Visas, Travel, Entry

Visa Revocation Basics

May 29, 2020

The basic sources and processes of U.S. nonimmigrant visa revocation.

DOS Temporary Expansion of Interview Waiver Eligibility

August 26, 2020

On August 25, 2020, the Department of State (DOS) announced a temporary expansion of statutory and regulatory provisions that allow consular officers to waive the in-person interview requirement for individuals applying to renew a visa in the same nonimmigrant visa classification and category if not

Outbound Immigration and Logistical Considerations for Education Abroad During the COVID-19 Pandemic

August 18, 2020

U.S. Passport Considerations Passport agencies across the U.S. closed in mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic creating a significant backlog of applications. If a student submitted their application before passport agencies closed, passports are being processed on a first-in, first-out basis

Proclamation Suspending Entry of Chinese Students and Researchers Connected to PRC “Military-Civil Fusion Strategy"

September 10, 2020

Proclamation 10043 of May 29, 2020, titled Proclamation on the Suspension of Entry as Nonimmigrants of Certain Students and Researchers from the People’s Republic of China. Effective at 12:00 p.m. eastern daylight time on June 1, 2020, and will remain in effect until terminated by the President

COVID-19 Restrictions on U.S. Visas and Entry

September 21, 2020

This page tracks U.S. visa and entry restrictions related to COVID-19. See NAFSA's Coronavirus Critical Resources Page for related information and resources. Page Contents Coronavirus travel bans by Presidential Proclamation June 22, 2020 Proclamation 10052 Suspends Entry of Certain H, J, and L

Coronavirus Critical Resources

September 14, 2020

NAFSA has assembled these resource links to help you navigate issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 is the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.

DOS Limits Use of B Visas for Birth Tourism

A Department of State (DOS) final rule prohibits consular officers from issuing B visas if they determine the applicant's principal purpose is what the administration calls "birth tourism." See 85 FR 4219 (January 24, 2020), effective on the date of publication. DOS published this as a direct final

Impementation of ESTA for VWP Entry at Land Ports of Entry

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is developing an interim final rule that will expand the ESTA pre-registration requirement to Visa Waiver Program (VWP) visitors planning to enter the United States through land ports of entry. Currently, ESTA pre-registration is needed only for VWP entry

Presidential Proclamation 9945

November 4, 2019

Under Presidential Proclamation 9945 of October 4, 2019, Suspension of Entry of Immigrants Who Will Financially Burden the United States Healthcare System (PP 9945), effective November 3, 2019 applicants for immigrant visas must show to the satisfaction of a consular officer, before an immigrant

CBP Policy on Border Searches of Electronic Devices

During secondary inspection, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer may search a traveler's electronic device to determine admissibility and identify any violation of laws. DHS OIG Report OIG-19-10 (December 3, 2018) - CBP's Searches of Electronic Devices at Ports of Entry describes that