Yocket presents official Covid-19 updates for aspirants planning to study in United States Of America. Keep checking this page for updates from Universities, Test Organisation, Consulates and Universal Institute. You may contribute any new updates you have in the comments which you’d like us to share!
(Updated on Monday & Thursday by 11:00 IST)
19th July, 2021
Los Angeles County to reimpose mask mandate.
Los Angeles County will reimpose its mask mandate this weekend in the latest sign that public health officials are struggling with an alarming rise in coronavirus cases tied to the highly contagious Delta variant.
15th July, 2021
Covid-19 cases rising again, driven by Delta variant.
The Covid-19 curve in the US is rising again after months of decline, with the number of new cases per day doubling over the past three weeks, driven by the fast-spreading delta variant. Authorities to take action.
12th July, 2021
Students and teachers no longer required to wear masks in schools.
The Delta variant is spreading in the US, but the WHO, CDC and local governments have put out conflicting mask-wearing guidance. The authorities suggest that vaccinated students and teachers don't need to wear masks indoors.
8th July, 2021
U.S consulate to add more slots.
While the appointment slots for the student visa to the US from India were opened on June 14, there is now a deluge to get the F-1 visa on time for the Fall 2021 academic session. Therefore, the consulate has added more Visa slots.
5th July, 2021
U.S to request negative Covid report 72 hours before departure.
U.S.-bound Indian students need COVID-19 negative report taken 72 hours prior to departure.
1st July, 2021
U.S authorities concerned about the Delta Variant.
The rise of Covid-19 concerns the US authorities which might be leading to some necessary actions against the Covid-19 Delta Variant.
28th June, 2021
US to open borders for Indians only after Europe's Schengen area.
As of now, anybody who has been to India in the last 14 days will not be permitted into the United States, unless they’re US citizens. However, minister-counsellor for consular affairs in US Embassy New Delhi, Don Heflin, gave a clear picture that we can expect the US to pull off travel restrictions for India after Europe’s Schengen area.
24th June, 2021
US Chambers seek to double H-1B quota.
The powerful US Chambers of Commerce has launched a massive campaign to address the acute shortage of skilled and professional workforce in America, prominent among which includes urging the Biden administration and Congress to double the number of H-1B visas and eliminate per-country quota for the Green Card.
21st June, 2021
USA extends travel restrictions with Canada & Mexico.
The United States has extended Covid-19 restrictions on non-essential travel till July 21, 2021.
17th June, 2021
USA to take strict measures against the Delta Variant.
Scientists in the US plan to take necessary actions against the Delta variant as it affects more than 10% of the total active cases.
16th June, 2021
USA, Canada to possibly lift border restrictions soon.
Officials from USA & Canada are expected to meet & discuss plans for further openings & lifting border restrictions.
15th June, 2021
Indian students to submit a negative Covid report 72-hours prior to the departure.
American diplomat suggests all students planning to go to the USA this fall need to have a negative report of Covid-19 before their departure to the United States.
14th June, 2021
US Consulate has shared important information about the plan for fall intake in their live stream.
Key takeaways from the Live Session:
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The US embassy intends to start intensive two months of interviews starting July 1st.
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Cancelled appointments from May wouldn't be automatically rescheduled. Candidates need to reapply manually
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Parents wouldn't be allowed to accompany students to the US (B1/B2 visa) to help them settle. Students would need to travel on their own.
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Dependents(Spouse/family members) planning to travel with F1 visa holders are also exempted under NIE.
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Electronic i20 provided by schools are accepted by the embassy. Get it printed and carry it with you.
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Fully funded students do not need to show financial proof during their Visa interview. If i20 has it mentioned, it is enough.
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No letter is required from University specifying that the classes will be in person.
11th June, 2021
US to resume Visa processing from June 14, 2021.
The US embassy plans to start the Visa process from Monday (June 14, 2021). This will be specifically for students planning for the fall semester, 2021.
10th June, 2021
US President Joe Biden urges young citizens to take vaccination.
Due to the rapid spread of Delta Variant in the UK and affecting 6% of the total Covid-19 cases in the US, therefore the authorities urge younger citizens to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
9th June, 2021
United States' Covid-19 passport to be issued.
New York is equipped with an ‘Excelsior Pass’/Covid-19 passport for citizens who have been vaccinated in the United States.
8th June, 2021
US suggests delaying domestic travel.
The U.S. government recommends all citizens in the US should possibly delay their domestic travel plans until fully vaccinated.
7th June, 2021
Indian students to get re-vaccinated in the US.
International students in the US who got themselves vaccinated with Covaxin or Sputnik are required to get re-vaccinated by a WHO approved vaccine.
4th June, 2021
US to finally regain control over Covid situation.
US records its lowest one-day increase in the number of Covid-19 cases since March, 2020. The authorities also state that they plan to work closely on the current situation in other countries and share the Surplus Covid-19 vaccine.
3rd June, 2021
US expects a reopening soon.
With more than 70% citizens vaccinated with the first dose, the US expects to complete its vaccination drive and reopen soon.
2nd June, 2021
US records Covid cases below 20 000.
For the first time over the past year, US records Covid-19 cases to be under 20 000. The daily average has dropped to 17,248 as of Monday. Government might not have strict restrictions for international & national travelers.
Important Update:
The Supreme Court announces suspension of Grade 12 CBSE board final examination.
1st June, 2021
India & USA unite to vaccinate large populations.
USA to unite with India to tackle the current Covid-19 crisis and help vaccinate Indian citizens as fast as possible in order to fight the Covid conditions.
Important Update:
The Supreme Court on Monday has adjourned its final decision to Thursday, on the plea filed for cancellation of CBSE & ICSE class 12 exams. The Supreme Court should return with a final decision in the next two days.
31st May, 2021
US to ‘ramp up’ vaccination services.
Currently, the U.S. is on a track to get almost 70% of citizens vaccinated by July 4, 2021. The authorities also plan to take down Covid restrictions in the areas with comparatively lower covid cases.
29th May, 2021
Maharashtra government to arrange walk-in vaccination for international students.
The Maharashtra government has initiated a vaccination program for international students who have received confirmation of admissions in universities abroad and require vaccines for the same. The walk-in program will be effective from 31st May, 2021 to 2nd June, 2021.
Vaccination Centres:
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Rajawadi
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Cooper
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Kasturba
Requirements to get vaccinated:
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1- 20 or DS - 160 form
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Verified confirmed letter to the university
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Personal ID documents
28th May, 2021
Do you still require an F1 visa?
U.S authorities have issued NIE (National Interest Exemption) for international students planning to attend in-person classes in the Fall 2021. The NIE will exempt students from current Covid-19 restrictions; however, students will still require an F1 visa to be able to study in the USA as the NIE applies to the F1 visa. Therefore, the U.S. consulates have prioritized the emergency Visa as of now.
27th May, 2021
The U.S. consulate plans on opening more slots.
The U.S consulate suggests that there will be more slots opening in June/July for student immigrants. They also suggest that student visas are currently their top most priority.
26th May, 2021
Are Indian students required to provide a vaccination proof before departure?
International students planning to attend in-person classes are required to provide a negative Covid-19 test result before departure and they are NOT required to be vaccinated. Students can get themselves vaccinated from their University itself.
25th May, 2021
U.S. consulate on Fall 2021 plans for international students.
International students planning to attend in-person classes this fall are requested to arrive at max 30 days prior to the beginning of the fall 2021 semester of your program. Emergency visas to be scheduled no earlier than 60 days prior to the program start day.
24th May, 2021
Washington state pauses the phased reopening.
The Washington State pauses the phased reopening after it records a spike in the Covid-19 cases. USA to ban most international travel again due to the spike and remain in the partial lockdown including the high-risk regions.
21st May, 2021
Harvard University releases admissions update for 2021-2022.
The Harvard University doesn’t require SAT/ACT test scores for the current admissions cycle (2021-2022). The University also states that students who don't submit tier scores will not be at a disadvantage as there are many other factors to be considered.
20th May, 2021
American vaccines effective against B.1.617 variant.
U.S. Health Authorities confirm that American vaccines can be used against the ‘Indian Variant’ B.1.617 variant. Universities have announced a mandatory American approved vaccination for students attending in-person classes this fall.
19th May, 2021
Indian students rush for Covishield.
As most of the foreign countries do not approve the Covaxin as an effective vaccine for coronavirus, international students queue up for Covishield as the fall semester approaches.
18th May, 2021
Yale university on Covid-19.
Yale University raises an Alert Level: ‘Low to Moderate Risk’, and shares Covid-19 guidelines for students planning to attend in-person classes. The University also suggests that all students planning to attend in-person classes this fall will have to be fully vaccinated.
17th May, 2021
U.S. to exclude Covid-19 restrictions for the vaccinated.
The U.S. government bars all Covid-19 restrictions including indoors/outdoors mask guidance for completely vaccinated citizens only.
14th May, 2021
Most U.S. Universities have waived standardised testing requirements for 2021 intake.
The U.S Universities including Ivy League universities have decided to waive SAT tests for students due to the Covid-19 situation.However, if you have attached the SAT scores to the admission application then the scores will be considered.
13th May, 2021
The Boston University plans on continuing with in-person classes this fall.
The Boston University has organised in-campus Covid-19 test centres and has been updating the count daily. They have also published guidelines which describe that students will need to get themselves vaccinated before the beginning of their semester this fall.
12th May, 2021
GRE test scores not required for fall 2021at NYU
The New York University states that GRE general test scores will not be required for admissions in the batch of fall 2021. However, if students have submitted GRE scores, it’ll be considered.
11th May, 2021
The University of Washington on in-person classes.
The University Of Washington has updated specific guidelines for the students returning to the university for in-person classes this autumn. The university has been looking over the situation and has shared details about the regulations that need to be followed.
10th May, 2021
The U.S. Consulates in India on Covid-19 effects.
The U.S. Consulate India presents that non-resident parents relying on H1-B and H-4 visas are not subject to travel restrictions and may enter the United States without receiving an exemption.
7th May, 2021
The U.S. Consulates in India remain open for visa and counselling services.
As the U.S. embassy recommends all the travelers to take advantage of ongoing flights from India, the U.S. Consulates Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad remain open.
6th May, 2021
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice.
The Level 4 Travel Health Notice against India has been issued due to the life threatening situation in India during the second wave of Covid-19. The U.S. consulate encourages all U.S. citizens and exemptions to take advantage of currently available commercial flights from India as soon as possible.
5th May, 2021
U.S. terminates allowance for all non-immigrant passengers from India.
Due to the high rise of Covid-19 spread, all non-immigrants who have been physically present in India will not be allowed in the U.S, effective May 4, 2021. However, U.S. citizens and other immigrants are advised to take advantage of ongoing passenger flights to return to the U.S.
4th May, 2021
U.S. exempts international students from immigration restrictions.
U.S. authorities state that students with valid F-1 & M-1 will be considered as an exemption to the current travel restrictions to the U.S. under National Interest Exemptions (NIE). Students may enter no earlier than 30-days prior to the start of their semester. NIE applies to the following:
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Students applying for Fall 2021
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Journalists
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Academics
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Individuals providing critical infrastructure support
3rd May, 2021
U.S. State Department exempts students Indian students from travel restrictions.
U.S. State Department will exempt students from travel restrictions to the U.S. for the Fall 2021 qualifying them for a National Interest Exemption (NIE). However, the pandemic will limit the number of visas U.S. embassies and consulates will be able to process.
30th April, 2021
U.S. Consulate Hyderabad revokes visa services from May 3, 2021.
Considering the current Covid-19 situation the U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad cancelled all visa and immigration services, effective May 3, 2021 and operative until further notice.
Article Link: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/us-consulate-in-hyderabad-cancels-visa-services-from-may-3/article34420870.ece
29th April, 2021
Educational Testing Service will continue to provide At Home Tests.
As countries begin to reopen, the test centres have initiated to reopen too. However, depending on the local situation, Educational Testing Service will continue to provide At Home Tests for TOEFL, GRE, HiSET, Praxis/SLS, GACE, ParaPro, PPAT and PASL.
Article Link: https://www.ets.org/s/cv/important-update/
28th April, 2021
The U.S Embassy New Delhi Revokes all Visa Appointments till May 9, 2021
Alll U.S. Embassy New Delhi’s in-person visa appointments and interview-waiver appointments are cancelled from April 26 – May 9, 2021 in the light of current pandemic conditions. The US Consulate, Hyderabad will not be able to honour scheduled visa interview appointments from May 3rd to May 13th,2021.
Article Link: https://in.usembassy.gov/visas/
27th April, 2021
US Consulate Chennai halts all Routine Services due to Covid-19 Spread
The US Consulate in Chennai puts a pause on all routine services and cancels all the non-immigrant visa appointments. However, emergency appointments and biometrics appointments will remain scheduled as the local conditions allow.
Article Link: https://twitter.com/USAndChennai/status/1386567328737894401
