Fully vaccinated students can now travel to the USA

Oct 12, 2021 5:55:00 AM

Beginning in early November, fully vaccinated travellers will be able to enter the U.S. With the soft end to the months-long travel ban, international students can finally attend their face-to-face classes in U.S. institutions.

 

International students from any country may travel to the U.S. as long as they observe the following guidelines:

 

  • Be fully vaccinated with vaccines approved by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which so far include Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen
  • Provide proof of vaccination before boarding a U.S.-bound airline
  • Present a negative COVID test that was taken no more than 72 hours before flying
  • Give their phone numbers and email addresses to border officials to facilitate enhanced contact tracing.

 

In addition to the adjustments in the travel ban, the U.S. also announced visa interview waivers for academic, vocational and exchange students applying for F, M and J visas, respectively.

 

According to the state department, applicants may have their visa interview requirements waived if they were previously issued any type of visa, were never refused a visa (unless the refusal was overcome or waived) and have no apparent or potential ineligibility.

 

Students applying for a U.S. visa for the first time must also be citizens or nationals of the countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program, which include the following:

 

  • Andorra
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Brunei
  • Chile
  • Croatia
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Monaco
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • San Marino
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • United Kingdom (must have the unrestricted right of permanent abode in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man)

 

While the decision to waive in-person interviews for visa applicants are currently limited to the list above, the ease of travel restrictions for fully vaccinated travellers apply to all countries. The lift of the travel ban would mean international students can now travel to the U.S. without the need to quarantine if they are fully vaccinated.

 

This latest development means international students who have put their plans on hold can now start making plans again, and at the same time help revive some of the U.S.’ struggling industries such as the airlines, tourism and education sectors. Accelerate can help recruitment agencies find right-fit students who are looking to study in the U.S.

 

Currently, Accelerate has 69 partner institutions in the U.S. and over a hundred globally. If you’re interested to become our recruitment partner and access these study options, don’t hesitate to contact us.