Indian students who have US student visa and their classes start from 1 August 2021 can enter the country.
NRI Affairs Correspondent
Photo by Charlotte May from Pexels
US Embassy in India says student visa holder Indians can enter the US if their classes start from 1 August onwards.
“Under the current Presidential Proclamation, student visa holders are able to enter the United States if their classes start on or after 1 August 2021,” tweeted the embassy.
Those students whose classes start before 1 August have been advised to contact their institutions.
“If your start date is before 1 August, we urge you to contact your respective educational institutions to discuss options,” tweeted the embassy.
“We are unfortunately unable to approve exceptions for F visa holders with a program start date before August 1, 2021.”
This announcement has come as a significant relief for students waiting to join their classes as travel from India to the US remains suspended.
On 30 April, President Joe Biden had suspended the entry of certain non-immigrant travellers who have been in India. The suspension order commenced on Tuesday.
US citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPR) are not subject to the proclamation signed by president Biden.
The proclamation states, “Students subject to these geographic COVID proclamations due to their presence in India, China, Iran, Brazil or South Africa may qualify for a National Interest Exception only if their academic program begins 1 August 2021.”
Such students may enter United States no earlier than 30 days before starting their academic studies.
