NEW PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION DRASTICALLY AFFECTS NIWs: On Nov. 08, 2021 the President asked the Secretary of State to revoke all NIW/NIE (National Interest Waiver / National Interest Exception) obtained under COVID Proclamations 9984, 9992, 10143, 10199.
What is a National Interest Waiver?
NIWs are not new, but the program was expanded and adapted a bit to help meet demand created by COVID restrictions. The NIW exemption allowed entry to certain individuals who have the “exceptional ability” in the field of science, arts, business or any other profession. Allowed purposes of visit include Business, Education, Training, and Medical. The NIW approval was issued to individual travelers and not an aircraft or operator. Again, NIW/NIE (National Interest Waiver / National Interest Exception) obtained under Proclamations 9984, 9992, 10143, 10199 are REVOKED.
Who does this affect going forward?
NIW/NIEs are still available through the EB-2 Green Card program for urgent non-immigrant situations related to family of US Citizens, Green Card Holders, etc. but is extremely uncommon and NOT RELATED to COVID restrictions.
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