper document is needed”
Hi Srini T,
Please can you share the copy of your application for NIE with me? Email id is jishnusathyan@gmail.com.
Thanks
Sure will do
HI Srini,
Could you please share the copy of your NIE applicaiton with me?My email id is sriharitanga4u@gmail.com. Thank you for the help.
Thanks!
Hi Srini,
Could you please forward the same email with me. I am in USA and my family got struck in India and wanted to take NIE approval for travel .
sureshveluri@gmail.com
Hello Srini,
Could you please share the copy of your NIE application with me.
Email – prateekkumarjha@gmail.com
Can you please share with me also. Email : ankush.job2011@gmail.com
Hi Anu,
Could you please share how did you get visa interview date, as embassy is closed , i am trying but i am only getting for feb 2022. Is there a way i can get interview before.
Hi Kumar,
My wife travelled to India in December last year for death in family and have to stay back till now. I am in US on H1-B. My wife already has a stamped H-4 visa. Can she apply for NIE for travel citing family separation?
Thanks,
Vishal
Hi Vishal,
There is no harm in applying for NIE. The only thing is, it might either approved or Rejected. I traveled to India with Family (All Indian Citizens) in March-2021 and was struck because of the travel ban.
I tried for NIE and got approved for my family and Traveled last week with my family back to US.
So you can still give a try.
All the very best.
Hi Srini,
It will be great if you can share an e-mail draft that we can refer to write for NIE approval.
Hi Shravan,
if you can share your mail id, i would be happy to share personally.
Regards,
Srini T
Hi Srini T,
Can you please share the NIE application for me also. I am also planning the same – My Email ID : vijy.gandra@gmail.com
Thanks,
Vijay G
Hi Srini,
If you can share your e-mail draft that we can refer to write for NIE approval. It would be a great help. My email id is sasik464@gmail.com
Hi Srini,
Could you please forward me the same on officialamit25@gmail.com
Thanks in Advance !!
Hi Srini,
Please share with kumarakila25@gmail.com. We are waiting for NIE since June 4. No response till now from Chennai Consultate . So please help. Can i send to other consulates ? will that help. please advise.
Regards,
Kumar
Hi Srini,
Can you please share your e-mail draft that I can refer to write for NIE approval? That would be of great help to me. My email id is ppchandra@outlook.com
Thanks,
Prasanth
Thanks, Srini,
Please send an email to: scorpio.mishra@gmail.com
Hi Srini/Vishal,
Kindly share the same details of e-mail draft that we can refer to write for NIE approval.
Email: Qavinodr@gmail.com
Thanks
Hello, can you please share your NIE application with me as well – sudheervenkata1309@gmail.com
Hi Srini,
Could you please share the copy of NIE application for me also.
I am in USA and my family got struck in India and planning to apply NIE approval for travel.
My Email ID : jvamsi.career@gmail.com
Thank you so much for your great help!!
Hi Srini,
It will be great if you can share an e-mail draft that we can refer to write for NIE approval to my email ID: vudhya@gmail.com
Hi,
I don’t see any news related to us india travel ban, any idea when they will remove the travel ban ? (Timeline)
Hi,
I’have tried to post my message..I am not sure if its already posted so I am posting it again.
I have a two kids with one of them is a US born citizen, I am currently on H1 and Spouse and the other child(Indian born) has valid H4 visas. I know we have travel ban exception for parents of US born citizen may be allowed to travel. My question is as in my case, I have an other child with Indian citizenship…can all four of us travel together? has anyone is with similar situation and are able to travel? What kind of documents required???
Appreciate your help…
Thanks…
Yes all 4 can travel together, according to the exceptions listed above – Siblings of US citizens or permanent residents, provided they are unmarried and under 21.
Be sure to take both children’s original birth certificates (one issued in US for the US born child and one issued in India for the India born child) – proof that the children are siblings and your children.
Your’s Indian citizen kid falls under following exception category so you are good to go.
Siblings of US Citizens or green card holders who are unmarried and under 21 years of age
Proof – carry Birth certificate besides passport also for Indian born kid which confirms his/her relationship with Parents/Guardians
Does the citizen kid need to travel as i have to travel alone for personal emergency and want to return back with the claim that my citizen kid is in USA?
Hello there,
I have same question. Does the US citizen child need to travel also? Did you take your child with you?
Thank you
Craj, Ravi,
No need to have US Citizen along with you. Many users have said that they were able to travel without their kid. All they showed was the proof that they were US citizen parent.
Can a person with valid Advanced Parole document (and pending I485 change of status) can travel after getting NIE?
Pandey,
Technically Yes. But check with the consulate and CBP to be sure.
Pandey , I heard few people travelled using AP without NIE and I talk to them also I talk to United Airlines and they said that you can travel if you have AP without NIE.
I have a H1B visa stamping till 31st Oct 2021 and I am yet to travel to US. Before the ban, I just booked my travel but need to cancel due to the ban.
My employer falls under Information Technology and my client in US is from manufacturing unit.
Am I eligible to apply under NIE to travel for the first time to US?
I have h1 dropbox scheduled and having USC kid. do i still have to provide the NIE letter?
No. NIE is not required.
Make you you are not having your kid on the plane. there is no medical support available on a flight if you are having a US citizen kid on the plane. Your wife should not be flying and how is your kid a US citizen if are still having your kid ? If you wife is having your kid in the flight then he is not necessarily a US citizen. For how long have you been having the kid ? i heard labor doesn’t last for more than couple hours.
Bruh pls send me the name of the stuff u high on !!!
lol.. love the awesome trolling. Raj, please ‘have a USC kid’ and don’t be ‘having’.
Hello, Can you please share your experiences? How did it go? Im in the same boat
Can we apply for NIE before leaving US to ensure that we would be able to return say after 4 weeks from India?
You cannot apply for NIE from USA. How difficult is that to understand. USCIS has mentioned it very clearly..
I am on F1 visa, and my CPT co-op program is starting August 2nd. Since my start date is after August 1, can I travel 30 days before i.e after July 3rd?
If you are still taking classes as a student in fall, then yes, you can leave on July 3rd or later. However if you are not taking classes, but only doing CPT, then you can only leave on Aug 1 or later
He can leave, most co-op are counted as credit towards your degree. Stop poking your nose everywhere with wrong information. You have guided a bunch of people and some of that information is incorrect.
My visa is stuck in 221(g) because of TAL and I already submitted all the documents in March 2021. My work qualifies under NIE, is there any way to have the consulate start processing the 221(g) and get the visa with NIE?
221g cannot be expedited. NIE wont push it.
Hi Kumar,
Acc. to the above information, US Secretary of Health and Human Services has to review the situation and report in no more than 30 days.
Today is June 8th, we haven’t got any official news on whether they are extending it till a particular date or month else if going to terminate on so and so date., what are your thoughts ? Is it going to be terminated ? as lot of people stuck in India and facing issues.
Thanks!
They have to report it to white house, not the general public. It must have been reviewed and extended. Just like travel ban for other countries they won’t inform you about extension on a monthly basis. They will inform us about suspension of ban.
If the Secretary of HHS does not do anything, the ban continues automatically, he does not necessarily have to recommend continuing the ban. For the ban to be lifted, the Secretary has to justify lifting the ban and the President has to agree.
My wife is in India and on H4-visa and we have two US citizen minor kids. Can we travel back?
Ravi,
Yes, absolutely. if you have visa, you can travel, no need of NIE. You need to carry their birth certificate copies that show your relationship. If you don’t have visa, you need to apply for EA based on your kids needs to go back to US for school, vaccine, etc. That way you get stamping and then can travel.
I am having B1/B2 visa and my parents have green card. Since pandemic we have not met so I want to make a visit to them. Can I travel to Usa once ban is lifted? or I can travel through via any other country like Mexico? I am based in India.
Jaymin,
Yes, you can once the ban is lifted. Well, some have tried the option of going to other country…you may try that…but too many uncertainties, so it is your discretion
Actually I have applied for US visa and my visa date is on Aug 24, so if dropbox opens before this date can I reschedule my interview with Dropbox option? Or should I compulsory attend in person even after rescheduling.
you have to attend your interview. Even if you go with dropbox option they will most definitely issue 221g to appear for an in person interview.
Hi
I have a valid F1 Visa. I traveled to India to attend my moms funeral on May 26. My wife and kids are in the US. Will I need NIE to travel back to US?
Deepak
If you are continuing education in US for the fall semester, you can go back up to 30 days prior to the start of fall semester starting in August 1 or later. Which means if your fall semester starts August 1 (or later), the earliest you can leave is July 2 (or later); Or if one of your kid is a US citizen, then you can come back anytime.
For an earlier departure to attend summer semester, you will have to request a separate NIE.
Hello –
Myself and my family is India , and I am a Parent of US citizen .
Here is our situation:
My visa(H1b) stamped but my wife and elder daughter got 221g .
Younger daughter is US citizen.
Can I travel alone to USA as I can not accompany with my family because their visas are pending / travel with 3 years old daughter (difficult to manage without mother) ?
Siva,
Some users did say that they were able to travel to US without having their US Citizen kid with them and had no issues.
Hi Siva,
Did you get any answers for this ? I’m on the same boat? Thank you
Did you travel without your USC kid and without NIE? Or do you know if anyone traveled in such scenario?
I am in same situation now and getting different answers
I have valid H1B and will be re-uniting with my family consist of US citizen kids in US. Can I return to US by showing the proof that I am parent of US citizen. They don’t travel with me though. Thanks.
I am also in a similar kind of situation , did you write email to either ChennaiNIE@state.gov or ChennaiCIU@state.gov ?
I heard that you can travel by carrying their birth certificates.
In proclamation they didnt mention us citizen kids should accompany parents but should show relationship documents
Any update on the travel ban and any update by when it will be lifted .
Good News Netherland has lifted the ban on June 1st, now we all can travel to Netherlands.
There is no set time frame. It could be 3 to 6 months or longer. For example, UK and EU countries were restricted in March 2020 and the ban is still in effect.
While the bans to UK and EU are now becoming political, the bans on S Africa and Brazil are in effect since January 2021 and havent seen any indication when they will be lifted.
Are F1 students on OPT are automatically considered for NIE if they are travelling to US on or after July 2?
Saket,
If you travel after Aug 1st, yes, it is automatic.
The guidelines says that for OPT students, NIE will be applied automatically if the program starts/continues after August 1, and they can enter 30 days prior to that which is July 2. So I want to confirm if I can enter after July 2 or not?
For students on F1 OPT, they can only arrive in US August 1 or later.
If they are also enrolled in an academic program, then they can arrive up to 30 days prior to the start of the academic program, but not earlier than July 2. Check the latest updates to be sure.
I am currently on H1B and have an approved I-140. Can my parents travel to US right now ?
No. Your parents have to request NIE, which is generally not granted if they are on B1/B2 visa.
Hello,
I am confused about the NIE for continuing F1 status. I am on F1 status but I don’t have a valid F1 visa stamped on my passport. I plan to graduate end of the coming fall semester. Can I travel back to the USA with the above-mentioned NIE and when? Thanks in advance!
Thanks
You need to get F1 visa stamped first. Then you can go to US to continue your studies. However with most US consulates and embassy closed in India, it is difficult to predict when you can get the stamping.
Stop putting out wrong information dude. Consulates are open for F1 visa interviews. No emergency appointment required. Don’t listen to this sevan guy, his information is wrong most of the time. Please see updates issued by US consulate on twitter. They are opn for regular operations for F1 visa.
Hi,
I am a US Citizen and applying for my mother who is alone in India for a NIE. she visits me twice a year and also she is getting medical treatment here for her spine after a traumatic injury. I have all the doctors note and she has an upcoming injection for spine so I’m trying to get her here under NIE. My question is her US visa was approved and stamped at Canada Toronto consulate, do I send them the information or us consulate in India? Please help!
There is no specific NIE for medical treatment. You can always try. NIE waiver should be sent to India as she is in India now. However unless her presence benefits critical sectors in US, the application may not be approved.
Does the travel ban impact filing of H1B petitions for someone who got picked in the lottery this year?
For now yes. If US corporations put enough pressure on the administration perhaps the ban may lifted or modified for approved H1b visa holders.
Why are you spreading false information. H1b filing is not impacted in any way. your company will file your petition after selection in lottery. The only thing that is affected is stamping but you can always file under change of status so you don’t have to get stamping right away. With change of status you can start working on h1b status without stamp.
This sevan dude is high on some shit.
Does anyone know if the restrictions are lifted (or extended) after the 30 day review for L1 visa holders?
They have not been lifted, unless the Secretary of HHS recommends lifting the ban and the President agrees to lift the ban. The ban continues automatically otherwise.
Hello Mithun,
I have L1B and I have submitted request for NIE but did not receive any reply as yet 🙁
Hello,
Are you allowed to call Indian parent to US if they are fully vaccinated under NIE due to health issues of person in USA?
(Not minor) but need one of them here
Neha,
Well, there is no NIE for such things…You can try.
But they still fall under banned category or they can travel? Is there way to get one of them here?
ek malish karne wali bhi bhej de tere liye
They are in the banned category. A few of them are going to Mexico for 14 days to then traveling to US.
Hi my finace is in India. She has a k1 finace visa. Does she needs any kind of permission to fly to USA. I was reading something about NIE. Can someone clear this for me.
I lost a family member in India, I am currently in US and wants to travel back to India. I am currently on H1b and fully vaccinated with Pfizer.. Do you know if I will be allowed entry to US again in June.
Shubham,
Sorry to hear about your loss. It is hard to say. If you fall under NIE, you can go back. Otherwise, it is difficult to predict now.
Hello,
I have quick question currently my wife is on F-2 and she would like to travel back to USA.
Iam currently in usa.
Is there any restrictions for her?
Your suggestion will be appreciated
Thank you
Vineeth,
Yes, restriction applies to everyone, unless they are exempt. F2 is not exempt, so it applies and she cannot travel without having NIE.