Are you an international student?

On April 26, the U.S. Department of State announced that certain F-1 visa holders will be eligible for National Interest Exceptions beginning Aug. 1. The ruling applies to holders in China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, United Kingdom, Ireland and the Schengen Area.

Consequently, students who hold a valid F-1 visa and are seeking to begin or continue an academic program will be able to enter the U.S. without consulting an embassy or completing a 2-week quarantine in countries exempt from geographical restrictions.

However, they may not enter the country sooner than 30 days prior to the start of their studies.