From May 27 to May 31, our office will be closed.  May 27, Tulane University is closed in observance of Memorial Day.  May 28- May 31, the entire OISS team will be attending the NAFSA Annual Conference.  As the most important annual event for international educators, this conference will provide our team with vital updates and ideas that will help us to better serve our international community.  As a bonus, we’re using this opportunity to update the carpet at 6901 Willow. 

If you have any timely requests, such as an OPT, CPT, or Academic Training application or a program extension, please be sure to get complete application to your OISS advisor no later than Friday, May 17 to allow for 3 to 5 business days for processing.  If not, we may not be able to complete your request before the conference. 

During this time, we’ll be monitoring our email for true immigration emergencies, but please be sure to expect a delay in our response.  We’ll still be there if you really need us. 

Thank you for your cooperation,

The OISS Team

National Interest Exemptions Update

Office of International Students and Scholars oiss@tulane.edu
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Please be aware that it is important to continue following all Tulane University,  New Orleans and State COVID regulations.  Violating current public health regulations can have negative consequences for your immigration status.  Below are some COVID-related changes that were recently announced by the Department of State. 

National Interest Exceptions for China, India Iran, Brazil, South Africa the U.K., Ireland and the European Schengen area

On June 29, 2021, the Department of State extended the validity of National Interest Exceptions (NIEs) to China, India Iran, Brazil, South Africa, Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland. More information here.

  • It is exception that allows travelers from those countries to come to US.
  • It is exception that allows travelers from those countries to apply for a student visa, and the NIE will be applied automatically.
  • The NIE applies to all students from Ireland, Schengen and the UK.
  • It only applies to students from India, China, Iran, Brazil and South Africa if their program starts after August 1, 2021.  If you are a continuing student in one of these countries who already has a valid visa for your study at Tulane, please reach out to your local consulate to ask if you qualify for a NIE and if you need to take any action to get an NIE.

Please reach out to us at oiss@tulane.edu if we can be of assistance. We will provide updates as new information unfolds. Please continue to keep up-to-date with immigration changes via OISS's Immigration Announcements Updates and Travel Guidance for Current International Students during COVID-19 webpages.  Pay special attention to the Fragomen resource.