The US has published a new expanded list of National Interest Exceptions (NIE), showing exemptions from the current US entry ban, for certain South Africans (and others) with specific skills, jobs and visas.
The US ban on travel applies to people originating from South Africa, China, Iran, Brazil, Schengen countries, and the UK and Ireland. It has been in play since January, with ongoing updates and alterations that now allow travel from these countries for certain categories. The most recent was an exemption for agricultural workers (H2A visas).
Now, a group of new exemptions have been notified. South Africans with current and valid immigrant visas or Fiancé/Fiancée K-1 visas, and foreign citizens who are sponsored by direct relatives living in the US or by a prospective US-based employer, are now permitted. Foreign citizens who are the fiancé(e) of a US citizen sponsor are now permitted but must marry his or her US citizen sponsor within 90 days of arrival.
Exemptions are also afforded to certain non-immigrant ‘Exchange Visitors’ – au pairs who are able to provide specialised care for minor US citizens with particular needs (medical, special education or sign language) have been added to the NIE list. This also applies to au pairs who take care of children whose parents are either frontline healthcare workers or medical researchers involved in work around COVID-19.
Foreigners who are successfully enlisted in exchange programmes designed to promote US national interests are permitted to apply, provided the exchange programme is endorsed by the federal, state, or local government of the destination.
Interns and trainees on US government-agency-sponsored programmes are also exempt.
Specialised teachers who are “sufficiently” proficient in English and who have two years’ experience and with a qualification equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree in either education or the academic subject field in which they intend to teach, are now exempt too, and may apply to enter on the US Teacher Programme. Applying teachers will need to have at least two years’ experience and must “possess sufficient proficiency in the English language”.
The notice also says travel by pilots and aircrew for training or aircraft pickup, delivery, or maintenance is in the national interest for purposes of granting exceptions under the geographic Presidential Proclamations. This includes individuals who are travelling to the US for training or aircraft pickup, delivery, or maintenance on B-1/B-2, B-1, or M-1 visas, or Visa Waiver Program authorisations. The determination also covers certain M-2 dependents when the principal’s necessary training is four weeks or more. Access by qualified pilots and other essential air crew to aircraft maintenance, as well as simulator training, continuing education such as proficiency checks, and other vital safety certification courses offered in the United States, is an important component of safe skies. “Therefore, we intend to continue issuing visas to eligible applicants for such travellers, on the basis of national interest exceptions, as permitted by post resources and local government restrictions”, says the notice on the US Dept of State website, www.travel.state.gov.