It has been a little over one month since President’s proclamation restricting arrival of travelers from the pandemic-hit India, except certain groups, took effect on May 4, 2021. The temporary ban on entry into the United States for travelers from India principally applies to non-American residents having neither a US-born kid nor a spouse with legal permanent residency (LPR). It has mostly affected H1B, H4, L1, L2 and B1/B2 visa holders among non-immigrant groups. The articles below tell a disheartening story of how some non-immigrant families suffered a split-up in the wake of the USA’s travel restriction for India.
- This H1B visa holder traveled to India for family emergency but got stuck there
- US travel ban splits up this Indian family forever
Picture Credit: USvisaservice.de
However, the Department of State provides the National Interest Exception (NIE), a special entry permit, allowing those stuck or stranded in India to fly back to America, given their humanitarian activities or service in critical infrastructure sectors including national security, public health care, and information technology. Many individuals, among H1B, H4, L1 and L2 visa holders, working in any of the 16 critical infrastructure sectors (listed by the Department of State) have been granted an NIE to travel back to the US.
Those who want to travel to the US for one of the following purposes:
You can apply for NIE approval on grounds of seeking lifesaving medical treatment in the United States. In this category, close family members accompanying the principal applicant are also eligible for NIE.
You can seek NIE approval if your purpose of travel is to provide care for a US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or a non-immigrant in lawful status (who must be a close family member). This comes under the ‘humanitarian travel’ category.
You can apply for NIE as a medical escort, legal guardian, or any other escort if you are required by an airline or a foreign medical or law enforcement entity to accompany a US citizen (minor or adult) from India to the US.
You can apply for NIE in the public health category if your purpose of travel is to curb the Novel Coronavirus pandemic or to continue the research for considerable public health benefit (e.g., cancer or a communicable disease).
You can seek an NIE travel permit as a derivative family member to accompany or follow to join a noncitizen in the US, who has already received, or is expected to receive NIE approval, or is involved in certain types of research, studies or long-term employment in the US, or is not subject to the Presidential Proclamations.
You can seek NIE approval if you are a pilot or a member of aircrew traveling for training or aircraft pickup, delivery or maintenance.
You can apply for a National Interest Exception if you work in any of the critical infrastructure sectors listed below, or provide vital support for ‘significant economic activity’ in the US.
16 Critical Infrastructure Sectors eligible for National Interest Exception
The United States’ critical infrastructure workers of foreign origin are exempt from the Presidential Proclamation 10199 and eligible for National Interest Exception. Indian nationals who work for US businesses in “critical infrastructure” sectors or industries can apply for the NIE travel waiver for entry into the US. The US government has identified 16 industries as critical infrastructure sectors and vital to the American economy. These sectors are:
- Chemical
- Commercial facilities
- Communications
- Critical manufacturing
- Dams
- Defense industrial base
- Emergency services
- Energy
- Financial services
- Food and agriculture
- Government facilities
- Healthcare and public health
- Information technology
- Nuclear reactors, materials, and waste
- Transportation systems
- Water and wastewater systems
If you are separated from your family in the US and looking to travel back, but you don’t meet the eligibility criteria for an NIE, there is still a way out. You can apply for an NIE on grounds of family separation. Many non-immigrant US visa holders from India seeking family reunion got NIE travel approval for entry into America.
National Interest Exception (NIE) Email Template
You need to seek NIE approval from the US consulate where the visa was stamped on your passport. If the US Embassy, New Delhi has given you the visa, you should send an email to NewDelhiNIE@state.gov. If it is the US Consulate Chennai, you should send an email application to ChennaiNIE@state.gov. MumbaiNIE@state.gov for writing to the US Consulate Mumbai, and HyderabadNIE@state.gov for the US Consulate General Hyderabad.
Your email requesting NIE approval for travel to USA must include all the following details of you if you are the traveler:
- Last name:
- First name:
- Date of birth (MM-DD-YYYY):
- Place of birth:
- Gender:
- Country of citizenship:
- Passport number:
- Visa Number*:
- Visa Category:
- Issuing Post Name (upper left corner of visa):
- Travel dates (MM-DD-YYYY):
- Travel purpose:
- National interest category:
- Clear justification for receipt of a NIE:
(*The visa number, also known as the visa foil number, is located on the lower right of the visa.)
NIE approvals for travel to USA, if granted, are valid for 12 months from the date of approval and for multiple entries as long as you use the NIE permit for the purpose under which it is granted to you. If a NIE waiver is granted to you, you will receive an email confirmation as below. Please note, all NIE requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. Email applications for NIE travel approval in languages other than English will take a little longer than usual to get response.
“Dear Applicant, you have been approved for a national interest exception to Presidential Proclamation 10199 restricting entry to the United States of individuals who have been physically present in India during the pandemic. This exception is approved for travel to the United States and is valid for multiple entries within 12 months from the date of approval.”
If you qualify for a National Interest Exception because of an emergency need for return travel to USA from India, but you don’t have a valid visa, you can request an expedited appointment for visa renewal online. You need to mention you qualify for an NIE on what grounds in your request for an expedited visa appointment and provide supporting documentation.
You are a US citizen/Green card holder. Recently, you lost your father and your mother is all alone in India. You want to take her to the US. Though she (on B2 visa) is not eligible for an NIE waiver, you can seek a National Interest Exception for her on the humanitarian ground. You must justify your request for an NIE for you mother with maximum possible information and all supporting documents, in your email application to the relevant US consular office in India.
I have a question regarding how to get the NIE approval before visa interview?
Hi Garvit! You can find the information regarding NIE here https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/usa-travel-nie-approval/. if you have any further queries, please be advised to check with the US or Indian Embassy.
Hello Sir,
I have requested for NIE approval on 07/16/2021 no response from Hyderabad consulate office.
Is there any way I can obtain the approval status?
Thanks
Ramprasath
Hi Ramprasath! Did you send a follow-up email to the consulate?
Hello sir , I have a valid h1b and have to travel next month for my engagement to India . Travelling for 2 weeks only .Can I apply for nie approval from us ?
Hi Arthi! If you have a valid H1B visa, you can apply for NIE while being present in the US.
Hi,
I have seen you guys mentioned that NIE can be applied within the US itself, but the US Authorities clearly mentioned that NIE can be requested only if the person is outside of the US. Do you know anyone who applied from the US and got approved ?
Hi Amith! A few US employment visa holders from India got NIE approval while being present in the US. They had a valid US visa while applying for NIE.
Hi, do F2 visa holders need NIE to travel from india to USA
Hi Priyanka! F2 visa holders need NIE approval.
Hi team,
This is Pavan, L1B holder. I am planning to go India in August and return US in September. Please respond to below queries.
1. Are the software professionals in healthcare sector considered for NIE?
2. Don’t we need to get initial approval for NIE from the client we’re working?
3. If our VISA is issued in a consulate other than India, can we still get NIE in India?
4. Are L2 dependent VISA appointments available in India now?
Hi Pavan! NIE is granted to those in health sector being an essential service but we have no idea about the initial approval. NIE will be approved by the consulate that issued the visa. Please be advised to check for updates on the Facebook page of US Embassy, India, regarding visa appointments. Please note, once approved NIE is valid for 1 year.
Hi. My wife got new US visa stamped via an emergency appointment. Is that equivalent of having an NIE? I hope she can now travel to US without any issues. Any thoughts?
Hi Gaurav! NIE is a special entry permit allowing those stuck or stranded in India to fly back to the US. May we please know which visa does your wife hold to give a more definite answer?
I have J2 visa and I came to india in march. Got stuck here.My VISA appointment get rescheduled and is on August 11 and 12. My husband is a doctor back in the USA and I need to go back to him. I’m currently studying for my USMLE exam. Do i qualify for NIE ?
Should I send an email to the hyderabad embassy if I qualify for NIE before I get my visa ? or should I write to them after I get my visa (which will have an unexpired visa number etc.)
Hi Meghana! Given your husband is a doctor in the US, you can apply for a National Interest Exception as a derivative family member. If your husband is also engaged in certain types of medical research or studies, it will help you get NIE approval. You can write a letter seeking NIE and carry it while going for a regular in-person visa interview.
Thank you so much for the reply. Will let you know how it went !
We wish things go smoothly.
Hi Team,
This is Suyash. My wife (H4) and kid (US citizen) are in India right now. They both travelled in Feb 2021. My wife’s dropbox appointment is scheduled on August 20 ( I had it scheduled in the month of April itself). the extension is valid till March 2022. So, right now, my wife doesn’t have valid visa (last H4 expired on Sep 2020). Should I email the NewDelhiNIE@state.gov with the above mentioned format to get NIE approval before her documents are dropped off and include the NIE in the documents? OR should I be requesting for the NIE after the dropbox appointment?
Hi Suyash! You can e-mail them in the case of emergency.
Hello,
My mom applied for NIE Approval on humanitarian grounds.
Her request was rejected twice. Please let me know
what documentation is needed.. We are unable
to understand why it was rejected.
Please help.
Thank you.
Shoba
Hi, did you get an NIE before dropping off your documents?
Hi team ,
I am currently on F1 OPT working for IT company . I am planning to travel to India in September and return to US in the month of October, Please respond to below queries?
1. Are the software professionals considered for NIE?
2. Can I apply to NIE from USA even before the travel?
3. Do I face any kind of travel ban while returning to US ?
4. My visa is issued in Chennai, India, if I need to get an NIE should I send my application to them , after going to India?or can I send an email application?
Hi Bhargavi! If you work for an essential sector then yes, you will be considered for an NIE. You can apply from USA and can send an e-mail application.
Does she even require NIE? I’m asking since she’s on an F-1 Visa already.
Hi,
My L1A Visa was issues from London UK. Where should I apply for NIE approval?
Regards – Amit
Hi Amit! NIE will be issued by the consulate that issued the visa.
Hi Amit,
Did you get approval from Indian Embassy or UK Embassy then for NIE?
Hi Team,
I am on H1B waiting for a IW slot for myself H1B and wife H4. Stuck in India since May-2021. Our kid is US citizen and all of us are here in India. Do I need NIE, if I am the only person returning back to US? If Yes should I apply for NIE before I get the stamping or after stamping? I heard we have to take the NIE approval proof and drop it off along with drop box document.
TIA
Sid
Hi Siddharth! As you plan to return to USA alone, without your US-born kid, you may need an NIE. Also, you can apply for NIE before your stamping.
Hi There,
I have consular appointment in Hyd in the month of Sep 2021. Do I still need NIE? Please let me know.
Hi Garuda! Could you please elaborate your query?
Hi Team,
my name is janardhan, my son is 3 years old staying with grandparents due to pandemic he got struck in india. he was travelled with grandparents to india a year before pandamic(2020-feb). Our kid is US citizen and we got to know that my son have some issue with mild autism , noticed by the doctor as he has speach delay and hearing loss ( mild autism). he is under the treatment(theraphies). Due to some limitation we(myself,mywife) can not travel from USA to india . My father has B2 visa valid, is he eligible for NIE to bring my son back to USA . My father doesn’t know english,he was travelled couple of times to USA before. In this case my son comes under NIE, do i have to request NIE for my son and father.
Thanks and regards
janardhan
Hi Janardhan! A separate NIE might not be required for your son as US citizens are exempted from the travel ban entirely. Yes, you might be able to apply an NIE for your father on the basis of emergency travel or medical conditions. Please be advised to check with the US or Indian Embassy.
Hi – I am an H1B visa holder currently in the US. My parents have valid B1 visas and want to travel from India to US to be with us for birth of our first child in October. Is there any NIE angle they can use to get approval to travel to the US? ideally they would like to be here by Sep 1.
Thanks!
Hi AK! NIE waiver is usually for an emergency where travel from India becomes a necessity. The reasoning in the e-mail section should be strong. Childbirth is not a valid reason. However, you can still try.
Hi
I am on H1B, my visa is approved and i do have approval i797 copy. When applying for NIE it is being asked to mention the Visa number and Category, since my h1b visa is not stamped yet. What should i mention for that question? i will be getting my H1B stamped while my stay in India. But currently i am in US.
I am not sure, whether to put H1B receipt number as Visa Number or F1 Visa number, where my F1 visa already expired.
I am in similar situation. Can someone tell if they have gotten NIE approval in this case?
Hi, I am in a similar situation, H1B visa holder but not stamped (expired F1 stamp on passport) – wondering if someone has had success applying for NIE while in the US, got consular appointments to do both NIE approval & change-of-status stamping & got through?
Hi AK,
I am in similar situation except baby has already arrived. Just want to check if you have requested for exemption for grand parents and if there is any update?
Did anyone get NIE approval for their parents? I am in same situation, my mother needs to travel to US for birth of first grandchild in October. Looking for options.
I am in a similar situation. Has anyone applied for NIE and got it approved?
I am in a similar situation. Has anyone applied for NIE and got it approved? Can anyone share their experience, letter they sent, document list. etc.?
My son and daughter in law are in US. I & my husband have got NIE approval to travel to US during October 2021. Do we need NIE approval again to come back to India during April 2022.
Hello Mam! NIE approval is required for travel to the US. It is not required for return travel to India.
Hello Ma’am could you please provide me your contact number. I wanted to call my parents as well to USA. My brother, his wife and myself are in USA. Our parents (55 years and 60 years old) are in India. It would be very kind of you if you could explain me what all you had mentioned in your application.
Hi Team,
I am an international student from India. I have my F-1 VISA. I want to leave in August for my Fall Semester. My parents want to accompany me and they also have their B1/B2 visas, but they cant travel to the states because of travel restrictions. Are they eligible for a NIE? Should we apply?
Hi Ashwaath! As per the restrictions, parents might not be allowed to accompany students to the US due to the travel ban. Please be advised to check with the US or Indian Embassy.
Hi Team,
I am an international student from India. I want to leave to USA on August 15, but my wife’s visa interview for F2 visa is on 12th August. Will my wife qualify for NIE and can we travel together? If not then what are other possibilities for us?
Hi Deepak! First of all, you do not require advance NIE approval from a US embassy or consulate in India because you are automatically considered for National Interest Exception (NIE) at the Port of Entry in the US. If you have already got NIE approval, your wife is eligible for NIE too as a derivative family member. In case your wife is not able to accompany you on the same flight, she can follow to join you in the US after securing NIE approval.
Hi, I am on l1b visa since Jan 2020 and unable to travel back to India due to pandemic restrictions and my child schooling. My parents are alone in India and I am only son. My sister is in India but she is married and staying far from my parents. my parents are in depression due to pandemic fear and worrying about their health. My father is diabetic patient and mother have high blood pressure issues. Can I apply for nie for them to visit us in USA to spent couple of months? If yes which category I can apply? They do not have visa so can I get emergency appointment for them?
Hi Sachin! Your parents are not eligible for NIE approval. If they are seeking medical treatment in the US, it will be easy to get NIE approval for them. However, you can give a try to applying for NIE on humanitarian grounds. Please note you cannot apply for NIE without having a valid B2 visa for them. As far as we know, emergency appointments are hardly available these days.
Hi,
I applied for an NIE exception and received it the same day. I also attached my wife’s details who has an H4 visa so we can travel to USA together. I received approval for myself alone. Are dependents automatically approved, or do we need to apply for a separate approval? Please let me know. Thanks.
Hi Deepak! Please be advised to check with the consulate that approved your NIE.
Hi Deepak,
I am in the same boat and heard NIE approval would take a long time. Do you mind helping me? Would you mind dropping a note to me at saamyy@gmail.com.
Thanks in advance!
Hi Deepak ,
This is Roja.Even my husband H1 received NIE approval yesterday…He is too in diploma about approval of wife and kid….H4 …Did ur query resolved??Can You take your wife on ur NIE approval or u had applied for new NIE approval for her…Please respond me …..
Same situation with me even…..my husband got NIE approval yesterday… Can me and my baby travel along with him….orelse he need to keep separate NIE approval for wife and baby
Same scenario applies to us also we got NIE for H1B , can dependents(H4) travel with H1.
Hi there! This s Akhilan! Did your query resolved!? Same situation with me even!
Hi – My father has been living in India alone since Mar-20 and starting to feel really depressed. I am a U.S citizen and my brother lives out of India too. My father holds a valid multi-entry U.S visa and I am looking to make him travel to the U.S for a few months. Can he apply for an NIE and what is the chance of him getting one please? Thanks
Hi Vino! Yes, he can apply for NIE on humanitarian grounds and must justify the request for an NIE with maximum possible information and all supporting documents, in email application to the relevant US consular office in India.
Hi Vino,
Were you successful to get the approval? I have a similar situation and want to make sure the content I am putting together is strong enough. Appreciate your help letting me know if NIE in your case was approved and the content you put together
Thanks
Hi Vino and Rawal,
Wondering if any of you got an approval for NIE travel? I am in a similar situation and would like to know outcome of your cases. Thanks!
HI,
Did any one of you applied for NIE and got it approved? Please let me know i am on the same boat.Thnaks.
Hi, I am on H1b visa working as a Assistant Professor at University and planning to visit India. I have a visa appointment already scheduled. Can I apply for NIE from USA based on my old Visa stamping? But my old visa is J1. I currently hold I-797A for H1b.
Hi Vishal! Yes, you can apply.
Hello, I am an H1B holder working as an Assistant Professor from Arizona State University who has been rejected for NIE once and have applied again. As I understand, Professors are allowed to go. What is the best way to get an approval?
Hi Mam! Did you apply for NIE from the US?
I need to visit my son in the month of August, he is a minor, a 15 years old, living with his father. He is in between his summer break and feeling very low since he hasn’t seen me for nearly 1.5 yrs, vice versa. Will I have to apply for an NIE to visit him?
Hi Divya! You will be exempted from travel ban if your son is a US citizen or a permanent resident holder. If not, you may apply for NIE under humanitarian grounds and explain your point as strongly as you can in the application.
Hi – My wife is on H1B (cap exempt) after her Ph.D. she never got her F1 visa stamped in India but didn’t travel to India after her H1B. We now have EAD/AP. She works at a company that works on COVID research. Can she apply for NIE? if so which consulate should she contact? Thank you
Hi Gopi! If her work comes under healthcare or essential service, she might be eligible for NIE. She should contact the same consulate which issued her visa.
There are lot of folks got NIE for working into other industry also.
Information Technology
Chemical
Commercial Facilities
Communications
Critical Manufacturing
Dams
Defense Industrial Base
Emergency Services
Energy
Financial Services
Food and Agriculture
Government Facilities
Healthcare and Public Health
Nuclear Reactors, Materials, and Waste
Transportation Systems
Water and Wastewater
Hi – my brother is planning to travel on August 13th from BLR Bangalore to DFW Dallas via LHR Heathrow(London) on F-1 Visa. I wanted to check to see are there any restrictions on transit at LHR or Dallas?
Hi Thiru! Since travel is restricted for travelers form India into the UK, it might not be possible to transit in LHR. Please be advised to contact our travel advisors at 001-800-615-3969 to book the best itinerary.
How to get a NIE before the Visa interview. In my case I am travelling on end of July month. I am currently in USA. But looking to NIE before I travel to India. Is this possible.?
If so, Please post me the steps to proceed.
Thanks in Advance.
Hi Arun! You need to apply to the consulate that issued your visa earlier. The steps can be found here https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/usa-travel-nie-approval/.
Hello, I’m holding a valid B1/B2 visa and currently in India. I’m a doctor (international medical graduate) have given the relevant exams for the application of masters in the united states this year. Every year students travel to states before the application for shadowing different doctors in US for the clinical knowledge and get letter of recommendations which is mandatory for the application process. So I wanted to know if this can be a valid reason to apply for NIE (National Interest Exemption) so that i can travel to USA next month for the shadowing? Thank you.
Hi Zarna! Those working in the healthcare are eligible for NIE but not sure about those who are not yet working. However, since you are related to healthcare, you may give it a try.
under what NIE category should I apply?
Hi Zarna! You may try to apply under healthcare sector. But please be advised to check with the US embassy or Indian embassy.
I am in a similar situation here. I have been accepted for the same. Zarna can you please let me know if your NIE was approved or not?
I am a US citizen .My mom is in B2 visa .There is no one to take care of her except me . I recently lost my dad 2 months back (April 2021). Will they approve my NIE request considering there is no one to support her emotionally other than me
Hi Gayathri! Yes, it might be possible to obtain NIE for her. Make sure you strongly state your point in the application.
Hi Gayathri,
did you get NIE approval ?
I’m in the same boat.
Many thanks.
I am in same situations. Please let me know if any updates on any approval on NIE
Hello. For H1b visa holder .May I know if a letter from employer is mandatory for NIE request ?
Thank you.
Hi Rekha! The requirements to apply for NIE can be found in this detailed article https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/usa-travel-nie-approval/
Hi, I dropped an email to Chennai NIE team for NIE approval on 4th July and as of now I have just received 2 automated mails from them, I am following up regularly with them but haven’t received anything. I am an L2 visa holder and have applied NIE under derivative category to rejoin my wife who is currently in United States and is L1 B visa holder. When can I expect to get approval ?
Thanks.
Hii,I have applied for NIE on 10th july Mumbai consulate on the basis of family seperation and still didn’t receive any reply. Should i send follow up mail? Or wait for 1 more week
Hello! You can send a follow up mail.
Hi. Did you receive your NIE from Mumbai Consulate? How long does it take?
I’m waiting for my approval too
Did anyone of you received approvals?
Did you receive any update on the approval?
Hi Team, I had my Visa IW today at Hyderabad and submitted all the documents through dropbox except NIE. Do I need to apply NIE electronically? or do I need to wait for the response from the consulate? Do my visa will be rejected as i didn’t submit NIE? Please advise.
Hi Anvesh! NIE has nothing to do with the visa or visa interview. You can apply for NIE after the completion of your visa interview.
I have a valid H1-b petition and need visa stamping. Can I apply for NIE to get an expediated appointment for visa stamping? If yes, can I get the format for requesting NIE in this case as my visa is not yet stamped.
Hi Pooja! Yes, you can apply. The format is the same as given in the article and you have to write the matter yourself.
Hi Team, Am planning to Travel India by Mid of September for family reasons and am eligible for Drop Box appointment. Do we need to get NIE approval before Dropbox appointment? OR do I have to change questionarie to get in person appointment with NIE approval? Can you please help me to understand the process needs to taken care before fly to India.
Saravana I am also in the same situation please let me know once you get any information my email id it mukund.jangir@gmail.com.
Thanks,
Mukund
Hi There,
I am in USA having a H1b valid till June’22. I need to go to India to take care of some family issue for 3 weeks. Is it possible for me to enter and exit without NIE?
Hi Vilas! You won’t have any trouble traveling to India but you won’t be exempted from the travel ban on your way back. So you might require an NIE to travel back to US if you do not qualify under any of the exemptions under the travel ban.
Hi there,
I plan to visit India in August end. I am currently on F1 OPT and my H1B starts from October, so I plan to return by September end. I have two questions
1. Being on F1 OPT, am I eligible to request for NIE and also, am I eligible to be approved by the NIE request.
2.Can I request for NIE before departing for the US.
Hi Prerna! While being on F1 OPT, you are eligible for NIE approval. You can request NIE before departing from the US.
Hi, I am a US citizen .My mom is in B2 visa . I recently lost my dad a months back . Will they approve my NIE request considering there is no one to support her emotionally other than me?
Reply ↓
Hi Anu! Yes, you can seek a National Interest Exception for her on the humanitarian ground. You must justify your request for an NIE for you mother with maximum possible information and all supporting documents, in your email application to the relevant US consular office in India.
Anu, im in a similar situation. Did you recive NIE for your mother. If yes could you confirm how long the process took?
Hi Anu,
Did you raise a NIE request and was it approved ?.I am on the same boat and I am trying to bring my mother.
Thanks,
Vijay
I am Rakshitha C Rao. I currently have an F2 dependent visa, and applied for NIE a couple of days ago, to meet my husband who is currently in the USA. The Chennai consulate has not yet responded, due to which I had to cancel
my ticket.
Is NIE necessary for F2 Visa?
Hi Rakshita! Yes, due to the travel ban placed by the US, exemption is only available to spouses of US citizens and green card holders.
Is the R1 visa holders eligible for NIE?
Hi Deva! We are not sure about this. Please be advised to check with the US or Indian embassy.
Hello,
Myself Uma. I am here on J1 scholar visa. My parents were planned to visit me this May but unfortunately they couldn’t due to travel ban. They’re holding B1/B2 visa. Right now, my mom is undergoing a severe depression situation and our doctors suggesting her being with me might help her a bit. Can I apply for NIE for my mom stating this situation? Please let me know! Thanks.
Hi Uma! You can try applying given her health condition by strongly stating your point in the application.
Hi , I work for a Life Insurance company. Does it come under Critical Infrastructure category to apply for NIE?
And also to apply for NIE does the company needs to be a critical infrastructure company?
Hi Tanu! Insurance comes under the critical work listed under financial sector. So yes, you can try applying for an NIE based on that.
Hi I recently got an NIE for L1B, should my spouse and kid also apply for NIE or can they travel on my NIE, they have valid L2 visas
Hi Kasyap! Yes, as far as we know, even they might need an NIE to travel to the US. Please be advised to check with the US or Indian Embassy.
My name is Varghese. I am a B1/B2 visa holder. My son and family are at usa. They have
Three kids below 10 years old. My purpose of visit is to take care of those children
as son and wife are full time employed.
Now in sample email item 13 is national interest category. What is meant by that?
Kindly guide me
Hi Varghese! Is any of the three kids of your son is a US citizen? If yes, you can seek NIE on grounds that you are required to provide care to the kids who are US citizens.
Hi. My wife and I are both LPR holders and working full time. Also, I work with COVID 19 patients as a physician. We had twins recently. We wanted my wife’s mother in law to travel to help us take care of the twins. Since they were born in the US they will automatically become US citizens. Is there a way we can seek NIE?
Hi MK! You can seek NIE approval for your wife’s mother on the premise that a close family member is required to be present to provide care to US citizens. Recently, one of our customers got NIE approval for his mother on the same grounds. Please check his story https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/b2-visa-holder-nie-usa-entry/
Hi Indianeagle,
My father holding B2 visa wants travel to US on medial emergency of his 7 years old grandson who is now hospitalized shifted to ICU, he is in condition is critical.
need all your prayers and blessings for his recovery. ;( .
In which category i can apply for NIE
1. Medical emergency or
2. Humanitarian grounds.
I will submit my NIE letter in 2 days, so kindly advise me quickly.
1 year old granddaughter is a US citizen.
grandson is an Australian citizen.
wife is indian citizen.
husband is Australian citizen.
Hi Kabir! We are very sorry for the delay in addressing your query. Hope your son is keeping well. You can seek NIE on the premise of medical emergency. One of our customers got NIE approval for his mother’s travel to the US in a similar scenario. Please check https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/b2-visa-holder-nie-usa-entry/
Hi,
I’m on an F1 OPT visa and my spouse is on an h1b. I am in the US and she has been stuck in india. Can she qualify for a national interest exception to travel to the US based on family grounds?
Thank you.
Hi Skand! Yes, she might qualify for NIE on the grounds of family separation.
Hi team,
I hold an F1 visa and I am currently on OPT. I started working remotely from India in June. According to FAQs on travel[dot]state[dot]gov, for travel on F1 OPT this is what is given – “Travelers who already possess a valid student (F-1 or M-1) visa, including those continuingCurricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs, and who will resume their programs on or after August 1, 2021, may travel to the United States without further action from the Embassy or Consulates in India.”
I tried contacting the embassy but they keep asking me to check online. It’s not 100% clear from this. Can you tell me if I can travel in August without NIE or do I need to apply for one?
Thanks
Hi Srijith! According to the statement, those whose programs will resume on or after August 1, do not need NIE. But since you have already resumed your work remotely, you might require an NIE.
Hi Team,
I am on H1B and currently in USA, my family ( wife and daughters ) are in India with valid Visa’s and planning to bring them before school starts in USA, are they are eligible for NIE? if yes what is the process to get NIE approval .
Regards,
Suresh D
Hi Suresh! Yes, it might be possible to get NIE for them on the grounds of family separation. You can find the process here https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/usa-travel-nie-approval/.
Hi Suresh
I am in the same situation. Did u got ur nie approved. Can you please share me the sample nie template.
Hi IndianEagle,
Do you know how long does it take for the HYD Consulate to respond for grandparents with US Citizens (Minor).
We’ve applied on 15th July and still awaiting response.
Thanks,
GK
Hello! We are not sure about this. But you might try sending a follow-up e-mail to the consulate.
Hi,
I am on L1 A visa in USA. My family is separated and in India right now(Spouse and 2 kids). They haveL2 visa appointment in August.
1. Can they apply for NIE post visa approval ?
2. How long does the process of NIE approval take?
3. Does my family have an option to travel through 3rd country(just in case NIE isn’t approved)?
4. Can I travel to India to bring them? Will I need to apply NIE for coming back in this case?
Hi Shivani! Yes, they can try applying for an NIE on the grounds of family separation. The process depends on the rush faced by the consulate and we can’t assure you that. Yes, some of the travelers have successfully traveled to US via Qatar. Please be advised to go through https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/bypass-us-india-travel-ban-via-qatar/
Has anyone received NIE approval from Mumbai? If yes how long does it take to get an approval? My wife got NIE approval from Delhi in one day. It’s been a week since I applied. Thanks in Advance.
Hi Indian Eagle,
Would a F1-OPT need a NIE to travel to the US after 1 Aug 2021?
Thank you
Ahmed Humayun
Hi Ahmed! F1 visa holders (whose programs start or resume on or after August 1) come under exemption from travel ban to the US. Please be advised to check with the US or Indian Embassy.
Hi,
I have question. I am US citizen and my mother just got her immigrant visa approved from US consulate in Mumbai with 2 months validity. Will she need NIE to travel to US?
Hi Maria! If she received a non-immigrant B2 visitor visa, then she will be allowed without NIE if you are under the age of 21 and unmarried. Otherwise she would require NIE to travel. Also, if what she received is an ‘immigrant’ visa, please specify us which visa did she receive.
I have recently traveled to India on 20th July alone due to my father’s demise. I have a valid H1B Visa but need to schedule a dropbox appointment for Visa stamping. My wife(H4 pending approval) and minor kids(US citizens) are currently in the US. what would be the best-case scenario for expediting visa appointments and NIE(if applicable). Thanks in Advance.
Hi Hiren! Since your kid is a US citizen, you do not need an NIE to travel to US. You come under the categories exempted from travel ban. You can fly with a copy of your kid’s US passport and relationship certificate.
Hello,
What is National Interest categories?
Hi AG! Please be advised to go through https://en.usvisaservice.de/us-visa/national-interest-exception/
Hi,
I don’t have a Visa no to apply NIE Request, what are the options?
This is super helpful IndianEagle! I have a question:
“I am a conditional LPR holder but my green card for two years is expired in July 2019. I had applied for I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, within 90 days window of its expiration and received an I-797 notice that extended my status for 18 months. Although that was also expired in January 2020. My I-751 is ready to be scheduled for an interview for a long time but waiting for USCIS notice. In April 2021 my father passed away and I had to fly in for a family emergency to India. My wife and a two-year-old son who both are US citizens are back in the US. When I tried to fly back, United airlines denied my boarding. I am working in the IT sector and have an active employment letter too. What do I need to do in order to enter back to US? Also, is it possible to take my mother for few months as she is on B1/B2 visa, as she is alone here and needs family support in this tough situation?
Hi Wish! You come under exemption from travel ban placed by the US as your son is a US citizen. You will be allowed to travel back to US with a copy of his passport and relationship certificate. You can try applying NIE for your mother on Humanitarian grounds since she will be alone in India and might need support.
Is B1/B2 visa holders are eligible to apply NIE form, if they have invitation letter from their sister concern requesting their support on IT sector?
Hi Jamuna! It may be possible, you can try. Usually B1/B2 visa holders are not eligible for NIE travel permit. If B1/B2 visa is granted for a H1B specialty occupation in any of the 16 critical infrastructure sectors listed in the article, you may get NIE approval.
Hi, I have a valid h1b petition and I work in a software consulting firm. I need to travel to India in Sept 2021 to meet my mom. If i have a letter from my company which talks about the importance of my presence in US, will that be sufficient for NIE approval?
Hi KJ! You can apply for NIE approval before traveling to India. Now NIE approvals will be valid for 12 months from the date of approval and for multiple entries, as long as they are used for the purpose under which they were granted.
Thanks a lot. Is it possible for you to post the link or info from US embassy website where they have mentioned that we can get the approval before travelling to India? I have been looking for that as a proof to my company and unable to find it
Hi Kj , I am in the same position , can you please let me know if you have applied for NIE and got it approved ? can you please give me some pointers on how or when I can apply I am travelling to india in sep 2021.
Hello KJ1990
Did you get the NIE approval from USA? I am in the same ship as you. Please let me know if it worked for you?
Thanks
Samar
Hi Indianeagle,
I got H4 visa in March 2021, my wife is in USA on H1 visa working as a medical personnel. I wish to travel to USA on september 1st week. Am i eligible to apply for NIE certificate ?
Hi Dhrumil! Yes, you can try to apply for an NIE on the basis of family separation.
How much time it takes as i m planning to leave next month ? And which documents i need to attach for NIE application?
Hi Indianeagle,
I had applied for NIE 2 weeks on the grounds of family separation to the Mumbai Consulate. Still haven’t received any response from them. How long is the Mumbai’s processing time?
Has anyone gotten approval from Mumbai recently?
Hi Akshay! Some of the travelers have had delays in receiving response from consulates due to the rush. You can try sending follow up e-mail to them.
Hi Akshay, did you get a response yet from the mumbai consulate?
Thank you
Mansi
Hi Akshay did you get any response regarding your NIE status.
I am also waiting for response for my NIE submission .
Hi Indianeagle,
I am a GC holder who had to bring my mother to India for urgent life-saving surgery in July. My mother is a resident of the UAE (holding an Indian passport) and she has a valid 10 year US B2 Visa issued from Dubai, UAE in 2019. I want to bring her with me to the US to continue caring for her and also because, at present, she cannot travel back to the UAE because they have indefinitely closed the border with India. I have read that the NIE application needs to be made with the US embassy where the B2 visa was issued. Do we need to apply for an NIE on Humanitarian Grounds from the US Embassy in Dubai, UAE or from New Delhi where we are currently located?
Hi AR! NIE is issued by the same consulate which issued the US visa. So yes, you should apply to the US Embassy in Dubai.
Hi!
I’m a student going for internship which is part of my academic course in January 2022. I have an appointment for J1 visa on 31 August at US Embassy, New Delhi. Will travel ban affect my chances of getting visa approved? Do I need to get NIE documents? I’m pretty sure the ban applies on my visa type.
Hi Shriya! J1 visa holders are not impacted by presidential proclamations. So, there are fair chances for visa approval.
Hi All,
I have an Family Emergency and have to travel to India. My Father health condition is critical now. I want to go Hyderabad Embassy for visa stamping (I am on H1B). What is the procedure to know to sent a letter to embassy for getting an exemption NIE and also do i need to send another email to embassy for travelling back to USA. Can anyone suggest what are the steps need to take care to come back to USA ?
Thanks
Ramesh Babu
Hi Ramesh! You do not need an NIE to travel from the US to India but you need one to travel back. You can apply for an NIE from the US. The procedure to apply is given here https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/usa-travel-nie-approval/.
I am Ravi, working in on J1 visa in USA. I flew to USA from India in March 2020, and it’s been almost 1 year and 5 months I haven’t seen my mother. Currently, my mom is in a severe depressed and frustrated situation and our family doctors suggesting her being with me might help her a bit come out of her devastating condition. Hence, I am here in India to see her now and I will be leaving for USA to resume my research work within next 10 days. Will my NIE gets approved if I state above mentioned situation? Please let me know and thanks in advance
Hi Ravi! As per https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/covid-19-travel-restrictions-and-exceptions.html some of the J-visa holders are eligible for applying an NIE. So yes, you can try.
I’m planning to travel on F1 in September and I’m taking my 4 year old child on F2. How can I raise exception for my kid? Also, is it possible to raise NIE before getting the visa?
Hi Divya! Your kid needs to get a visa first to be able to apply for an NIE (If that is what you meant by ‘raise an exception’).
Hi,
I have a valid stamped H1, I travelled to India in July 2021 due to family medical emergency. Now I am trying to find best option to travel back to US. I have a US citizen kids(1.5years old) who is staying in India with her grandparents, can I travel back with her birth certificate even though the baby is in India? Or apply for NIE with family separation as my wife (holding F1) is in US working.
Hi Meena! You might be able to travel with the copy of your kid’s US passport and relationship certificate. However, at the airport you might be asked whether your kid is in India or US.
Thanks for responding. Do you think you think it will be a problem at POE if I say that the kid is in India.
Hi Meena! We cannot assure anything about that.
Hi, I got my NIE approved, Which airlines should i choose other than direct flights(Air INDIA/United)?
Hi Rocky! Other than AI or United, you can fly on Qatar Airways and Delta Airlines. Please be advised to call our travel advisors at 001-800-615-3969 to book the best travel deals.
Hi Rocky – How long did it take for you to get NIE approval? and from which consulate?
Hello – We are Senior citizens and my kids are in USA (US citizens).,we have not seen them since 3 yrs..can we get NIE on family separation/bonding
Hi Rao! NiE is issued only in the case of travel necessity. But you can try applying for NIE on the basis of family separation.
Hi,
I have valid H1B petition. My son is US citizen of 4 years old. Can i seek emergency appointment for stamping by mailing consulate or do i need NIE approval ?
Hi Veerendra! Your visa process would not be effected by NIE. So yes, you can apply for NIE even after your visa interview.
My name is Varghese. I and my wife are valid B1/B2 visa holders. Kindly guide me in the following
1. Have we to apply jointly or separately
2. Is there any fees for NIE sanction
3. Will there be any interview for us
4. Is there any particular/prescribed format to apply .
Kindly guide me
Hi Varghese! You have to separately apply for an NIE. There will be no separate interview for it and the format to apply is given in this article https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/usa-travel-nie-approval/.
I got my h1b visa stamped at Toronto . I am going to India in August, to which consulate I can apply my NIE request?
Hi Sri! You need to apply for NIE to the embassy/consulate in Toronto where you got the visa stamp from.
Hello,
I am on H1B, currently in USA.
My Wife and Sons(Not born in USA) are traveled to India, their visa got expired.
They have drop box appointment on Sep9th 2021 for H4 Visa stamping at Hyderabad location.
a)Can I apply NIE now i.e before drop box appointment?
If yes, in below link, the email that need to send for NIE, contains Visa number.
https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/usa-travel-nie-approval/
Before stamping , new Visa number will not available to include in email for NIE.
b) Do we really apply NIE after Visa stamping and new Visa number available?
c) What could be below fields in this case?
National interest category: ?
Clear justification for receipt of a NIE: ?
Hi Raju! Thank you for giving us an opportunity to address your query! Your wife can attach (self-written) letter seeking NIE along with the drop box documents. Or else, she can apply for NIE once the visa stamping is done. There are various National Interest categories including humanitarian, medical, national security, research, critical infrastructure, etc. Your wife needs to apply for NIE in the humanitarian (separation from you) category.
What is national interest category.
Hi Dolly! The categories eligible for NIE are listed in the article.
Hi
My son is a US citizen and he is planning to go to US in September for his Undergrad. He will be visiting US for first time and I want to accompany him to help him settle. I have a valid B1/B2 Visa.
Do I need to apply for NIE or as a parent of US Citizen, I am allowed to travel with him? Do I need to get any confirmation from US Embassy? Please help
Hi Raghu! Usually, you are not eligible for NIE in this scenario. But you can seek NIE on grounds that your son, a US citizen, is not able to travel alone and therefore, you are required to accompany him. Please note you will have to give a strong reason why your son is not able to travel alone.
Can we apply for NIE from the US before going to India?
Hi Dhruva! Yes, you can.
Hi,
Our son a U.S. Citizen (Minor) is in India with my mother-in-law (She is an Indian citizen with Valid B1/B2 U.S. Visa)
We want him to be back with us here in U.S. ASAP, We have emailed NIE request for her couple of weeks ago and yet to receive any response.
Anyone is similar situation? Not sure if she is eligible to get NIE?
Thank you!!!
Hi Ajar! Unfortunately, B1/B2 visa holders from India are not eligible for NIE in the scenario you mentioned. However, there is a way out. If the airline requires your minor son to be accompanied by someone, you can seek NIE approval for your mother on grounds that she is required by the airline to accompany a US citizen (your son) being repatriated to the US.
Hi Indianeagle, Thanks for very helpful article and more importantly Q&A in comments section. I am currently in UK on work permit and travelled from US in June. Now I have to go back to US and my work in IT in UK has ended. My L1A visa was stamped in Chennai so I believe I will need to apply for NIE approval from Chennai consulate and not London. Please confirm.
Hi Shaleen! Yes, you need to apply for NIE to Chennai Consulate.
Thanks for prompt response. Any idea approximately how many days its taking to get the response from Chennai consulate for NIE application? I applied on 3rd Aug while my flight is on 14th Aug which I have mentioned in my application as well so I hope I will get timely response. I know the consulate says upto 30 days to revert back with decision but just wanted to check if any guesstimate on how many days its taking by Chennai? I believe Delhi is responding pretty fast, sometime next day itself.
Hi Shaleen! We have little idea how long the US consulate, Chennai takes to respond to NIE applications.
Hi,
Is it ok to send reminder and request to expedite the waiver request as I sent my request this Tuesday and my travel is on next Saturday. I attached my travel ticket as well in my request. Hopefully asking for expediting doesn’t impact the waiver request in other way.
Hi Indianeagle.
Today I received following response from Chennai consulate for my NIE application:
We are unable to advise on the entry or exit requirements to the United States from other countries. Please visit the Embassy or Consulate’s website in that country to find the latest information.
Hi Shaleen! Please go through the following. Hope it helps you.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/extension-validity-for-nies-for-china-iran-brazil-south-africa-schengen-uk-ireland-india.html?
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/25/proclamation-on-the-suspension-of-entry-as-immigrants-and-non-immigrants-of-certain-additional-persons-who-pose-a-risk-of-transmitting-coronavirus-disease/
How about medical emergencies? If you are looking for medical treatments in USA what category should you apply in ?
Hi Chetan! You need to apply for NIE in the life-saving medical treatment’ category.
Hi,
I need to travel back to India due to my father’s demise. I recently changed my job and would need to get the new H1b visa stamped on my passport. (I have my old and expired visa from the previous employer stamped on my passport currently)
Can the the visa stamping by drop box work or do I need a in-person appointment?
Can I apply for NIE? or do I need to stay in another country for 2 weeks before entering back USA?
Hi Abhijeet! We’re very sorry for your loss. Yes, the drop box will work. Or else, you can seek a regular in-person appointment. You may need a letter from your current employer seeking NIE and you can attach the letter along with the drop box documents. If you are employed in any of the critical infrastructure sectors listed in the article, you are eligible for NIE approval. If your request for NIE is not granted, you can enter the US via Doha following 14/15 days of stopover there.
Thanks for a prompt response.
Hi,
I’m in the same situation. Old employer visa expires in 2021 December. Current employer’s I797 valid till 2023 but not willing to provide NIE letter. Can I still email the embassy requesting for NIE approval and then do a drop box?
Hi Abhijeet,
Did you apply for NIE? I’m in the same situation of employer change. My new employer didn’t provide NIE. Can we still send an email for NIE approval?
Hi Narendra! You can apply for NIE approval without your employer’s letter.
Hi! I have been stuck in India since March 2020. I had a Dropbox appointment back then and I got a 221g asking to appear for an in-person interview. Since embassies closed and the presidential proclamations came into effect, I have not been able to appear for the interview. Now the embassy has emailed me asking me to schedule the follow up 221g appointment. They did not mention anything about NIE. Do I need to carry an NIE letter and do I qualify for NIE if I work for an architecture firm?
Hi Tej! We can’t determine whether architecture is a critical infrastructure sector or not. You can try applying for NIE if you are subject to the Presidential Proclamation 10199. You can request your US-based employer to provide you with an NIE letter which you can carry while going for the interview.
Hi, My sister(valid H4 visa holder) travelled to India on 30th July to attend to my sick mother as my parents are old and needed support. Her husband and kids are back in US and my nephew is US Citizen. Does my sister still need to apply for NIE or she can just show Birth Certificate and passport of my nephew when travelling back to US?
Hi Kalpana! Being mother to a US citizen, your sister does not need NIE approval. She is eligible for travel to the US without any prior approval. She must carry copies of her US-born son’s birth certificate and passport.
Hello,
I am on F-1 visa working in USA.My wife has an appointment at Hyderabad consulate for her F-2 visa.Is it possible that I can apply for her NIE before the visa appointment or is it compulsory to request after the visa is approved and stamped?Please guide me through this procedure.
Thank you
Hi Divyanshu! She can write an application seeking NIE and carry it while going for the visa appointment. There she will be asked a few questions to assess whether she is eligible for NIE.
My self came to USA on H1B with NIE on medical emergency ground 2 weeks back. Now how long I need to wait to raise NIE for my spouse who already have valid H4 stamping.
HI Rajesh! You don’t need to wait to apply for NIE for your spouse.
Hi,
I am on J1 visa and my current visa is expired. I am trying to get an J1 visa OFC appointment and looking at an NIE option.
My questions are:
1. can I apply for NIE while in USA (I work for cancer research so I guess I am eligible).
2. I am not sure which embassy would I get my J1 appointment, so do I need to get NIE before submitting the drop box or how does it work? Please reply
Hi Rajeswari! You can apply for NIE while in the USA. You can obtain an NIE letter from the institute where you are doing cancer research and submit it along with the drop box documents.
Hello,
My name Shiva. I am on H1B, my wife is on H4 and my 1 1/2 year son is a US citizen. My wife is now 3 months pregnant and her labor is due in Feb 2022. My in-laws has B1/B2 visa stamped and need to travel to US in Dec 2021 to take care of our son during my wife’s labor.
Can we seek NIE approval specifying that they are required to take care of my son who is US citizen ?
Hi Shiva! You can seek NIE approval for your in-laws stating the reason that you need close family members to provide care to your son, a US citizen. Please go through this https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/b2-visa-holder-nie-usa-entry/
Hello,
Me and my wife both are on H1B visa. My wife is pregnant with our 1st child and is due in feb 2022. Will we be able to apply for our parents to fly to us and take care of new born ?
Thanks.
Hi Varun! B2 visa holders are not eligible for NIE for this purpose. However, there is no harm in giving it a try.
Hi there,
I am on an F1 visa, currently in the US. My wife got her F2 visa approved recently. She was planning to travel to the US this month (August). Does she need to apply for NIE? If so, do we just need to write an email to the concerned embassy? if approved, should we expect any document from the embassy to be mailed to us? Or, is the email reply all that we need? Please guide!
Thanks
Hi Syed! She needs to apply for NIE approval as a derivative family member. Yes, do send an email application to the concerned embassy. As far as we know, the approval will be granted via email. Your wife needs to take a printout of the email approval.
Do we need to attach evidence of illness / diagnosis with NIE application on humanitarian grounds?
Hi Hilloowala! In our opinion, you should provide medical documents if your purpose of travel is to seek medical treatments in the US or provide care to a close family member in the US.
I am currently in US on H1b and got married in Mar 2021. I work under essential services field and looking to have the H4 interview expedited for my wife who is stuck in India. Do i need to first apply for NIE and THEN apply for emergency visa appointment on family separation/medical grounds or should I first apply for emergency visa appointment request? Please advise.
Hi Gaurav! On behalf of your wife, you can write a letter seeking NIE and provide it along with the documents for emergency visa appointment.
Thank you. The reason I asked since in the NIE format, visa number was mentioned to be provided so I assumed that first visa stamping is required ?
Dear Team,
I need to travel to USA and I am trying to seek NIE. Reason for my travel is that my Daughter is not well and has delivered a premature Baby last month. I have Visitors visa which was issued in Nigeria Lagos. How can I get the NIE done in India as I am now in India.
I need NIE for my wife also
our Visa is B1/B2
Hi Ashok! You can write an email applying for NIE to the US consulate in Nigeria Lagos or you can call the US embassy in India and check with them. If your purpose of travel is to provide care to a US citizen/permanent lawful resident/a non-immigrant in lawful status (who is your close family member), you are eligible for NIE in the humanitarian travel category. Recently, one of our customers got NIE approval for his mother on B2 visa. You can read his experience https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/b2-visa-holder-nie-usa-entry/
Hi,
I am here in India because of a personal emergency. (father passed away). I’m currently looking to fly to the US as my work is critical to my small team based in the US. From my understanding, I see I qualify for an NIE under critical infrastructure (Information and technology) and already have an NIE letter provided by my employer. I am currently eligible for dropbox and looking to schedule an appointment for the same.
Is it possible to request an NIE from the US consulate prior to the dropbox appointment on a previously expired H1B visa? i.e. I have to get my visa renewed.
Also in case, my NIE gets approved, Its validity would be for 12 months i.e. I have 12 months before I can fly to the US, correct?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Nirmala! We’re very sorry for your loss. You can provide the NIE letter from your employer along with the drop box documents. Hope NIE will be annotated on your visa during the renewal. If not, you will have to apply for NIE approval to the consulate where your visa is issued from. You can make multiple entries to the US within 12 months from the date of NIE approval.
I have J2 VISA appointment scheduled and is on August 9 and 10. My husband is a research fellow back in the USA and I need to go to him. Do i qualify for NIE ?
Should I send an email to the Chennai embassy if I qualify for NIE before I get my visa ? Or should I write to them after I get my visa .
Hi Shwetha! As a derivative family member, you can apply for NIE for travel to the US. You can write a letter seeking NIE approval and carry it while going for the in-person visa interview.
Hi,
I am on h1b visa and my visa dropbox appointment was booked few months ago for hyd consulate on September 7th. Can i go to dropbox appointment with all the usual h1b docs and in addition nie request letter from my employer? Would that be enough for me to get visa stamped with nie. Or should i have to request another emergency appointment? I am not sure. please let us know. Thanks
Hi Isaac! You can carry the NIE letter from your employer while going for the drop box appointment.
I have a difficult case and I am writing this to you as I have been really perplexed and upset 🙁 🙁 🙁
My H1 was applied in 2019. I got a reject and they applied for an MTR in Feb 2020. Since my OPT was got over in February 2020, I flew back to India but continued to provide support from India as this company I work for has a global presence and I have been working from India for the same team
In September 2020, I got an approval for my MTR and I have an H1 approval. Now, because of the pandemic I have been facing issues.
Since I have been facing so many issues and I am a little worried honestly, how do I prove my eligibility for my return since I have been working from India for the same team. This has caused a major concern to prove my eligibility for NIE. Can I at least complete my stamping and worry about my return later on? What am I supposed to do if you could explain it to me on a step by step basis?
Hi Farza! You can apply for NIE at the time of visa stamping itself. Ask your employer to help you with an NIE letter reasoning that your provide vital service/support in a critical infrastructure sector in the US/for significant economic activity in the US. Please note your ‘NIE’ request is subject to approval.
Say, my H1 gets approved. Can my NIE still be denied? Also, is my H1 stamping dependent on NIE?
Hi I’m in F2 visa and want to travel to USA. My husband is currently in US in CPT visa working in a IT company and doing his PhD.
Can you please tell if I am eligible for applying NIE.
Thank you.
Hi Shrila! Yes, you can apply for an NIE travel permit as a derivative family member (spouse) to join a noncitizen in the US, who has already received, or is expected to receive NIE approval, or is involved in certain types of research, studies or long-term employment in the US.
Hi Iam bindu, Recently I had visa interview appointment in june on H1b, I didnot carry any NIE approval, Visa officer said they need to do administrative processing and wrote NIE on the 221g form and wait for the email from consulatr. Now its been almost 45 days, the status doesn’t change, Can I now apply for NIE?
Hi Bindu! Please be advised to obtain an NIE letter from your US-based employer before applying for NIE approval.
I came to US to do my medical residency on J-1 visa and then took a job after completion of my residency on H1b. I am a doctor on a H1B visa in US, have a legal status but do not have a H1b stamp as i started job right after residency. My Father passed away in May, 2021 due to covid-19. I could not travel there as the embassy was closed and I needed interview for the stamp and there was an expected delay in return. I filled the application from here in Us and i got a date for Feb 2, 22. My mother is alone there and she has a valid B1/B2 visa. My wife is a US citizen. Are there any grounds on which i can apply for her NIE so that she can come here and I get to see her. Please let me know. Thank you.
Hi Rahul! Yes, you can seek a National Interest Exception for your mother on the humanitarian ground. You must justify your request for an NIE for your mother with maximum possible information and all supporting documents, in your email application to the relevant US consular office in India.
Hi,
I’m on H1B visa extension (i-797) and i came to India due to my mother’s demise. I haven’t scheduled visa drop box appointment yet.
since i don’t have an appointment nor visa stamped. can I apply for NIE? Is NIE request always apply via email?
if Yes, to which consulate do I need to write an email?
or
Can I include my NIE letter along with drobox supporting documents when visa appointment is fixed?
Hi Vivek! You can include the NIE letter with the drop box documents once the visa appointment is fixed. If you make an NIE request via email, you need to send email to the consulate that issued your visa.
I have got my visa stamped under H1B and got the NIE stamped on July 2021. My wife and son already had their visa stamped for H4 in December 2020. But their visa have an annotation of just “#NIE” on both of their H4 visas. Does this mean that my wife and son are also having valid NIE and can travel now?
Hi Harikrishnan! The annotation of NIE means they got NIE approval and they are eligible for entry into the US. No worries!
Thank you very much. The confusion came up because my H1 visa stamped in July 2021 have an annotation of ” NIE under all P.P.s on Novel Coronavirus” and my dependents H4 visas stamped in Dec 2020 (I was in USA at the time) have annotation of “#NIE”. The difference in annotation is what bothered me Could you please re-confirm if this is good enough for all of us to travel?
Hi Harikrishnan! With NIE annotation, all of you can travel to the US. FYI, NIE is valid for 12 months from the date of approval.
Thank you very much again.
Hi,
My name is Kadiam Chinna, have been working as a Postdoctoral fellow at the University of Rochester Medical center over the last five years. My research is aims to understand the human heart failure and developing the new therapeutics. My J1 visa got expired on November 30, 2020 and the I came to India on December 30, 2020. My employer filled H1B visa, it was approved and I have received documents on April 2nd, 2021. I have requested for an Emergency visa appointment at Chennai Consulate but they denied. Please advise me, whether or not I comes under NIE category.
Any information would be appreciated
Hi Kadiam! You can try applying in the public health category if your purpose for travel is to continue the research for considerable public health benefit.
My visa was already approved before travel ban and then i applied for NIE in Healthcare and Public Health sector and the response from Mumbai embassey was that i dont fall under critical infrastructure. Can i follow up with them sending more supporting documents? Please help
Hi Nirav! Yes, you can try following up with them by sending more supporting documents.
Hi
I am planning to travel to India – have valid visa with stamping till dec 2022
Can i apply for NIE to avoid the travel on third country for 14 days ?
and for visa appointment for my spouse can i use NIE as an option
Do NIE can be used for new H4 visa appointment
Hi Surya! If you are employed in a critical infrastructure sector or you provide vital service for significant economic activity in the US or you are engaged in some crucial health/medical research, you are eligible for NIE. You can obtain an NIE letter from you employer, it will be a great help. In case NIE approval is granted to you, your spouse can apply for NIE as a derivative family member.
Hello Indianeagle,
We are planning to apply NIE for my father in law who is living alone since January 2020 and feeling lonely and depressed. He has a valid multiple entry B2 visa. Can one of his children apply for NIE on his behalf or is only the traveller allowed to apply? Can i please get a sample letter for NIE on humanitarian grounds?
Hi Jaya! One of his children can apply for NIE on his behalf.
Hi
Is this true, that once you get approval of NIE then our us valid visa will suspended or have to apply for new us visa ?
Hi Bhadresh! If you do already have a valid US visa, you don’t need to apply for a new one.
I am in US on H1-B visa and I need to travel to India and I need to go for an in-person Visa appointment since my H1-B Visa stamp got expired more than 48 months ago. My daughter is a US citizen and she is in India as well. Do I need to provide NIE from employer, or instead can I add a supporting letter mentioning that I qualify for NIE as a parent of US citizen since my daughter is a US Citizen with a copy of her Birth Certificate?
I am thinking to take this approach since I work for an IT sector – retail domain, and I am not sure if my work is categorized as National Interest Exemption.
Appreciate your response regarding this!
Hi Ram! Will you travel back to the US along with your daughter? If yes, you don’t need NIE approval. Being parent of a US citizen, you are eligible for entry to the United States.
Hi,
I am a J1 visa holder and want to travel to India with my husband who is a J2 on account of my father-in-laws death. I have the following questions:
1. How long does it take to get an NIE approval
2. I and my husband are both research fellows so what category should we apply for exemption under?
3. Should we apply separately or together?
4. Should we get a letter from our employer for the exemption?
5. can we apply for NIE while being in US?
6. If we donot get an NIE is there a country we can travel to for quarantining and then come to US?
Hi Afia! You need to apply for NIE in the academics (research) category. You can apply together. You can apply for NIE while being in the US. A letter from your employer will be like a cherry on the cake. In case NIE is not granted, you can take a 14/15-day stopover in Doha before entering the US. The time it takes to get an NIE approval varies from consulate to consulate in India. You can go through https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/bypass-us-india-travel-ban-via-qatar/
Hi. I’m in US on H4 visa with my husband on H1B. I have a 7 year old daughter on H4 and my next baby is due on sept 7,2021. Can I call my in-laws with valid B2 visa under NIE?
Hi Prachitee! Your husband can seek NIE approval for his parents’ entry into the US on the premise that their travel purpose is to provide care to you and the baby to be born. Please check the second clause under the sub-heading – Those who want to travel to the US for one of the following purposes – in the article.
My wife (H4) an me(H1B) are stuck in India, I got a NIE approval yesterday and we both have valid visas.
Can we travel to the US with only my NIE or my wife will also need a NIE approval?
Hi Ankit! Your wife also needs NIE approval.
Hi,
I currently live in the USA. My son(3 yrs old) who is a British citizen lives with my parents in India. Do i need to apply for NIE who can bring him to USA by my parents.
Hi Anusha! Your parents are not eligible for NIE on this premise. However, you can seek NIE for your parents on grounds of family separation (you are separated from your kid due to the US’ entry restrictions on travelers from India)
I am willing to apply for NIE for visiting india. I am on J1 visa and have valid DS 2019 and visa till 2024. Visa was stamped from US embassy, Seoul, South Korea. Since I am working in USA and need to visit india for some emergency family issues. Please guide how and where i have to apply in india?
Hi Supriya! You should apply for NIE to the embassy where your visa was issued from.
I am Indian and traveling to India but my visa was issued from south Korea. Do I need to apply or write the US embassy, South Korea for NIE?
Is it possible to get NIE from Korea?
Hi,
I applied for NIE for my wife and son , who are on H4 and stuck in India. I got the NIE approval .
Given my son’s passport was expiring in 6 months, I renewed the passport after approval.
Do I have to get a new NIE for the new Passport or Can they travel with approval for expired passport.
Thanks
Hi Arun! They can travel. No problem. Make sure your son carries the old/expired passport too.
Hello. I am currently in USA and have an expired H1B visa. Also I am planning to visit India around last week of August for a DropBox Visa Appointment.
In this case can I can apply for NIE via email before traveling to India or have to submit that NIE during Visa dropbox appointment?
Hi Pawar! You can submit an NIE application/letter during the drop box appointment.
Hi, I applied for NIE exemption at Delhi and Mumbai consulate simultaneously. I got approval from Delhi after many persuasions but the next day I got a reply from MumbaiNIE in which they rejected the application. I wanted to know if my visa application was reviewed individually? and should I book my travel based on the NIE approval email from the Delhi consulate or should I cross-check my application status again with them?
Hi Amita! You should have not applied to more than one consulate. Anyway, if NIE has been annotated on your visa, you can proceed with your travel plans.
I have to travel to India in September with my family and return back in October. I am on h1b, my wife and my elder kid are on h4 and younger one is a US citizen (1.5 yrs old). My visa is expired in 2020 and qualifies for dropbox. Right now regular visa appointment are not available. Being a parent of US citizen, can I apply for emergency visa appointment for me, my wife and elder kid?
Hi Mayank! Yes, you can.
Thank you so much for your quick response. I have a follow up question: I have filled DS160 forms and paid the visa fee for three of us, however when I try to book an appointment on http://cdn.ustraveldocs.com/in, it says “There are currently no appointments available”. In that case, how to book for an emergency appointment?
Hi, I had a call with embassy today morning. They informed me that emergency appointments are only applicable for face-to-face interviews and dropbox appointments can only be booked thru traveldocs website. Do you have any information on when dropbox appointments will be available?
Hi Team, This is Venkat working in a US Health Insurance organization, Information technology. I hold a valid L1 VISA and requested for NIE approval with required details on 7th July 2021 but no reply from officials yet. Today I sent a reminder, Do I need to send reminders timely to get their attention or submit a new request. Please advise.
Hi Venkat! May we know which US consulate you sent your NIE request to? Please follow up once again.
I am a Canadian citizen working in the US on a TN visa. I had to travel to India for a medical emergency. Planning to return to work and family in the USA. Do I need to apply for NIE at the local consulate or the CBP in the USA where my TN visa was issued?
Hi Susila! You need to apply for NIE at the CBP in the US.
Hello IndianEagle,
I am a Canadian citizen working in the USA on a TN visa travelled to India in an emergency situation. Now I have planned to return to the states. Where do I need to apply to NIE? USA consulate in India ?
If it is in CBP what is the appropriate email address to send email?
Hi Anjan! You need to apply for NIE to the consulate where your TN visa was issued from. If it was issued outside India, you can send your NIE application to the US embassy in New Delhi.
My H1B visa is expiring on Sep 10th, 2021. I am not exempt from the travel ban and I can’t get an NIE too. Is there any other possibility to travel before visa expiry ? Is there any chance of lifting travel ban before end of August ? How many days/weeks before H1B visa expiry date, one can enter into the US ?
Hi Renu! You can enter the US as long as your H1B visa stamp is valid (even for a week). But you won’t be able to enter the US without an NIE approval. Taking a 14-day stopover in Mexico/Doha is the only way to enter the US.
We have received our EAD/Advance Parole card and need to travel to India for perform last rites. My current H1-B was applied in USA by a Pharma company and haven’t travelled to India for stamping. Will I be able to enter using my EAD/AP card and what are the chances for my NIE getting approved.
Hi Raam! The State Department has indirectly indicated that since the Advance Parole is not a visa, Advance Parole EAD holders should not be subject to the United States’ entry restrictions for travelers from India. Regarding your entry to India using the AP-EAD card, be advised to confirm with an Indian Consulate or Indian Embassy via email. Keep a printout of their reply.
I have got NIE approval with my old passport number 3 weeks back. But later i have renewed my passport and now am going to book tickets with new passport number only. So, Can i travel to US with NIE approval I got it from old passport number? however I should take old passport for travel, since visa got stamped in old passport only. Any body did travel successfully on this kind of case? Plz share
Hi Arun,
where you able to travel in your case, or did you apply NIE again with new passport.
Hi Team,
I have got NIE approval with my old passport number 3 weeks back. But later i have renewed my passport and now am going to book tickets with new passport number only. So, Can i travel to US with NIE approval that I got it from old passport number? however I should take old passport for travel, since visa got stamped in old passport only.
Please help me on this ASAP
Hi Arun! You must carry the old passport as well.
Hello Arun,
Could you kindly let me know how long it took for your NIE approval??? This information would help me a lot.
Thank you in advance.
I need to go to India from the US and then hoping to come back to the US after 3 weeks. I need to visit family to help them with a few personal things. Should I apply for NIE while being in the US before going to India or should I apply for NIE (via email to the embassy issuing my visa) once I am in India. Are there higher chances of a NIE approval if you apply while being in India?
Second question: Is there an in-person or virtual interview needed for NIE or do I just need to send my passport to the given embassy to get an NIE approval stamp?
Thank you very much for your guidance!
Hi,
I am a H1B holder in US working in Financial sector and in Information Technology. My wife , one Indian kid and one US kid are currently in India . My wife and Indian kid needs H4 stamping on their passport they are eligible for drobox , our appointments got cancelled due to Covid and new appointments are nearly impossible to get in Chennai.
Tried sending email for NIE but got response that NIE is only for the visa holders, please let me know what are my options to bring my family back to US.
Thanks
Santhosh
Hi Santosh! You can add an NIE application/letter to the drop box documents. Please note parents and minor siblings of a US citizen (your US-born kid here) are eligible for entry to the US without NIE approval.
Yes agreed but my wife’s passport does not have a stamped visa , so she need a dropbox appointment to get her visa stamped.
Hello All,
Do we need to NIE approval for attending Scheduled H4 Consular interview ?
Thanks
Charan
Hi Charan! You don’t need NIE approval to attend the interview.
My son is getting married on 29 th August in California. This was arranged almost a year ago. It is the first wedding in our family. My husband and I hold B1/B2 visas . We are both fully vaccinated against COVID. We are both above 65 years and in good health. Can we apply for NIE . I know we and my son will be heartbroken if we cannot attend the wedding .
Hi Banu! Most probably, you are not eligible for NIE approval on this premise. The only you can enter the US is after a 14-day stopover in Doha. Please go through our guide https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/bypass-us-india-travel-ban-via-qatar/
Hello,
I’m applying for NIE with my old passport (sealed cancelled but expiry date is Nov 2021), but I have yet to receive the new passport as well. I hope that i will get a new passport in 1 week. Meanwhile, if NIE is approved with the old passport number, then do I need to raise the NIE request again for a new passport number?
Hi Rajesh! Be requested to wait until you receive the new passport.
I already applied last week for NIE with my old passport (expiration date Nov only) and have yet to receive the new passport. Even my visa is also stamped in the old passport only. Since it is an immediate trip, I need to go after NIE approval. I am not in a position to wait for the new passport to arrive to apply. That’s why I used my old passport.
Will it affect the boarding of travel?
Hi Rajesh! You mean that your current passport has not expired yet. If the current passport is valid for travel, NIE on this passport will also be valid for travel.
My current old passport is not yet expired (Nov 2021). But once i applied for new passport, old passport no longer used for travelling in India. But however, the NIE tag for visa number only right? I have valid visa, but for emergency purpose I need to used my current old passport number for NIE approval. But anyhow I should use new passport only for travelling and I should take both passport for travelling.
Will it affect the boarding? Plz advice
Hi Rajesh! The delicate scenario of yours is beyond our knowledge. Be advised to check with the consulate or embassy.
Hi there.
I went to get my h1b visa stamped at the Mumbai consulate.
But I got a letter with a comment “No NIE”
I’ve sent an email now to the Mumbai consulate requesting an NIE. It’s been 2 weeks no reply. Can I email another consulate?
Hi Shradha! You can send a follow-up email. Please note not all H1B visa holders are eligible for NIE approval. If possible, seek an NIE letter from your employer in the US.
Hi
I’m currently pregnant and due in October. My parents both have visitors visa. I really would like to have my parents besides during pregnancy and help me after my delivery. Do you think n we can apply for NIE?
Please help me in this regard
Hi Malini! You can seek NIE approval for your parents, though the chances are slim.
Hi Indianeagle,
Just applied for NIE for my wife and son. I am on H1b currently. Got a automatic reply from New Delhi US embassy which just delivers information like FAQ(s). Should I wait for the NIE approval on email or have to take some other action ?
Secondly, current visa stamp expires on sept 11, 2021. Had applied for renewal of stamping for both wife & son, but appointments are not available to even drop the passports, is there any way to get the appointments ?
Please help
Hi Vishal! You can send a follow-up email to the US embassy regarding NIE. FYI, NIE may not be granted for the visa that is about to expire soon.
Thanks. I got NIE approval mail in two days.
Hi Vishal! Congratulations! We request you to share a brief of your NIE application, including on what grounds you got NIE approval. It will help others.
Hi Team,
Can you please help me with my query?
I’m recently married and my H1B got approved recently and activates from 1-Oct-2021. Currently, I’m in US and I wish to bring my wife (India) to the US on H4 wife
1.) Can I book H4 visa interview slots before Oct-1 and appear for a visa interview?
2.) May I know what additionals documents are required to submit for NIE under family separation.
3.) Where can I get sample NIE templates for reference
Thanks in Advance
Hi Varma! On the basis of your H1B approval letter, you can book a slot for H4 visa interview (if slots are available). You can google for sample NIE templates.
I am a US citizen. Can I apply NIE for my parents who have valid b2 visa. If yes xan you please forward a sample NIE letter
Hi
I am a US citizen and my parents have a valid B2 visa. Can they apply for NIE. If yes can you please share the NIE letter.
Hi Pinki! Usually, B2 visa holders from India are not eligible for NIE. May we know the purpose of their intended travel to the US? They can bypass the US’ entry restrictions with a 15-day stopover in Doha. Please go through our guide https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/bypass-us-india-travel-ban-via-qatar/
Hello Team,
I have a valid H1B visa. I had come to India in April,2021 on personal emergency and was supposed to fly back on 15th may. But due to travel ban , couldn’t travel back. Now i want to apply for NIE to travel back to USA. I work in Automotive sector, ie BMW , and my client confirmed that it falls under transportation sector which has been designated as part of the United States critical infrastructure by the DHS/CISA Memorandum dated March 20, 2020.
So can i apply NIE for the same? If so what do i need to mention so as to make my case strong.
Hi Swadesh! Having an NIE letter from your employer will make your application stronger.
I am filling the application to NIE and can you please clarify what to mention against National interest category.
Hi, I’m in India and got my Form I-129 petition approved a few days ago. I see currently only emergency appointments are allowed for interview/stamping, so I’ve requested an NIE from my employer in the US – waiting to hear from them.
Is there anything else I can do to get the interview slot and stamping? Please suggest.
Appreciate your help.
Hi
Fresh H-1B: I have an approved H-1B petition and booked visa interview for Feb’22 along with my wife for H-4. I’m wondering if I can expedite this appointment by seeking emergency request, but I’m a little confused about the steps. Please let me know if I need to get a NIE letter from my employer (US bank) and apply for emergency appointment on cgifederal website? or should I send an email in NIE format to consulate along with NIE letter from employer and ask them to provide emergency appointment?
Does my dependent wife also need a separate NIE? If yes, do I need to send a separate email to consulate seeking NIE approval and then if approved, take it to visa interview? Please enlighten. Thank you.
Hi Sai! You can either apply for NIE at the time of visa interview or after the visa stamping is over. An NIE letter from your employer will help. If you are able to secure an emergency appointment, you can carry the employer’s NIE letter and your application while going for the emergency visa appointment. You don’t need to send a separate email for your wife’s NIE approval.
Hi Team,
I am currently staying in the USA. I am holding an H1b visa. My daughter is stuck in India. She is 3.5 years old. She is a USA citizen. She is a minor and she cants travel by herself. I and my husband can’t travel to India due to some restrictions. Can my daughter travel with her grandparents, who have a B2 visitor visa. Can I apply for NIE. If so please someone can guide me or suggest more inputs.
Hi Shreya! Please check the third sentence under the sub heading – Those who want to travel to the US for one of the following purposes.
Hi I am holdi L1 Visa approved ,but i have Query for NIE do i need to send mail or My IT company will send outmail on my behalf for same
Hi Vimal! You need to apply for NIE approval, not your company on behalf of you. You can obtain an NIE letter from your employer and attach it to the email.
Hi Sir,
Can I able to travel to USA with NIE approval on old passport?
Hi Hari! To the best of our knowledge, you can. As long as the visa on the old passport is valid, NIE annotated on the visa is also valid. If you have got the new passport, make sure to carry both old and new passports.
Hi Sir,
do you know anyone travelled with out issues who have applied NIE with old password.
I applied for NIE exception for my dad(since my mom passed away last month). I am an only child in the USA and wanted him to come stay with me. I applied to Chennai embassy and my application was denied. Can I apply a second time, with more supporting documents(like, for example, I am unable to visit my dad since my daughter, 8 year old, has underlying health issues, and is at high risk to travel because she is not yet vaccinated). Thanks.
Hi DevaSena! We’re very sorry for your loss. If you and your spouse, both are employed, and have little time to look after your daughter having underlying health issues, you can seek NIE approval for your dad’s entry into the US on the premise that you need a close family member to take care your daughter. You need to justify it with medical documents of your daughter. Please note it is just a suggestion.
Thanks. My question, can I apply for a second time, since NIE was denied the first time? Did anyone had luck with NIE approval for parents recently on humanitarian grounds?
Hi, I have applied for NIE for my travel to USA for a short term student visit program for medical academic course, till now I have not got any response on my NIE status. My visa type is B1/B2
My question here is
1. Do I need to NIE approval for my travel on academic purpose ?
2. How much time does it take to get reaponse on my NIE status?
Hi Zahida! You need NIE approval to travel to the US. The time to get NIE approval varies from consulate to consulate. It may range from 2 days to two weeks.
I got NIE APPROVED while in USA. Now I’m in india(travelled after getting approval) and have planned return travel. Should there be any problems to enter USA?
Hi Venkatbala! No problem to enter the US as NIE is valid for 12 months from the date of approval. Kindly be requested to share with other readers how you got NIE approval in brief.
Hi
I have a valid H1b till march 2023 and i received a new i797 for an amendment filed recently by the same employer. I qualify for NIE as I work in industry qualified under critical category. can i file NIE based on my current valid H1B or do i need a new H1B based on the new i797 i received and then file NIE?
Hello Venkatbala,
Can you please share how you got your NIE approval while in USA? I have applied for the same but they replied back saying I have to be physically present in India to apply for it. I have a valid visa and need to visit my family soon.
Any help from you will be much appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Venkatabala,
My H1 B got approved while I was on F1 Visa. I need to travel to India for family reasons and if I go I have to attend for H1 B stamping. I have seen you have received NIE approval while you are in the USA.
Could you please share the way you have applied for NIE while you are in US and got approved? It helps lots of folks with this situation and scenario.
Regards,
Pavan
Hi VenkatBala,
Did you travel back to the states? Any issue at the POE? Also did you take any doc from your employer listing your job duties to support your nie approval.
Your reply will be helpful.
Thanks
Vicky
Hi
My current H1B is valid till march 2023 and i recently received a new i797 after filing an amendment on my existing h1b through same employer. I qualify for NIE being working in a critical industry. Can I apply for NIE based on my current valid H1B or do I need a new H1B based on new i797 i received and then file NIE?
Hi Avinash! You can apply for NIE based on your current valid H1B visa.
Hi
I am on H1B visa working for a bank in IT division. My wife and child (non-US citizen) are both in India. I am currently in US and need to visit India for a month in November.
1. Do I qualify for NIE?
2. Can I apply for NIE when I am in US?
Hi, I am on l1b visa and currently in USA. My parents are in India are alone and feeling very depressed due to pandemic fear. I am only son and my sister is married and living far from them. I am not able to travel back to India due to schooling of my child and also my father is diabetic patients and mother have high bp issues . They do not have any visa currently. Can I apply for nie for them to travel to USA to spent couple of months with us and apply for b2 visitor visa? If yes, Under which category I can apply nie?
Sir, not sure why you wanted to comment on my question. It seems the admin missed my question as it saw a response on it (which is your question).
Sorry , it was by mistake, I was using mobile and there was frequent refresh and it would have selected wrongly. No way to delete it ,Please repost your question.
Hi team
I came to India in July on emergency I have to get my 1st time H4 stamping done but unable to find the slots…
I have a US citizen child with me so I’m i eligible for drop box or NIE?please suggest??
HI Lubna! Being parent of a US-born kid, you don’t require NIE approval. But visa stamping is mandatory.
Hi at the outset I must thank you for Replying to the comments. my son is in US and recently got HIB permission. He is away from his parents for two years now. He is not keeping well for the past few days. Can my wife who already has B1/B2 visa get a NIE and visit US. Alternately. Can my son come to India and get his visa stamped for HIB get himself fit and return to join his employment in US on an NIE stamp. Pls reply.
Hi Nagesh! It is difficult for B1/B2 visa holders to get NIE approval. Your son can come to India, get the visa stamped (please check if slots are available), apply for NIE approval and travel back to the US if NIE is granted. Your son can obtain an NIE letter from his employer.
Hi ,
My Wife and Kids are tryin got get to US since last 2 years since 2020 they have valid H4 visa , i have been applying for NIE to mumbai consulate since last 3 weeks but response from them . Is consulate considering family renunion cases .
Need you valuable guidance ..
Sachin M.
Hi Sachin! Some people got NIE approval on grounds of family separation. Please send a follow-up email to Mumbai consulate.
I have Valid L1A visa and visited recently to India and came back to US safely with an approved NIE. Now my spouse is going for L2 Visa. Does she separately seek NIE during her Visa interview ? Or the consular office will provide her NIE along with her new L2 ? Any info reg this would be highly appreciated
Hi Shambu! As a derivative family member, she is eligible for NIE approval. She can carry her NIE application while going for the visa interview.
Hi,
I am B2 (F2 was rejected in 2018) and wish to visit my Husband who is on F1. He is all alone in US with no family to support him .Am I eligible to apply for NIE? I had got my Visa approval from Kolkata .
Hi Mohapatra! Currently, B2 visa holders are not eligible for NIE.
Hi! I have wanted to know what all supporting documents should I attach with the email for NIE. Also any specific requirements in the employment letter?
Hi DN! The supporting documents required for seeking NIE approval depend on the category you are applying for NIE in.
Hi
I am on H1B visa working for a bank in IT division. My wife and child (non-US citizen) are both in India. I am currently in US and need to visit India for a month in November.
1. Do I qualify for NIE?
2. Can I apply for NIE when I am in US?
Hi Vaibhav! It seems you qualify for NIE because of your service in banking which comes under the “financial services” category. You can apply for NIE while being in the US.
Hi,
I have my valid H1B visa with Employer A until May’2022 but didnt travel to USA. Now my petition is approved with Employee B, currently Iam in India. Can I able to travel to USA with NIE letter from Employer B? or I need to go for stamping after receiving NIE letter.
Please suggest.
Hi Prakash! If you plan on traveling to the US on H1B visa from the employer A, you need an NIE letter from the employer A. If you seek NIE approval using the NIE letter from the employer B, you need to go for visa stamping first.
Hi:
Im on H1B and My wife is an H4 who is 28th week pregnant. We have a kid (4.5 Yrs) who is US citizen. Can we apply NIE for my mother in law or my parents who already have a B1/B2 Visa valid, for my wife delivery in Nov, as we need help for my 4.5yr Old one. If so what all documents do I need to send?
TYIA.
Hi Venkata! You can give it a try. Your wife’s pregnancy-related medical documents and a copy of your son’s US passport are among the documents required for NIE application.
Hi,
My daughter is a F1 Visa holder and is starting her master’s program in the US in September 2021. She will be visiting the US for the first time and I want to accompany her to help her settle. I have a valid B1/B2 Visa.
Hi Sujata! Please check whether you qualify as a derivative family member of your daughter on F1 visa. If you qualify, you can seek NIE approval for travel to the US.
I have a H1 visa valid till June ’22. I need to travel to India for 6 weeks to look after my wife ( she has H4 too) who is in India. I am a software consultant. Already have my I140 approved and in GC line. what are my chances of getting NIE.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Hi Vilas! If you are employed in one of the critical infrastructure sectors, of if you are engaged in some research, or you provide service for significant economic activity in the US, you have fair chances of getting NIE approval.
Hi, I am on l1b visa and currently in USA. My parents are in India are alone and feeling very depressed due to pandemic fear. I am only son and my sister is married and living far from them. I am not able to travel back to India due to schooling of my child and also my father is diabetic patients and mother have high bp issues . They do not have any visa currently. Can I apply for nie for them to travel to USA to spent couple of months with us and apply for b2 visitor visa? If yes, Under which category I can apply nie?
Sorry , it was by mistake, I was using mobile and there was frequent refresh and it would have selected wrongly. No way to delete it ,Please repost your question.
Hi,
We are expecting a child in October and considering both my and my wife are working and daycares in the state are operating at reduced capacity, our parents wanted to come over to care for our newborn (they have B1 visas). Will this be approved on the basis of providing care for our child? Would we need to provide a doctor’s letter or something else to help obtain an approval for travel? Thank you so much for your time!
Hi Sankaran! B2 visa holders from India are not eligible for NIE approval on grounds of providing care to the unborn unless there is a medical emergency. If your wife has pregnancy complications, you can provide a doctor’s letter for applying for NIE.
Thank you for your prompt reply!
I am on L1b which is expiring soon and I am moving to H1b cos (which got approved last year is consular processing). I have applied for my spouse h4 along with my H1b ( he is in opt now). I have to travel to India end of November and return end of December. If my spouse stays in US, can I request for NIE under family separation.
Thanks
Hi Gayatri! In addition to family separation, you can seek NIE approval if you are employed in any of the 16 critical infrastructure sectors or you provide service for significant economic activity in the US.
Hi,
I had to travel to india along with my wife and kid (US born) due to personal emergency (Dad critical health condition).
I was on a L1B visa till Nov 2020 (Expired in Jan 2021) and currently on h1b (no stamping in passport) (h1b – I797 approved till Sep 2023) – Same company
Let me know if I’m eligible for NIE and get stamping in US embassy in india.
Kindly let me what are the options available
Hi Goutham! As far as we know, you cannot travel to the US without visa stamping. Being parents of a US-born kid, you and your spouse are eligible for travel to the US without NIE approval. Make sure to get visa stamping on your passport.
Hi I’m also in same kind of situation I have US born kid I’m unable to book a slot and I heard from some posts that’s even if we get appointment we get 221g can you please let me know
Hi, I am on l1b visa and currently in USA. My parents are in India are alone and feeling very depressed due to pandemic fear. I am only son and my sister is married and living far from them. I am not able to travel back to India due to schooling of my child and also my father is diabetic patients and mother have high bp issues . They do not have any visa currently. Can I apply for nie for them to travel to USA to spent couple of months with us and apply for b2 visitor visa? If yes, Under which category I can apply nie?
Hello — I just got my renewal i797 and I’m dropbox eligible (have been for my last 2 times renewal too and it’s been an easy process). I’m currently in the US.
Do I need an NIE to even get a dropbox appointment? Or is that an emergency appointment? Can I apply for that from the US prior to traveling to India or should I physically be present in India to do that?
It’s been over 2 years since i’ve seen my family and I’m trying to figure out if it’s even worth going at this point. Esp, if I need an NIE for even getting the dropbox appointment.
Hi MJR! You can apply for a drop box appointment while being in the US. You don’t need NIE to get a drop box appointment. You will need NIE approval to travel back from India to the US. Hence, you can provide your NIE application and an NIE letter from your employer along with drop box documents.
I and my wife traveled to India earlier this year in Feb 2021 on a personal trip. I traveled back to USA on March 2021. We both had stamped visas until Jun 2021. My wife had to stay back in India for personal reasons. In the meanwhile, our visa expired on 6/24/21. So I filed an H1B extension and extension is approved until 2024. Now my wife is planning to travel back to USA for which she will require H4 visa stamping and will be drop box eligible. Is NIE required in this case of drop box ? If Yes, then should I first schedule the drop box appointment and then go for NIE ? Or when is the right time to apply NIE ? She is planning to travel in Oct 2021. Please help.
Hi Himanshu! NIE is not necessary for a drop box appointment. Schedule the drop box appointment first. You can provide the NIE application along with Drop box documents, or you can apply for NIE approval after the drop box appointment.
Thanks for the reply. I will create an NIE cover letter and send it with list of Dropbox documents. Will it be NIE annotated on the visa ?
Can you also confirm if we have an option to schedule emergency appointments for Dropbox?
Hi, 2 questions for two separate situations:
1. Can a spouse (H4) apply for NIE as a derivative family member (Husband works with IT dept in a US company holding a valid H1B visa and also has an approved NIE)?
2. Can one apply to the local US embassy (Kolkatta in our case) for requesting an NIE, while being in the US?
Thanks
Hi Pooja! You can apply for NIE approval as a derivative family member. You should send your NIE request to the embassy/consulate where your visa was stamped. You can try seeking NIE while being in the US.
I hv H4 visa my husband is in US i applied for NIE on 10aug yet din got any reply….so i wait or i shud send follow email… n wat shud i write in follow up email
I hv h4 visa
My husband is in USA
I applied for NIE Yet din got any response
Shud i wait or send follow up email
N wat shud i write in follow up email
Hi Khushi! Your NIE request is subject to approval. You can send a follow-up email to the consulate.
Hello
I recently got married and my husband is on a F1 visa pursuing PhD. He has flown back to the US, however, for me to join him the wait time (interview) for F2 visa is really long. He has been living alone during the pandemic with no support for almost a year now. Is it possible for me to apply for a NIE on my valid B1/B2 visa on humanitarian grounds?
Hi Kanishka! You can try to seek NIE approval as a derivative family member of an F1 visa holder.
Hi
I applied for NIE on August 02, 2021, but I didn’t receive any response yet. Should I need to wait longer. I didn’t send any status requesting email, just a single email requesting NIE
Thanks,
Sai Akhil
Hi Akhil! In some cases, it takes a month to get response. You can send a follow-up email to the consulate.
Hi,
I have a stamped H1B visa till Aug 2022. I am in India along with my US born kid.
Can I travel back to the US without my US born kid (with him staying back in India) ?
Hi Nikhil! If you travel to the US without your US-born kid, you may face interrogation by immigration officers at the entry airport in the US. You may be asked about your kids’ whereabouts.
Hi, I am an Indian origin Irish citizen residing in US on H1B visa. My parents live in India & they are impacted due to covid. I would like to travel but I am not sure if I will be eligible for NIE. If I am eligible for NIE, should I apply with US embassy in Ireland or any US embassy in India? Also, what is the possibility that I would get the NIE if I apply before I travel to India?
Appreciate any responses on this.
Thanks
Nary.
Hi Nary! An NIE request is subject to approval based on an assessment of the application and certain criteria. You need to apply to the embassy/consulate where your H1B visa was issued from.
Hi
I am US citizen. Recently (about a month ago) my father passed away.
I want come to India and bring my mother with me to USA soon. My mother has a valid US B2 visa till 2023.
I am planning to seek NIE approval by sending email to US Consulate. What would you recommend to write in the email to increase that chances of approval.
I believe after NIE approval, my mother just needs to carry the printed email approval from US consulate with passport during travel to USA. She already has a valid Visa. Please advise.
Hi GD! Please be advised to google NIE application templates and make sure that your NIE application has strong matter and justifies your mother’s intended travel to the US.
Thank you very much for your response.
My mother has always been homemaker and has never done any work outside the house such as banking, ATM, paying bills etc. She is not capable to live alone in India.
Currently, my relatives and neighbors are helping her to get through the day but their support won’t continue for long due to practical reasons.They are expecting me to take her responsibility.
I humbly request you to approve her travel to United States so that she can stay with me in United States during this difficult time.
are above reasons good enough to grant NIE approval?
Please advise.
Hi Girish! The application matter is still not strong. You should mention the recent demise of your father and how it is affecting your lonely mom’s physical and mental health.
Hi,
I had a fresh new H1B Visa and appiled for NIE at chennai location. But, there i sno response yet from Chennai branch. Ho wlong will it take max time for NIE approval?
Hi Balaraju! Many people reported the same about the Chennai Consulate. It may take 48 hours to over a month.
Hi,
I am in india, L1B Visa holder which is getting expired in Jan-2022. I need to travel to US from India(Hyderabad) for an urgent client requirement in IT sector. I understand i should be applying for NIE approval over email. Do we need to provide the proof to US Embassy for urgent travel.
Besides this, are there any other things to be taken care e.g Vaccination status. I was vaccinated with 1st dose of covishield on 10-Aug-2021. Is it mandatory for being fully vaccinated with 2 doses to get NIE approval ? Does vaccination status has any restriction for US travel
Any inputs on this would be really appreciated.
Thanks
Anil Reddy
Hi Anil! Vaccination is not yet mandatory for travel to the US from India. However, you can provide a proof that you took the first dose of Covishield. Providing an NIE letter from your employer regarding urgent travel will work in your favor.
Hi team,
I’m a B1/B2 visa holder, currently in india with an intention to travel to the US to provide support to my sibling. She is a Legal Permanent Resident (LPR), above 21 & married. For reference, I am under 21, travelled to india from the US in May 2021 & got my second shot for the Pfizer BioNtech COVID-19 Vaccine in the same month.
Kindly guide me as to how I could travel to the US next month (September)? Do I qualify for the NIE? If so, is it to be applied by me individually or by my sibling? Mandatory documents for the process?
Thank you for providing any suggestions and/or guidelines.
Hi Ishaan! What kind of support does your sibling require from you? Basically, you’re not eligible for NIE approval as your sibling is married and above 21 years. The only you can enter the US is after spending 14/15 days in a third country, to say Doha.
I am a USA Citizen.
My parents live in Hyderbad, India. They have a B2 Visa.
My daughter is their only grandchild. They have been meaning to visit us for over two years now, and this pandemic has been stopping us. This has been affecting them and leaving them and my child very depressed. Is there any way this case can be qualified for an NIE??
Hi Ramya! They are not eligible for NIE on this premise unless there is a medical condition in your family and you can provide a medical document while applying for NIE for them.
Hi,
NIE Questions:
Do we have to apply individually for both parents or we can accommodate both of them in a single email ?
Also, is there any specific format for the email?
Thanks
Rahul Patil
Hi Rahul! You can seek NIE for both parents in a single application. The format is given in the article.
Hi Team,
My wife travelled to India in September 2021 due to some emergency situation. She have valid H4 Visa. Applying for NIE and getting it approved is mandatory thing?
Or she can travel with out NIE approval.
Hi Naveen! Do you mean to say that your wife traveled to India in September 2020 or that she will travel to India in September 2021? If former, then your does not need NIE approval if she is employed in the healthcare sector or if you have US-born kid.
Hi,
I have an F2 visa and it was done 2 years ago. Now I’m in India and do I have to get NIE as it’s an old F2 visa???
Hi Yagashree! If your F2 visa is still valid, you can try applying for NIE approval.
Thank you!
Could you please let me know how long it would take for getting an approval?? It’s been 2 weeks already.
Hi Team,
I am a B1/B2 visa holder currently in India with an intention to travel to the US next month to provide aid to my sibling (sister), a legal permanent resident (LPR) who is expecting a baby later this year. For this purpose, I wish to apply for the NIE. Further, I traveled to India from the US in May 2021, and have been fully vaccinated with the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine from the US itself.
Do I get approval for the NIE? Are any proofs or documents like green card copy or invitation by my sister required? What’s the whole process like? Kindly guide me with relevant information in this domain.
Thank You!
Hi Ishaan! Yes, you can seek approval for NIE under the ‘humanitarian travel’ category as your purpose of travel is to provide care for a lawful permanent resident. You can find the process of applying in this article https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/usa-travel-nie-approval/.
My wife is currently in USA on H4 visa, she travelled here with NIE approved letter from the consulate based on derivative family member category as I have a valid H1B visa stamped and work in a critical healthcare sector.
Now she needs to travel to India for her H1B visa stamping, but her job doesn’t qualify as a critical sector.
Can she use the previously approved NIE letter from the consulate (as validity of that letter is still valid) to get expedite visa appointment and get her visa stamped?
Hi Rajul! She can give it a try.
Hi, I am planning to apply for NIE for my parents to visit me on humanitarian grounds and was wondering if the NIE gets rejected, is it marked as a blackmark on your visa? My parents have multiple entry visa Visitor visa to the US. If once denied, can we apply again? And if rejected and we go ahead with stay over in Doha or other hubs will the NIE application cause any problems in immigration in the US during entry? Thank you.
Hi Bhargav! In case the NIE application is rejected, it will cause no harm. The rejection has nothing to do with the immigration in the US.
Hi, I had my L2 Visa expired in May 2021 and in Jun I came to India for H1-B stamping, My wife(currently with L1-A approved ) and US Citizen child both are currently in US. My current visa appointment is at end of Nov 2021, in order for me to apply for emergency appointment, I would like to get an NIE approval based on humanitarian catergory, so for me to give the visa number in the NIE template, which should I give it ? Please guide me through it and appreciate your help.!
Hi Raj! In the first place, you don’t need NIE approval for travel to the US from India. Parents of minor US citizens can enter the US without NIE.
Hi ,
My wife and son are in F2 visa went to India last week due to her father’s death . She is planning to travel back by end of September to USA. Please let me know , do we need to get NIE before travel and what would be chances of getting NIE? Please advise.
Hi Raj! They need NIE approval for travel to the US. Being derivative family members, they have fair chances of getting NIE.
Hi i have applied for NIE but no response after 3 weeks. I just got an auto reply on the day i applied.
What shall i do in such case, shall i ask for status? Will that delay the response?
Hi Harshal! It takes more than 4 weeks in some cases. Be advised to wait one more week. If no response, you can send a follow-up email.
Hello,
Could you please help. I have a friend who’s mother needs kidney transplant and they would be the donor. My friend is on H1b and never got a visa stamp as previously it was F1. Now if they apply for NIE can they get back to USA without the H1b stamping as there are no available date for visa appointments until next year?
Thank You
Hi Himanshu! Even if he gets NIE approval, he won’t be able to travel to the US without the visa stamping. Based on medical grounds, he can request expediated visa processing.
Hi,
I am an H1B holder (Information technology) professional. I and my spouse (H4) is planning to travel to India in Dec ‘ 21and return on Jan ’22. As per the criteria mentioned above I can apply for NIE since I work in ‘Critical Infrastructure Sector’ and my spouse can apply as ‘derivative family member’. Is my understanding correct? Can I apply for the NIE even before I travel to India? Can I apply for NIE even before I get a drop box date or I have to wait till I get a date?
Thanks and Regards,
Pronab Das
Hi Pronob! Please be advised to get a drop box date fist. Do apply for NIE then.
Hi there,
I wanted to apply for NIE for my parents who have a valid visa based on humanitarian grounds. Should I be applying on their behalf or they should apply for NIE? Can you please advise?
Hi Nivedita! You can apply on behalf of them.
Hi,
I am an expectant mother residing as a Legal permanent resident in USA and wanted ti know if my mother can travel to USA on humanitarian basis to support me and my child for the maternity.My mother already has B2 visa. Does she qualify for NIE and if yes, what are the steps and documents that I need to submit for the same.
Also, do I need a special permission letter from the doctor
Hi Vidhi! Though she is not eligible for NIE, there is no harm in applying for it. You need to send an email application to the consulate where your mother’s B2 visa was issued from. Make sure to attach your pregnancy document.
Hi,
I am planning to travel to India from US in December and would require H1B stamping. I have an appointment scheduled in January and I do qualify for NIE. Do I need to let the embassy beforehand about NIE or can I show up for my appointment with NIE letter?
Hi Daxil! You can show up for the visa appointment with the NIE letter.
Hello,
I am working on STEM OPT (F1 Visa) and planning to visit India around Nov/Dec.
So do i need to apply for NIE? If Yes, then could you please let me know procedure for that. I am working on Chemical industry.
Thank you
Vaibhav
Hi Vaibhav! If the presidential proclamation 10199 continues to be in place through this year end, you will need NIE approval for return travel to the US. The procedure is written in the article. Having an NIE letter justifying your qualification for NIE will help you.
Thank you.
Do i need any other document from company to show at immigration, while returning to USA?
Hi Vaibhav! You need only a valid visa and NIE approval to show at immigration.
Hello,
I have a question. I have a L1B Visa and my petition end date is Dec 10, 2021. My company is going to extend I94 for second term. Can I apply for NIE ?
Hi Bhaskar! Yes, you can.
Hello,
I have a question. I have a valid H4 visa and my wife is a medical personnel in USA. I want to apply for NIE as i haven’t met her since March 2021 due to Covid restrictions. How much chance is there for approval of the same and if yes how much time will it take to get approved? And which supported documents are to be attached for NIE application?
Thank You
Hi Dhrumil! Being a derivative family member, you have fair chances of being granted NIE for travel to the US. Many dependents of H1B, L1 and F1 visa holders have got NIE approval on grounds of family separation. Make sure to provide your spouse’s employment certificate in the medical field.
Hello,
I am planning to travel to India late September for family reasons and I have my visa appointment in Mumbai at the end of September. However, I am not sure if I will be granted NIE as I work as a Structural Engineer (Civil Engineering) and it wasn’t clearly mentioned in any of the critical infrastructure sector. Please help me with any knowledge you have about this situation
Thanks!
Hi Srikar! There are sub-sections/categories of each of the 16 critical infrastructure sectors listed in the article. You can try to apply for NIE approval.
Hi,
I am currently on H1B in US and will be travelling to India in September, returning back in October. I have drop box appointment in September for visa stamping. My younger kid is US Citizen. Can you please let me know if I need NIE letter for Visa Stamping even though I will be providing the Birth Certificate of US Kid. Our H1B and H4 are valid till June 2022.
Thanks
Hi Swati! Being parents of a US citizen, you don’t require NIE letter for visa stamping.
Hi,
I am planning to travel to India in December from US. I have an appointment scheduled in January for H1b stamping and I qualify for NIE. Do I need to email the consulate with my NIE beforehand or should I carry the NIE letter during my visa interview?
Hi Daxil! You can carry the NIE letter during the visa interview.
Hi,
I have an approved L1A (Approved on 24-April-21). I have applied for NIE to Chennai Consulate on 8/24 under the “Communication” category. I have applied through my official mailbox. And wanted to check if there is any Autoreply from the NIE mailbox stating the request received, or they will be replying with the final decision. Do we know how much time it is taking for NIE approvals?
Regards
Hi Varinder! There is no autoreply. You will receive only the final decision.
Hi,
My husband has valid H1-B visa and is currently in India. He needs to go back to US to continue his employment.
We have our child who is a minor US citizen here in India.
Can he go back alone to US showing our child’s birth certificate under NIE?
This is because I am not able to get my H4 visa appointment to go back to US and I need to take care of my child while I am in India.
Hi Sushma! If he is granted NIE permit, he neither needs to travel with the child nor carry the child’s birth certificate. In case of NIE denial, it will be risky to travel to the US leaving the child behind in India. It is because he may face interrogation about the child’s whereabouts during immigration clearance in the US.
Hi,
I have applied for NIE for my parents and got rejected mail from consulate.
Reason was travel doesn’t meet the narrow scope of NIE available for this proclamation and request has been denied. I mentioned reason where my sister was undergoing multiple critical surgeries and attached all necessary docs and with US doctor letter head explaining about criticality about multiple surgeries and expressing physical support of my parents to patient.
can I reapply for NIE again for my parents as it was rejected now but explaining reason in much appropriate way and its importance. Is it wise to re-apply again ?
Thanks
Hi Harsha! There is no harm in reapplying. Give it a try.
hi..i want to get my parents to US, i have paid visa fees however consulates in hyd office is closed..I am on L1A visa and already paid the visa fes(B1/B2) visa for my parents..
We are expecting a baby in oct 2021, and need to know how i can apply for NIE approval for both getting an appointment for visa and travel to US.
The earlier pregnancy of wife was unsuccessful where we had to abort our baby in 4th month itself in India(2 years ago) due to high risk of pregnancy..
Can i apply for NIE approval and ask doctor to write a letter for us explaining the suituation of earlier pregracy and need for parents to be here during this pregnancy?
Hi Kailash! There is no harm in applying for NIE approval for your parents’ travel to the US. Be advised to try your best.
Hi Kailash,
What was the prcocedure followed. Can you pls advise. I am on same situation.
Hello,
I have valid H1b visa until 2022 and currently in us. I am planning to book my flight on October end for 15 days trip. I work in automotive industry.Travelling for personal reasons. These are my questions,
1. I don’t see Automotive industry listed as critical infrastructure , can I travel?
2. How early should I request for NIE approval, if I travel October end?
Hi Sekk! NIE approval is not granted for a personal purpose of travel to the US. Mostly, NIE is granted on grounds of economic activity/research/medical treatment/medical service/humanitarian/family separation.
Hi,
My employer is relocating me to the US. I have an approved H1B petition and have my consular appointment on Aug 30th. Do I need an NIE letter/approval beforehand? Can the visa stamp be denied on grounds of the NIE letter? Also, I plan to travel in October.
Thanks!
Hi Chetan! You can carry your NIE application and a supporting letter from the employer while going for the consular appointment. NIE approval or denial won’t impact the visa stamping.
Hi,
How long would it take for an NIE approval from Chennai consulate? It’s been 3 weeks already.
Thank you in Advance
Hi, I am on L1 visa and in US and my dependents want to travel and having valid L2 visa, my elder kid has taken Admission to college in US and academics starts in September, I have requested for Nie to Mumbai for my dependents with college students + family separation category from 40 days with multiple follow ups but found no response, can you please guide on what is potential response time.
Hi Uttam! It has been 40 days. You should have received response to your NIE application. Hope you had provided valid and relevant documents including a proof of your elder child’s admission to a US college. If your elder child holds an F1 visa, he/she is eligible for travel to the US without NIE.
Thanks for guidance, I have provided all required documents. I have question about as per procedure for applying for dependents NIE request/email,,who can email
– principal Applicant in US can email / apply for dependents ?
Or
– dependents/spouse in india can email/apply for it?
Appreciate your guidance on this and thanks in advance.
Hi guys,
I returned india in December 2019. My H1B got selected in march. Now i am planning to go back to USA. I will be working in IT company . This one is my Fresh H1B. Do you think i can get NIE? As its fresh H1b & H4 visa stamping from india.
Hi Piyush! There is no harm in applying for NIE approval. Give it a try. You can obtain an NIE letter from your employer if you think you can qualify for NIE in any of the 16 critical infrastructure sectors. Or else, you can enter the US following a 14-day stay in a third country, like Doha.
Hello Sir,
My wife has H4 visa interview in New Delhi on August 31st, 2021. She is traveling alone(father passed away) and has return flight on Sept 15th.
We have two minor children who are US citizen and currently in USA with me.
Will her passport be annotated for NIE? or does she have to apply for NIE after visa approval?
Could you please let me know the correct process? I am really worried.
Thank you so much for your response.
Regards,
Abhi
Hi Abhi! The US travel ban does not apply to your wife as noncitizens who are parents of US citizens (unmarried and under the age of 21) are exempted. She does not require NIE to travel to US and can fly with copy of your children’s’ US passport and relationship certificate.
Thank you indianeagle for your prompt reply. My wife got her visa approved today (8/31/2021) at New Delhi embassy. The visa officer also told the same.
Thank you again.
Regards,
Abhi
Hi Abhi! Good to know that your wife got the visa approval. If her travel is not yet booked, you can explore our itineraries and fare deals online at IndianEagle.com or by calling our travel advisors at 01-800-615-3969.
HI,
I have a family emergency to travel to India. I have a dropbox appointment in late September for my H1B.
I am planning to provide an NIE letter (IT) from my employer with dropbox documents. I am reading NIE can be approved or denied by the embassy. Will NIE denial impact the VISA stamping after dropbox? Or if NIE is not approved, we just don’t get the annotation in the VISA and you have to request NIE through email?
Hi Arun! NIE denial will not impact visa stamping. If the visa is stamped on your passport, you have fair chances of being granted NIE too. If NIE is not annotated on the visa, you can apply for NIE approval via email to the consulate where the visa is issued from.
Hi. I am h1b Visa Holder. I came to India due to my father covid 19 fatal illness and due to ban I could not go back to US. I would like to apply for NIE. Is client letter is must to apply for it?
Also if someone’s NIE gets rejected then can he/she apply for it again.
Hi Manisha! You can obtain an NIE letter from the client or employer. There is no harm in re-applying if rejected.
Hello,
I am a H1B holder and planning to travel to India in October and return in November 2021.
I am in a process of booking VISA Dropbox appointment for my H1B extension.
I work for a client who provides Insurance & Financial services. Can I submit NIE letter provided by my Employer during Dropbox appointment.? Do I qualify for NIE? Please answer.
Thanks,
Geetha
Hi Geetha! Your NIE request is subject to approval by the consular officers. You can submit the NIE letter during the dropbox appointment.
I(H1B) have received NIE approval today, based on this approval my spouse(H4) would able to travel with me(H1) without separate NIE for H4? Please help on this if someone already faced this situation , I had sent a email to consulate and waiting for response.
Hi! I wanted to travel to US for an observership program in the medical field and also for volunteering which i got approval.. i am having B1-B2 visa .. can i apply for NIE
Please guide me
Hi Heena! You can give it a try. There is no harm in applying for NIE approval.
How do I find out whether my NIE application is approved or not.? Does consulate send an email response or is there any portal on which I should be checking.?
Hi Rassal! There is no portal where you can check the status. Whether your NIE request is granted or rejected, the consulate reverts to your email.
Hi, I have a valid H1B visa. I and my daughter (who is a US citizen) are visiting India in November for 3 weeks. Do I need to apply for NIE for my return journey? If so, can I apply for NIE before my departure to India?
Hi Chetna! Being parent of and traveling with a US-born kid, you don’t NIE approval for return travel. Make sure to carry your daughter’s passport and birth certificate.
Hi Team,
I’m planning to travel to India this November for my wedding, I’m on STEM OPT EAD.
And my fiancé is on H1B approved stamped in India. We are planning to travel to India in November and come back to USA in December 1st week. We both are working for airline industry (IT platform).
Please guide us , how can we start the NIE visa process.
Thank you in Advance.
Hi Vikesh! The below response to a frequently asked question as same as yours does seem relevant in your case:
Travelers who already possess a valid student (F-1 or M-1) visa, including those continuing Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs, and who will resume their programs on or after August 1, 2021, may travel to the United States without further action from the Embassy or Consulates in India. Your spouse can apply for NIE as your derivative family member.
HI, Does IT guy working in financial service company qualify for NIE?
Thanks,
Kumar
Hi Kumar! There are several sub-sections or sub-categories of each of the 16 critical infrastructure sectors. You can collect an NIE letter from your employer and provide it while applying for NIE.
Hello,
We are on H1B and expecting a second child (1st one is a US citizen). We are wanting to have our parents support us with both kids. Do they qualify for NIE to travel to US on accounts of providing care for both kids?
They are fully vaccinated and have travelled to USA multiple times prior to Pandemic.
Hi Tarun! The consular officer may not grant NIE to your parents unless the travel purpose is providing care because of medical or pregnancy complications. However, there is no harm in applying for NIE approval. You can give it a try.
Can I apply for NIE on h1b with family separation as reason. I’m in India since FEB and would like to travel back.
Hi Madhu! Yes, you can. Many H1B and H4 visa holders have been granted NIE approval on grounds of family separation. Be sure that your application is strong.
Hi my sister is in USA and is a H1B holder, she needs to come to India for wedding. Can someone please help on what can be done?
Hi Ishmita! Please be advised to tell your sister to call our travel advisors at 1-800-615-3969. She will be guided through the pre-departure process. We will be happy to book her travel at the cheapest fare available.
Hello,
I am planning to travel India for my H1 Visa stamping and currently I am in USA, I am planning to apply for NIE at HYD consulate from USA before my Visa gets stamped can you please help me what is the VISA NUMBER I have to give before stamping?
I will awaiting your response.
Thanks!
Hi Kishore! It is better to apply for NIE at the time of visa stamping. You can provide your NIE application while going for the visa stamping.
thank you!
you mean submitting NIE letter to VISA counselor itself during interview?
please help me understand or please provide me any url.
Hi Kishore! Yes, you can submit the NIE letter/application to the visa consular during the interview.
Hi,
I am a L1A holder and I am currently in USA with an an approved I-797A till DEC 2022 but my I-94 got expired on 11-12-2020.
We got L2 stamped for my spouse and kids on April 2021 and they are in India. I thought of getting them to USA and started a NIE enquiry by sending an email with all documents to Chennai Consulate.
However, I got an auto-reply stating “This inbox is for NIE Inquiries only for individuals with a valid and unexpired visa. If you do not have a valid visa, you cannot request a NIE and should schedule a visa appointment at http://www.ustraveldocs.com/in”
I am pretty clear that I did ask NIE for my Family alone and it looks like a misunderstanding. Can I follow up by replying the same?
Hi Deepak! You can follow up.
Thank you. I have sent an email clarifying that the NIE enquiry is for the family alone. Let’s see how it goes.
Your page is very informative. Thanks!!
Hi
Got the NIE approved for my family on September 8th.
I sent an email providing the visa copies, my I-797, and then a sentence explaining where I belong in the NIE category.
Then I got a reply from the consulate asking me to give a write up in a given template.
I filled the below with details of my family (read them as in a table)
Surname
(As per
visa copy)
Given
name
(As per
visa
copy)
Date of birth
DD-MMM-YYYY
Gender (M/F)
Country of birth
Country
of citizenship:
Passport number
(Valid unexpired
passport number only):
Visa Class:
Total no of Applicants:
Issuing Post Name:
Exact
Travel date:
Then I gave my details as below:
Specific job title:
-Company name:
-NIE Category (choose one from the list below): Critical infrastructure (Communications)
That’s it.
Then followed up with two reminder emails and I got the approval on 8th.
Took me 10 days.
Hope this helps and wish you all the best
Hi Deepak! Congratulations! Thank you very much for sharing your experience and valuable inputs here.
I am holding valid H1 visa stamped in April 2021. My employer has denied to give supporting letter to apply for NIE under Information Technology sector. Can I apply for NIE on my own ? Are only Health care sectors getting NIE approvals? This will be first time for me to travel USA on H1.
Hi Vijay! You can apply for NIE on your own. In our opinion, health care is a critical infrastructure sector. You can try to seek NIE approval.
Hi Sir,
My H1B appointment is scheduled on 22nd and 24th Sept at MUMBAI location. ( I applied for first time and it is new visa for me).
Do I need NIE approval for appearing for visa stamping ?
If not what are other approvals or important documents are needed ?
Thanks,
Amey
Hi Amey! NIE approval is not required for visa stamping. Please note NIE approval is not granted as long as visa stamping is pending.
HI,
I have my H1 Extended until Dec-2022 however I don’t have a valid visa stamping in my passport.
I understand that I can apply for an for a regular appointment first and then an expedited appointment but the regular appointments are not available until 2022. Pls suggest what I can do to return to US immediately
Hi Indian eagles,
My parents have a valid visitor visa and are flying via United Airlines in mid-October to attend my marriage. The airline informed us that they just need negative RT-PCR-test and vaccine proof. Do my parents need NIE to travel? their flight is from Bombay to Newark directly.
Thanks,
Sanket
Hi Sanket! If you are an unmarried US citizen/green card holder under 21 years of age, your parents can enter the US without NIE approval. If not, B2 visa holders from India must have NIE approval for travel to the US as long as the Presidential Proclamation 10199 continues to exist.
Thank you for your reply, sir! I am a non-US citizen on H1B visa. How are the chances of getting NIE approval for both parents for marriage purpose and how long is the wait time as per your knowledge?
Hi Sanket! The chances of getting NIE approval are slim for the purpose of marriage. Still, you can give it a try. If NIE approval is not granted, your parents can enter the US after spending 14 days in Doha or Dubai. Please check https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/uae-tourist-visa-indians/
Hi Sir,
I am with H1B visa working in information technology visiting india from USA for to take care of my parents who are sick. I will be retuning back to USA in a month. I have my kids who are minors are US Citizens and they are not travelling to india. As my kids will be staying in USA along with my wife, Should i need to apply for NIE for my return travel to USA. if i need to apply for NIE, what would be the best categeory ? If not required, what documents should i need to carry as supportive to show the relationship of my kids . Please assist.
Hi Sri! Having US-born kids, you don’t need NIE for return travel to the US from India. Make sure to carry copies of your kids’ birth certificate and passport.
Thank you for your reply. Where will i be required to show the print copies of my kids birth certificate and passport?
Hi Sri! You will be needed to show the copies of your kids’ birth certificate and passport at the departure airport in India and at the entry airport in the US.
Hi indian eagles,
my husband who is on H1b visa had to travel to india due to death of his father.myself and daughter are in USA.he is working in IT sector . we also have a medical emergency in USA for my husband himself. which category of NIE can we apply for expediting visa stamping process?
Hi Savitha! You want to apply for an expedited visa stamping appointment or NIE approval. Your NIE request won’t be granted as long as the visa stamping is pending. Once you get the visa stamping appointment, consular or drop box, you can carry the NIE application. Given the reason you mentioned, you can apply for NIE on medical/family separation grounds.
we want to expedite visa stamping and get a date as soon as possible as well as get NIE approval.can we send request for NIE while sending documents for stamping?
Hi Savitha! Yes you can.
Hi,
I applied NIE for my parents as I am diagnosed with Follicular Lymphoma and I need immediate help with my kids as I start my chemo in coming weeks. I have sent all the required reports and documents with the doctors letter, but still my NIE has been declined.. I have no idea how to reach them again as it is an emo and I need my parents as I am into depression and I can’t take care of 2 kids who are 2 and 3 years old. Please help me with this situation.
Hi Keerthana! We wish we could help you out. In our opinion, your parents should apply for NIE.
Hi Team,
My husband is in US for 6 months on diplomatic visa. I am in India and have a valid B1/B2 US visa. I want to go to US for a few months to join my husband. Can you please help me understand if I can apply for NIE? If yes, under which category should I apply?
Thank you for the detailed article, it was really helpful.
Hi Vatsala! You may be qualified for NIE as a derivative family member. We are not sure whether your NIE request will be granted.
Hi Indianeagle Team,
I am a B1/B2 visa holder (presently in India) and my wife is a U.S citizen (working in US). Do i need to apply for NIE if I want to travel for a short period.
Hi Anish! Being spouse of a US citizen, you are eligible for entry to the US without NIE approval.
My NIE request has been rejected by Chennai Office. Could you advise next steps.
I got my visa in May this year and it was stamped with “EXCEPTION UNDER PP ON NOVEL CORONAVIRUS”. It had annotation saying “Medical clerkship” which is clinical rotation for students studying in medical colleges in India and doing clinical rotation at a US medical school.. Now that I have graduated from my medical college and can no longer participate in any clerkship at US medical college but can apply for Observership as a graduate doctor in US clinics. So do I need to apply for new NIE for purpose of Observership/rotation at clinics in US or can I travel with this visa stamping? I think although my NIE is valid for 12 months, my purpose has changed slightly. Please help.
Hi Modi! We are not knowledgeable about such a delicate scenario. Please be advised to contact a US consulate and check with a consular officer.
Hi indian Eagles,
I am on H1-B and have a valid stamp on my passport. Currently, I am in the US and I applied for NIE last week and got the approval. Could I travel now and enter back without any problem? Or is it that I had to apply for it when I was in India?
Hi Vicky! You can travel to India and travel back to the US. No worries.
Hi Vicky,
I’m in the same situation as you. I have valid H1B visa got stamping from India, and now willing to travel to India in November.
Can I please know what is the process to apply from USA.
Thank you ,
Vikesh
Hi Team,
Where can we apply NIE visa. Currently I’m in USA and planning to visit india in November.
So can you please tell me where should I apply for NIE , is it while being in us or after going to india?
Thank you
Hi Vikesh! If you have a valid visa, you can apply for NIE approval from the US. If you are traveling to India for visa stamping, you can provide an NIE application to the consular officer during the visa stamping appointment. You need to apply for NIE to the consulate where your visa was issued from.
Hi Team,
My husband is in US on diplomatic visa for six months. I have a valid B1/B2 visa for US. I am in India and would like to travel to US for few months. Can I get NIE approval? If yes, understand which category should I apply?
Thank you!
Vatsala! You may be eligible for NIE as a derivative family member. However, we are not sure. There is no harm in applying for NIE approval.
Hi,
It has been 3 weeks since I applied to Mumbai consulate for NIE approval. No response yet. I understand that they have specified up to 3 weeks as the response time. However is that what is happening in practice or do we need to wait longer/follow-up?
Gentle reminder on my request.
Hi Vaibhav! Please be advised to follow up with the consulate via email.
Hi there,
I’m a doctor in the US on J1 visa and my wife is presently in India. Can she apply for J2 visa and NIE? If yes should she apply for the visa first or for the NIE?
Thank you
Hi Josef! Your wife can apply for both at the same time.
Hi, I want to apply for NIE from the USA. I have a valid J1 VISA. My spouse is on J2 VISA. Does she need to apply separately for the NIE or Can I include her along with my application email?
Hi Sambit! You can include her.
Hi,
I am currently in US with L1B visa, now I am moving from L1B to H1B (which is approved last year with consular approval) using COS with premium processing. I have to visit India for a family emergency and return back. By the time I travel to India, my H1B COS will be completed. I am wondering if I can request NIE from Chennai consulate where my previous l1b was stamped with my L1 visa and then use it to schedule H1B visa interview. My company comes under critical infrastructure. My companys immigration is charging $6000 to give an NIE letter. I want to avoid this so I was wondering to get NIE from Chennai consulate with my previous L1B visa number and use the NIE for H1B stamping. Can anyone please let me know if this is feasible.
Thanks in advance
Hi Gayatri! Either you need to get the H1B visa stamped before applying for NIE or you can apply for NIE while going for visa stamping. It is unlikely to get NIE unless you get the visa stamping.
Hi,
I am an US citizen and is currently in India as my father passed away couple weeks back.
(I maxed out on my loss of pay personal time off also, so I have to go back ASAP)
My mother has Parkinson’s and was supported by my father till now. With his sudden demise,
She is all alone and is not in a condition to take care of herself.
She has valid visitors visa, Will this be strong reason to request for NIE under humanitarian reasons?
She has no other children in India to take care of her.
I am ready to take her thru Doha if Nie is delayed/ rejected.
If I don’t hear back from nie soon enough, can I continue with my travel plans of taking her via Doha with
2 week quarantine @Doha
Or once applied for nie should I wait to hear back from the consulate?
What happens if I get nie approval or denial while I am at Doha?
Thank you
Hi Sree! We are sorry about the mishap in your family. Be advised to go ahead. There is no harm in applying for NIE. Make sure that the NIE application is relevant and strong. If rejected, you can take your mother via Doha or Dubai. Please note your mother must be inoculated with Covishield for entry to Doha or Dubai and for a 14-day stopover there. Please go through the following articles:
https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/uae-tourist-visa-indians/
https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/bypass-us-india-travel-ban-via-qatar/
I am on H1B visa and my wife is on H4. We have 3 years US citizen daughter.
My wife health condition is not good and she has to go most complex surgery and
recovery after surgery is wrong. My wife surgeon doctor asked to get family support
from India and ready to provide any required medical letter.
I wanted to bring mother in law and brother in law or only mother innlaw to support my wife and my daughter since I have to visit hospital and emergency frequently.
My mother in law and brother in law don’t have b2 visa. Would my wife medical condition sufficient to get NIE approval for emergency visa in India and travel to US?
Hi Amit! We are not sure about this. However, be advised to go ahead. In the NIE application, make sure to mention that you have a US-born kid and provide copies of her passport as well as birth certificate alongside the doctor’s medical letter and other medical documents.
Can folks share the response times for NIE applications through Mumbai consulate. About to make decisions to opt Dubai/Doha route to go to US or it’s a quick turnaround time for these NIE decisions? Please share your response times. Thanks!!!
Hello my wife is pregnant and due later in the year. We both are permanent residents and hold a GC. We also have a daughter who is a US citizen. My wife needs her mom’s help for the pregnancy and delivery. My mother in law already has a valid US visa for travel. Will she be allowed into the US with her valid visa based on our legal status or does she need to apply for NIE and is she even eligible for NIE?
Hi Viraj! Given the presidential proclamation 10199 still in place, she either needs NIE approval or should spend 14/15 days in a third country before entering the US. Practically speaking, she is not eligible for NIE if her travel purpose is to help with childbirth. Some of our customers got NIE approval for their parents on humanitarian grounds in view of pregnancy complications. Anyway, there is no harm in applying for NIE approval. Please go ahead and give it the best try.
Hi, My Wife recently diagnosed with cancer and her chemotherapy will start next week, She is on H4 right now, can we call her parents on Humanitarian grounds to provide support while her treatment going on. Her parent’s are eligible for NIE exception?
Hi Sai! In similar cases, many B2 visa holders got NIE approval. Make sure that the content of the NIE application is strong and convincing, and that it is accompanied by all supporting documents. Do also make sure the NIE application complies with the Dos and Don’ts. There is no harm in applying for NIE approval.
Hi,
Thank you so much for helping so many folks out.
I have a few queries –
Currently, I am the F1-Extension, my H1B got approved and will be applicable from October 1, 2021. I will be traveling to India in the month of December 2021 for stamping and staying.
Will I need NIE during my visa interview? Can I apply for NIE after my visa interview?
I have an approval i797 copy. When applying for NIE it is being asked to mention the Visa number and Category, since my h1b visa is not stamped yet. What should I mention for that question? I will be getting my H1B stamped while my stay in India. But currently, I am in the US.
I am not sure, whether to put the H1B receipt number as Visa Number or F1 Visa number, where my F1 visa already expired.
Do I need to have an NIE letter from my employer before sending the USA consulate an email, I work for a software company.
Hi Prakhar! You can apply for NIE during the visa interview or after the visa is stamped on the passport, not before the visa interview. You can provide an NIE letter from the employer. It will help.
Hi, My spouse was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and we traveled to India 3 weeks ago for personal reasons. We need to travel back to continue cancer treatment. applied for NIE at Hyderabad consulate 2 weeks ago and have not received response yet. We both are on B1/B2 visa. What else can we do? Please advise.Thank you.
Hi Anuradha! Hope you provided all supporting medical documents while applying for NIE. Please be advised to follow up via email.
Hi,
I am on H1B visa stamped (at Hyderabad consulate) until May 2022 and I am currently in India. My wife has stamped H4 visa (at Hyderabad consulate) and my kid is 1 yr old who is born in India (eligible for H4 visa dropbox). I have applied for NIE approval for my whole family (including NIE for my Kid H4 visa dropbox appointment) with employment support letter on Aug 18th to Hyderabad Consulate but have not received any response from them even after another follow up email. I really appreciate if you could clarify the following questions as I need to travel back to US next month with my family.
1. Is it must to get NIE approval first before taking H4 visa dropbox appointment for my kid? are there any chances of rejection if I go for appointment while NIE response is pending from consulate?
2. Please confirm if I can apply for NIE approval through email for my family by sending another request to either Delhi or Mumbai consulate as a backup?
3. As both mine and my wife’s visa got stamped at Hyderabad consulate, Are we restricted to apply for NIE only yo Hyderabad consulate?
4. Please also clarify if I am restricted to get NIE approval from the consulate who issued my current stamped visa?
5. As its been more than 20 days, How long should I wait for Hyderabad consulate to respond to my NIE request?
Thank you!
Hi Raj! NIE approval won’t be granted before the visa appointment. Be advised to apply for NIE for you and your wife first as you have passports with visa stamps. If NIE is granted to you both, your kid will surely get NIE annotation during the drop box appointment. Please note it takes more than 30 days to get response to the NIE request in some cases.
Hi,
I am in US and my wife and kids were in India and I have scheduled a Dropbox appointment for them.
Can my wife prepare a NIE document with Family Separation as reason, in the above mentioned H4 format (also adding my kids names) and submit it along with the other Dropbox documents?
Will we get the NIE approval along with the Passports if it gets approved.
Please let me know. Appreciate your help!
Hi ESR! She can submit the NIE application and supporting documents along with the drop box documents. If the consular officer finds her eligible for NIE, it will be annotated on the visa.
Hi,
I have H1B visa appointment in Mumbai along with my wife and kids (as H4) in about a week’s time.
1. Can I apply for NIE at the time of interview or NIE can be applied for only after VISA is issued?
2. If I can apply at the time of interview, how should I go about it? Do I prepare a hard copy application and submit along with the documents at the time of biometrics or submit at the time of VISA interview?
3. Does submission of an NIE have any influence on VISA issuance outcome?
4. Do we have to apply for NIE for each one of us, or NIE for me will suffice for the dependents?
Thank you.
Hi Shams! You can apply for NIE at the time of interview of after the visa is issued. You can submit a hard copy application along with other documents. You need to apply for NIE for each.
Thank you, for the detailed reply. Much appreciate your efforts.
Wish you good luck!
Hi,
Have L1 A visa, I had applied for NIE on 6th July to Chennai consulate. Sent 4 follow up and have not recieved any response even after 60 days. Have shared support letter from my manager recently but still nothing, is there any other alternative to get in touch with consulate? 3rd country is not an option for my company.
Hi Moin! All NIE requests are subject to approval by the consular officers. If the consular officer finds you ineligible for NIE, you can take a 14/15-day stopover in a third country before entering the US.
Hi,
I have B1/B2 visa right now and i have got an approval for clinical research and medical rotations/clerkship in US, I’m not sure if I’m eligible for NIE, and if i am what documents should i submit to get NIE?
And if i do get NIE am I eligible to get stipend ? And how long can i stay in USA? Would it be 6 months eligibility like B1/B2 visa or an year like in NIE.
Please let me know, I really appreciate your help
Thank you.
Hi Shweta! You can provide a copy of approval for clinical research and medical clerkship in the US while applying for NIE. NIE has nothing to do with stipend. NIE approval entitles you for multiple entries to the US within 12 months from the date of issue. It has nothing to do with a period of stay in the US.
Hi,
I am travelling to India with my family (2 US born kids) and will be travelling back on Oct 2’2021 along with my US born kids. Do I need to apply for NIE ? Please let me know
Thanks
Hi Rabodapa! Being a parent of US-born kids, you don’t need NIE. Entry to the US is hassle-free for you. Make sure to carry your kids’ passports and birth certificates.
Hello – I am in the US with my H1B stamped and valid until Sept-2022. I plan to visit India in Feb for my wedding.
1) If I have my visa stamped, and I am willing to quarantine in Dubai/Mexico for 14 days before entering the US, do I still need NIE?
2) If I have my visa stamped, do I have to get it stamped again for NIE purposes before leaving India?
TIA
Hi Parth! You don’t need to get the visa stamped again for seeking NIE approval. You don’t need NIE to take a 14-day stopover in Dubai or Doha.
Hi,
Now that the middle east countries are open for Indian citizens with USA visa who can get visa on arrival and can stay up to14 days. Has anyone with H1b visa taken that route to enter USA or is it allowed and exempt from the proclamation? or in whatever case you need NIE if you are in the list of restricted countries? Appreciate if you can clarify this
Hi Shankar! The UAE, Qatar, Turkey, Mexico and Maldives are not on the United States’ list of restricted countries. Indians who are subject to the Presidential Proclamations and whose NIE requests are rejected can take a stopover in any of these countries before entering the US.
Hello,
I have a few questions on NIE approval,
Currently i am in US and planning to Visit India by Nov 1 with my family,
We have a valid H1- B & H-4 visa,
The reason for travel is just personal, its not for emergency purpose, you can can want to be with parents for Diwali celebration as i have not visited them from past 2.5years.
I alone will be travelling back to USA by Nov end,so i would seek for NIE approval,
My employer is ready to provide me the required documents needed for NIE.
My question were,
1) For applying NIE approval do i need to mention the reason of travel to India?
2) If Yes what should be the correct reason?
3) Will i be able to get NIE approval based on that reason?
4) Under What category does Mechanical Design Engineer fall?
Will really appreciate if you provide answers to my question.
Thanks
Santosh B
Hi Santosh! As per the rules, you should apply for NIE approval when you are physically present in India, not in the USA. As you will apply for NIE after traveling to India, no need to tell why you are in India. Coming to your third question, whether you are eligible for NIE or not will be assessed by the consular officers. Make sure that your application is strong and supported by valid/relevant documents.
Hello, I am a L1B Visa holder currently in USA…, My wife and kid are in India (They have now applied for a L2 Visa)
We have an appointment on October 2021 for there L2 Visa in Mumbai.., My question is
a) Once they receive there L2 Visa , Wil they be able to travel ? Or they will need to ask for NIE once visa is received.
b) NIE can be applied to same Counslate by sending email.., Once its approved through Email.., Do we need to take that email printout along with L2 Visa to fly to USA.. ?
Please let me know..
Hi Gupta! They need to apply for NIE approval once the L2 visa is received. You must take a printout of the NIE approval email from the consulate.
hi indianeagle, my sister got married revently to a H1b holder whose NIE was approved. My sister has her first H4 visa stamping appointment scheduled for september 21 2021, we have a question that do my sister need a seperate NIE or her husbands(H1B holder) approved NIE is sufficient? my sister husband is travelling to USA on on Sptember 18 2021 with his approved NIE and have valid H1B stamping . so do my sister need seperate NIE applied or her husbands NIE should be enough for her H4 visa stamping appointment?
Any response would be helpful
Thanks
Hi Sindhu! Your sister needs to apply for NIE approval for her travel to the US.
I’m trying to understand where NIE is required? I have to drop off my H1-B extension documents, do I need NIE before then and need to include it in document bundle too? Or it is only required when boarding the flight from India to the US?
If we plan to stay in another country, say Mexico, for 14 days, is NIE still required?
Hi Tushar! You can submit your NIE application along with the documents for H1B extension. NIE is required for traveling to the US from India. If NIE is not granted, you can travel to the US after taking a 14/15-day stopover in a third country.
Hello,
I am a parent of a US Citizen child. I, my wife, and my child are currently in India ( We had returned to India a few years ago and now we are trying to go back). My employer has applied for L1 VISA. After a long lookout for a VISA appointment, we got the earliest appointments in the first week of Feb 2022 at the Chennai consulate. We were exploring options on how we can expedite the VISA appointments. Have few questions:
1. NIE: I was looking at this site https://en.usvisaservice.de/us-visa/national-interest-exception/ ( search for ‘who does not need a NIE), parents of the US Citizen child doesn’t need a NIE. But do we need to NIE for getting earlier VISA appointments? Or NIE is required only for travel?. Need some clarifications.
2. If parents of US Citizen child exempted from NIE, how else we can make emergency request for VISA appointments by leveraging US Citizen children?. I tried to use US School (for elementary) as a reason to make an emergency request, but that didn’t fly. Do you suggest any alternatives? Any thing from employer that I can leverage to expedite the VISA appointments?
We really want to travel sooner than Feb 2022. Appreciate your response on this
Thanks,
Prakash
Hi Prakash! NIE has nothing to do with visa appointments. NIE is a kind of exemption from the Presidential Proclamation on arrival of certain categories of US visa holders from India. You could have made an emergency request on grounds of family separation, but your wife and kid are with you in India.
Hi,
I am having H1B visa(Regular first time) appointment is scheduled in 22nd and 23dr sept at Hyderabad Consulate.
Do I need NIE letter for visa Stamping?
Thanks,
Nagarjuna
Hi Nagarjuna! NIE letter is not required for visa stamping. If you need NIE for traveling to USA, you can provide an NIE letter during the visa stamping interview.
Hello,
I have a question regarding my wife’s H4 stamping. She travelled to India in Feb 2021 for family emergency, I (H1B holder) and my Son (H4, India born) are in USA. My Son is 8 year old and goes to school in USA. As my health is not doing good and mentally depressed due to separation, I want to get her H4 Visa stamping asap.
Please advise, how we can get my wife’s H4 stamping.
Thanks,
Hi Manjunath! We can understand your situation. You can apply for the expediated process.
Hello,
after i submit my parents NIE i got a automated replay saying this
“U.S. privacy laws do not allow us to share or discuss visa information with third parties. As such, only visa holders should submit their National Interest Exception request. Requests received from third-parties, other than the parents of minor children or legal representatives who submit a G-28, will not be considered. ”
so my mother and father need to apply for them self. Please replay i really appreciate your help.
I am on H1B, my visa was approved and i do have approval i797 copy. Based on that i have booked dropbox and submitted my documents in July 2021 but returned my passport along with 221g form required NIE justification.
Where & how to submit NIE justification and passport?
Hi Suresh! Sorry! We ae not much knowledgeable about where and how to submit NIE justification and passport.
Hello,
I have got the visa approved for H1B (Submiited passport for stamping).
I part of an IT firm, working for an invest bank. Is it possible to get NIE approved based on the job criticality.
Hi Saumya! You can apply for NIE approval, using an NIE letter from your employer. There is no harm in giving it a try.
Hello, my parents are in India (returned this year early jan) after a 10 month visit here. They came for my delivery last march 2020 and extended their travel due to covid restrictions and travelled this year 2021 early jan. I got my dad’s extension approved while they asked my mom to come for biometrics again as her finger prints were not clear. They returned back by the time we received this info. I am thinking to call my parents again in nov. I want to know if my parents can apply for nie visa (currently they hv visitor visa) stating to take care of my son who is 17 months now and is US citizen. I am their only child and am in h4 visa (GC in progress). What are the chances of approval . Thanks in advance!
Hi Ish! Chances of getting NIE approval for your parents given the purpose of their travel are slim.
Hi there!
I have an h4 Dropbox appointment soon. I wanted to know what I should present as NIE. Do I need my primary(h1b) NIE from his work or employer?
If anybody had gone through similar situation please do share your experience and what all documents are needed for NIE.
I am in India for family emergency and I need to get my stamping done.
Thank you in advance.
Hi Phoenix! If you are a parent of a US-born kid or spouse of a US citizen/green card holder, you don’t need NIE approval. You can submit an NIE application as well as an NIE letter from your employer, along with other documents for the Dropbox appointment.
Hi…
I am a J1 visa holder from India and I was suppose to start my training (sponsored by world wide cultural exchange) in a Country club as a chef in the month of June 2021. However, due to the pandemic the flights got suspended till 30th September 2021.
1. Am I eligible to apply for NIE ?
2. Can I travel to the US without NI
Hi Ambika! We can’t say anything certainly whether you are eligible for NIE approval or not. You can try your best to apply for it. There is no harm. You can travel to the US without NIE if you spend 14/15 days in a third country before entering the US. Please go through the below articles:
https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/uae-tourist-visa-indians/
https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/bypass-us-travel-ban-via-turkey/
https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/bypass-us-india-travel-ban-via-qatar/
My Self Arti Patel and i am on J2 visa. I am currently in USA and I would like to visit my parents in India. I would like to travel with my two daughters (9 Years and 5 years old daughters). My daughters are also on J2 visa. My husband is associated with research work on J1 visa and he suppose to be in US only and not going to travel with us.
I would like to stay in India for 30 days as my both daughters are going in school, younger in KG and elder in 4th grade. I would like to know that am i eligible for NIE approval? If yes, what process i need to do for the same?
Hi Aarti! As a derivative family member of a J1 visa holder involved in some research work in the US, you can apply for NIE approval from India. Please refer to the article for the application process.
Hello,
My self Preethi…I have different situation here….I have been living in India(Indian passport holder)with my son(Canadian)from last three years. My husband is in the USA who is working on TN visa(Canadian)status. I want to go to the USA to be with him but he is not letting us to come to the USA by giving supporting documents. He is saying he is not interested to stay with us but supporting us financially every month. I want to meet him personally and sort out some things before any worse can happen. I want to travel on B2 visa as I have a sponsor from the USA and want to talk to him personally. My son passport is also with him he is not sending the passport to India.
1. In this case will I qualify in NIE to apply for B2 visa and attend the interview?
2.Will the embassy consider my situation and approve my Visa?
3. What do I need to do in my case, please suggest me so that I can travel to the USA ASAP.
Hello,
My parents are in Visitor visa and came here last year 2020 for my delivery and extended their travel. They left to India by early jan 2021. My dad’s extension is approved and my mom was asked to come for biometrics again as her finger prints were not firm. They left USA by the time we got this information and left it. Now i want to bring my parents to usa by nov to take care of my son who is 17 months and is a usa citizen and we are in h1b and h4 visas and our GC is in progress. Can i apply nie for my parents? Pls suggest. I dont want to bring them via third country 14 days stop over due to risks involved. Also i am their only daughter and dont have siblings.
Thanks in advance!
Hi Ish! You can seek NIE approval for your parents by establishing how badly you need their support for your infant. In the email application, you can also explain the nature of your job (if you are employed) and your husband’s.
Hello
My mom is alone after my dad passed away last year.
She applied for a NIE exception on humanitarian grounds
. But her request was rejected.
I am a US Citizen.
Please advise what documentation is needed.
Thank you.
Shoba Ravishankar
Hi Shoba! Needless to say, all NIE requests are subject to approval. The content of the application should be as strong as possible. She needs to convince that she will stay in the US for a short period and that she will go back to India after without visa overstay. Hope your father’s death certificate was provided along with the first application.
Hi I am a H1B holder (stamped) and working in an automotive OEM. My dad has gone through multiple operations in last few months and I would like to visit him in India the soonest. Is there a way I can apply for NIE via email before my visit fr USA? I plan to be there for 3 weeks which I am guessing won’t be enough to wait to recieve a reply from Mumbai consulate.
Hi Amol! The US consulates in India and other countries clearly mention, “A National Interest Exception cannot be approved for individuals who are currently in the United States”.
me and my husband both are on H1B, I am planning to come to India next month and I have dropbox appointment, can I apply nie based on family separation as my company is unable to provide me nie letter or is it possible only for H4 dependent visa.
Thanks in Advance!!
Hi Manasa! Those who have been stuck in India for a considerable time can apply for NIE on grounds of family separation. You can apply for NIE even without any letter from the employer.
Hi…
My self Preethi, I have different situation here…..I am living in India(Indian passport holder) from last three years with my son who has Canada citizenship. My husband is working in the USA who is on TN Visa(Canada citizenship).I want to travel back to stay with my husband but he is not interested to bring me to the USA. He is financially supporting us but he is not interested to stay with us….I want to go and meet him once to sort out some things before anything will happen. My son passport is with him and he is not sending my kid passport to India even though I am requesting many times and he is not coming to India as well. I want to apply for non immigrant B2 visa as I have a sponsor(cousin) in the USA and I want to meet my husband in person. Will NIE approve my case in this situation to get B2 visa stamp and travel to the USA on B2 ASAP
Hello Team-
I’m traveling alone to India and we have a daughter who is a US citizen will be in US (along /w my wife). My visa stamp was valid until July 14, 2021 and I have a approved I-797 until July 14, 2022; I do qualify for drop box appointment. My question is what type of NIE should I apply for so I can get the appointment at the VAC as well as for the airline to travel back to USA.
Greatly appreciate your advise.
Thanks!
Hi AG! You don’t need NIE. NIE is only for travel to the US. Being a parent of a US citizen, you are exempted from the Presidential Proclamation 101099.
Hello, thanks for the reply. Yes it is only required for traveling back to US. Thanks for answering the first part. Can you throw some expertise on – what type of NIE should I apply for so I can get the appointment at the VAC for the interview waiver ?
Thanks!
Hi I work for a mortgage company as a development sr. Do I qualify for NIE? If yes which category?
Hi, my husband and I are US citizens and looking to get NIE for my parents who are on B1/B2 visa. We want them to travel to USA to help take care of our baby. we are both physicians in the US, can we apply for my parents based on humanitarian or healthcare grounds? anyone had luck with this kind of situation?
Hi Prachi! You can seek NIE approval for your parents on healthcare grounds. In the application, you need to establish the nature of your job (how crucial your job is) and justify how badly you need your parents’ support for your baby.
Hi,
I have one question. My parents are 65 years old and they are in India. Me and my siblings are abroad and my parents are alone. They are feeling lonely and depressed. My mother recently had hot water spill, recovered from covid last year, diabetes and knee joint pains. My father has spondylosis. They don’t have strength to perform day to day activities. Can my parents apply NIE saying they need to visit USA saying need support / assistance from their son(me) ?. Will there be any chance of NIE getting approved?. Thanks in advance
Hi Pranay! Your parents can apply for NIE approval. Please note the content of the application must be strong and the travel purpose must be justified reasonably. You can seek NIE approval for your parents’ hassle-free travel to the US by justifying your parents need your support and why; by establishing the nature of your job and how crucial your job is in a particular sector for US economy (you can request a letter from your HR or employer you won’t be allowed to travel now). You may also need to assure that you’re financially sound to support or provide for your parents in the US.
Thank you very much for the reply. Please suggest the NIE justification my parents need to put in order for the NIE to be approved. Does the justification has to be more focused on :
1.their health condition is not well and need children assistance and by taking doctor letter from Indian hospital
or
2. simply mention because of their age they cannot perform day to day activities and feeling lonely and depressed as children are abroad. Without taking any doctor letter?.
Which one do you think would help in approval of NIE?. Thanks in advance.
Hi Pranay! Please be advised to apply your own discretion in giving solid justification. However, the second one is pretty common. Do make sure to justify that you’re not able to travel to India and stay with them temporarily there because of the nature of your job in the US.
Thank you very much.
Hello Team-
I am planning to travel to US to join my spouse who is in US currently. I and my daughter ,have valid H4 Visa ,and it expires only on Dec.31st 2021.
Two days back,my spouse changed his company. He has got I-797 notice and got extended till June 2024.
I had applied for NIE to travel to US. But consulate replied ,to initiate a new H4 visa for me and for my daughter, and a new NIE on the same.
Is it possible to get an approval for NIE on the current valid visa,which is valid till 31st Dec.2021? Why are they mentioning to apply for new visa in order to get NIE?
Hi Roshini! It may be because your current visa is going to expire this year end.
I have plans to renew it once I reach US.Is there any possibility that they issue NIE on my current valid visa??
Hi Roshini! Another reason for advising you to apply for a new visa might be that your current visa will expire in the next 70 days while NIE is valid for 12 months from the date of approval.
HI,
I have approved H1b, and 5 months back I have attended visa interview at Chennai US consulate, that time I got 221g and we submitted doc’s. finally got a mail from ChennaiH&L requesting passport submission at any USA VAS,
and am nit eligible for NIE, and asked NIE along with the passport.
Now can I go and submit passport?
will I get passport with visa stamped with out NIE ?
Hi Thirup! If the consular officer finds you eligible for NIE, it will be annotated on your visa.
Hello,
My parents are B1/B2 Visa holders. My uncle in US is admitted to hospital and is undergoing a surgery. My parents have to visit US to visit and take care of him. Also my uncle’s wife is busy with hospitals and they have a 10 year old daughter ( US citizen ). Will my parents be eligible for NIE approval under medical emergency grounds?
Hi Kruthika! Your parents may be eligible for NIE approval on medical/humanitarian grounds. You need to make sure that the content of their NIE application is strong and relevant. Their purpose of travel is convincingly established in the email application and justified with all supporting documents. Do also mention that they will not overstay the visa in the US and that they will go back after a certain period of time. How badly their presence is required for everyday care to the 10-year-old, is also a must mention.
Hello,
I recently become us citizen my parents are in india can they come on B1B2 visa.
Hello! If you are unmarried and under 21 years, your parents can travel to the US without NIE approval or a stopover in a third country.
Hello,
I have a valid h1b approved pitition, I need to go India for visa stamping for the first time
Can I apply for NIE when am in US, If not when can I apply for NIE in this process, and my job role is related to financial( IT).
Thank you in advance.
Hi Anushaj! As per the rules, you are not supposed to apply for NIE during your physical presence in the US. You can apply for NIE after you travel to India.
Hi Team,
I have seen people with valid H1-B visa applying to other US consulates in India for NIE approval but not to the one where they got their visa issued from. My question is if we got NIE approval from other US Consulates would one be in clear water when travelling to the USA? Would be any restrictions while boarding or while in Immigration at US airport?
Hi Doshi! NIE approval, irrespective of which consulate grants it, will be considered valid.
Hello,
My mom applied for NIE Approval on humanitarian grounds.
Her request was rejected twice. Please let me know
what documentation is needed.. We are unable
to understand why it was rejected.
Please help.
Thank you.
Shoba
Hello,
My sister is a US Citizen, can my parents travel to her home and visit me as the president proclamation says parents of US Citizens are allowed from India? Can you pl clarify on this?
TYIA.
Hi Venkata! If your sister is unmarried and under 21 years, your parents are not subject to the Presidential Proclamation 10199.
Hi Team
Great job on helping people stuck here. I have a question. I came to India last week and my father expired the next day. My mom is alone/ diabetic and her visitor visa is valid till 2025. I have a visa stamp till Aug 22 and wife is in US with her own H1b. Can i apply for NIE for myself and mom and is there a service that will help frame a strong NIE application based on separation ?
Hi,
I live in the US on OPT Student visa. I’m getting married in the US. Any chance that my parents can get a US visa before this November? Would NIE work for this?
Thanks in advance.
Hi Raman! B2 visa holders from India are not eligible for NIE approval for this travel purpose. FYI, the United States’ entry restrictions will be lifted for fully-vaccinated travelers from India in November https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/usa-requires-foreign-visitors-vaccinated/.
Hello. Very brief question. I’m on H4 visa (residing in the US) wanting to travel to India for a family reason in November. I have 2 US citizen kids (one new born). I have a visa stamping appointment in Canada for March 2022. What I’m trying to understand is if I can expedite that appointment by being in the US (citing presidential proclamation for US citizen minor kids) or do the same by booking a new visa stamping appointment slot in India and expediting it while being here? Any advise is much appreciated.
Thanks,
Aishu
Hi Aishwarya! We’re not an expert on the visa process. We can surely tell you that US citizens, irrespective of age, are not subject to any presidential proclamation.
Thanks for the response. Yes I understand they are exempt. I’m just trying to clarify if the visa appointment can be expedited on a similar ground
Hi Team,
Myself, wife and Indian born kid are planning to travel to India from US in Oct 2021. Currently I need to book dropbox appointment for my H1B stamping in India. My wife and Indian born kid have stamped visa and they are with me in US. Do I need to get NIE approval for myself or whole family ? Whether I can apply NIE before I travel to India ?
Hi Arun! You need to get NIE approval for all of you. As per the rules, you should apply for NIE when you are physically present in India.
Hi team,
I’m Sindhu . I’m in India now . I’m studying in united state on h4 visa . This semester I have all in person classes.
Can I get a NIE . And I have valid visa until 2023
Hi Sindhu! F1 and M1 visa holders are eligible for NIE approval. We are not sure whether a H4 visa holder is eligible for NIE on grounds of studying in the US. If your husband on H1B is in the US, you can apply for NIE on grounds of family separation.
Hi indianeagle,
Now that the US travel ban is going to rescind from early Nov-21, do we still require NIE to travel to the US ?
I am appearing for a fresh H1B visa interview this October-2021, should I carry NIE supporting documents ?
FYI, my planned travel dates are somewhere in mid of NOV-2021
Thanks,
Swati
Hi Swati! Starting this November, the US will lift the entry restrictions only for vaccinated travelers from India and other countries. But, the US government’s public health agency has not yet mentioned which vaccines will be accepted for travelers from India. If you have been vaccinated in the US, you may be exempt to applying for NIE.
Hi,
Thanks for the reply, as per the below article, covishield qualifies the list of accepted vaccines by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/covishield-only-indian-made-vaccine-cleared-for-us-travel-from-november-2548326
I have had both shots of covishield, will I be exempted from NIE for my fresh H1B interview?
Visa Officer issued a 221g for H-1B (Reason: U.S Chamber of Commerce) on Feb 24, 2021 when PP 10052 was active.
As my company is not part of U.S Chamber of Commerce, I was not able to submit U.S Chamber of Commerce letter.
with recent changes from USA Govt, as PP 10052 was expired. Please guide me on this request for further steps.
Hi,
I’m planning to go to India in Nov and come back in 30 days. I will be eligible for dropbox appointment and I have US born kid who will be coming with me.
Do I need NIE approval before I submit my documents for dropbox or Can I submit my kid’s birth certificate/passport?
Are drop box appointments available in Hyderabad?
Hi Sandeep! Being parent of a US-born kid, you don’t NIE approval. You don’t need to submit your kid’s birth certificate or passport, but you need to carry them.
Hi,
I am on H1B visa, I came to India in September with my 2 year old daughter (US citizen) and my wife. I have valid visa stamping till July 2024.
My question is can I travel back to US alone (My daughter and wife might stay in India for one more month) and show my daughter’s birth certificate/passport copy at port of entry and enter the country without any issues?
Hi Shravan! You may face interrogation regarding your kid’s whereabouts during the immigration clearance at the entry airport in the US. Though some parents managed to enter the US without their US-born kids. If you are planning to travel back to the US in November, you will be able to travel back along as the US is going to relax the entry and travel restrictions for vaccinated travelers from India.
Good morning,
Me and my family (Indian national), currently residing in Doha since 2014, and we just received the J1 (Researcher) visa and J2 visa approval from the US consulate in Doha, Qatar and we are planning to travel to the USA at the end of October 2021, as my job starting date is 1st Nov 2021.
Before traveling to the USA, we are thinking of traveling to India for a brief period (10 days trip) to see our parents and then travel to the USA directly from India.
So, I have two questions and clarification:
Do I require to have National Interest Exception (NIE) to travel to the USA from India? Or is it ok and we can travel to the USA without NIE as we will stay less than 14 days in India as per presidential proclamation rules?
Or, for the safe side, I can apply for the NIE to the US consulate in Doha as our visas are issued at the Doha consulate and eligible (Researcher) for NIE and then travel to India without any concern.
It would be great if please clarify my concern.
With best regards,
Hi Santosh! If you are planning to travel back to the US from India in October itself, you need to apply for NIE approval even through you stay fewer than 14 days in India.
Hello,
My brother who is a US Citizen, lost his wife during child birth. Now my brother is all alone there in the USA with the baby and my parents want to go to be with him during this difficult time and help him with the baby.
Both my parents have valid visas for travel to the USA. We applied to the consulate for emergency travel permission with all the relevant documentation but they have not given them the permission to travel.
Any assistance or suggestions on what they can do in order to travel in this emergency would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You
Hi Meher! We’re very sorry for your brother. Your parents can bypass the USA’s entry restrictions by spending 14/15 days in a third country, such as Dubai, Doha, Mexico and Turkey. Please go through the article here https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/tag/travel-news/
Hello,
I am a Canadian Citizen, currently staying in US on TN visa. My visa was issued by CBP office Canada/US border. I am planning to travel to India on a Family emergency. Do I need NIE approved copy (for the return trip) as I am travelling from India to USA? Canada does not require NIE for Air Travel from Canada to US?
Please let me know if I need to apply NIE by my employer. If yes, where do we need to apply?
Hi Pradeep! If you are fully-vaccinated with any of the WHO-listed vaccines, you can travel to the US without NIE approval from November 8. Please go through https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/usa-requires-foreign-visitors-vaccinated/ for more details.
Hello,I have a valid H1B visa but not stamped yet. I am in india Since Jan 2021 and have been applying giving interviews for US based automotive companies. In order to move back to USA, what are all the steps and documents I would require to carry with me for visa stamping (including docs from a US employer) in India? Pls advice
Hi Manoj! We are not an expert on such topics as visa stamping or visa renewal. Please google.
We have a valid visitor visa to the US and the US embassy at Chennai have granted NIE via an email based on humanitarian grounds. Is this email sufficient proof of NIE for entry to US?
Hi Bhama! Yes, the email proof of the NIE approval is sufficient.
Hi,
I have a question regarding my DS160 status. I attended my H1 visa interview on Sep 30th and the Visa officer told me that my visa has been approved. It has been more than 3 weeks with no updates on my case.
I have a new US born baby that needs my attention. Based on the family separation basis my NIE was approved.
Due to NIE my visa issuance has been delayed resulting in my extended stay in INDIA.My Wife AND KID ARE IN US and they need my help.
IS it due to NIE
Hi Sivaphani! We are sorry for the delay in addressing your query. If your visa is approved and you are fully-vaccinated, you are good to travel to the US without NIE approval.
what all documents u attached . and what is the process. i want visitors visa for my mother . on my medical condition .
Hi Gayatri! If your mom is fully-vaccinated, she does not require NIE approval. She can simply apply for a B2 visa and travel to the US.
Hi, My wife is currently in India. She got her H4 visa stamped and the in the visa it says NIE, but it was a regular interview appointment and there is no separate email for NIE approval. Is the email really required even if the visa says it is under NIE? Also, she is planning to travel after Nov 08, so what documents are required to travel other than the visa, RT-PCR test result and vaccine certificate? Thank you!
Hi Diptarana! No email proof is required when the NIE is annotated on the visa. Traveling to USA after NOV 8 requires proof of vaccination, a negative COVID-19 viral test report and a valid visa. She must fill out the form https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/pdf/combined-passenger-attestation-p.pdf.
I am on J1 visa studying 3rd year DM neurology. I traveled india in October and applied for NIE
Its already 2 weeks , but still my visa status is pending
what is the reason
Hi Bobby! Did you apply for visa stamping or NIE approval or both?
hi, i have an h1b visa and i am working in an automobile company in Detroit..i visited India for h1b stamping in febraury 2022 in chennai..i submitted all proofs and documents they asked but they again rescheduled my appointment for march 8th..now i got stuck in India and there is no information from embassy till now and my company doesn’t give work from home so i cant work from India..i need to get back to my job in USA..what should i do? please let me know..thank you
Hi Anusha! We would have been happy to be of some help to you, but we are little knowledgeable about your scenario.
Hi, I want to apply for F1 visa in India for the stem program with opt extension that starts in August. I’m vaccinated but not with the one in the approved list provided by CDC. I’m concerned that i will be denied entry to the USA even with F1 visa this year. Last year F1 visa had nie exception by default. Is it still the case thid year? Is there a way to get NIE exception for Indians student?
Hi Swathi! In our knowledge, NIE exceptions are not valid anymore. Kindly be advised to contact the US Embassy or Consulate in India and check with them.
Hi,
My wife(H4) and kids(US citizens) are in India, I am trying to get my wife and kids back to USA.
My wife VISA expired on Sept 2019.
Can i apply a NIE on grounds of Family Separation.
Thanks.
Hi Indianeagle,
I recently got selected in a postdoctoralship program in MD Anderson Cancer Centre, Texas, USA. I will be given J1 Visa and J2 to my son 4 yr old and visitor to my husband. Can you give me an idea how long will it take to get visa appointment for me, son and husband. If I apply for visa after 30-09-2022. Which site could provide me the answer.
Thanks and regards
Pink
Hi Pushpanjali! These days it is very difficult to get visa appointment dates in India unless you are eligible for visa interview waiver. Kindly check this article https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/us-visa-appointment-dates-india/