Recent Updates Regarding Visa Operations at US Embassy Paris
Below is an update we have received from the US Embassy, Paris regarding current visa processing, NIE (National Interest Exception) applications and instructions for foreign visa holders currently in the United States:
“This year, conditions on travel and visas have changed suddenly and unpredictably. Conditions that are in force today are not guaranteed to be in force a few weeks or certainly a few months from now.
This is especially true for the all the inquiries we receive from visa holders currently in the United States who ask about traveling back to France for a visit. These intending travelers must understand that there is no guarantee that they will be allowed to re-enter the United States.
Below is the auto reply response to inquiries received at our PARISVISAINQUIRY@state.gov email box. This is our channel for processing national interest exceptions (NIE) and as you can imagine the growth of inquiries has been dramatic.
This information is intended to answer many of the inquiries we receive and allow our staff to focus on processing those qualifying NIE cases.
Thank you for your email. The ParisVisaInquiry mailbox is for individuals who currently have cases in process at U.S. Embassy Paris or who are in France and submitting a request for a National Interest Exception (NIE) to current travel restrictions to travel on ESTA or a previously-issued valid visa. We ask your understanding that the demand for NIEs is very high and your cooperation in assisting our most efficient responses to all inquiries. Please follow the instructions below that pertain to your circumstances:
YOU HAVE A CURRENTLY VALID VISA OR SEEK TO TRAVEL ON ESTA:
If you have a currently valid A, C1/D, or G (except A3 or G5) category visa, you may travel to the United States with no further formalities. There will be no further response from this email address.
If you have a valid F-1 or M-1 student visa, you may travel to the United States. Present yourself to the airport earlier than normal and explain that you are “excepted by virtue of having a valid student visa”. There will be no further response from this email address.
If you are an intending ESTA traveler or have a currently valid United States visa in the B, E, H, J, L, or O categories, and are submitting a request for consideration for an NIE, please follow the instructions found at: https://fr.usembassy.gov/visas/ There is a .pdf file in the right margin with formatting and documentation requirements. Intending travelers who believe their travel will provide substantial economic benefit to the United States must include documentation from a United States entity (vendor, client, affiliate, etc.) detailing the intended activity and quantifying the economic benefit. Requests that are not formatted in accordance with these instructions will not receive consideration or a response.
Please note that the criteria for exceptions in these categories is quite strict. It is intended that such exceptions will be rarely granted. There is no guarantee that an NIE will be granted. Travelers should not make any irrevocable plans until they receive notification that an NIE has been granted in their case.
If you have a valid A3, G5, or K category visa, we regret that your ability to travel is still suspended under Presidential Proclamation 9993.
YOU ARE A STUDENT:
If you have a valid F-1 or M-1 student visa, you may travel to the United States. Present yourself to the airport earlier than normal and explain that you are “excepted by virtue of having a valid student visa”. There will be no further response from this email address.
If you are applying for a student (F1 or M1) visa or an academic/research exchange (J1) visa, please apply on our online system to complete the application form, pay your fee, and set an appointment date. There will be no further response from this email address.
If you have an appointment date and wish to set an earlier date, go to our online system and look for an earlier available appointment. If none exists, use the expedite function to request a special appointment. We will endeavor to fulfill all requests but given the high demand for appointments, we cannot guarantee that an earlier date will be made available. There will be no further response from this email address.
YOU ARE NOT A STUDENT, BUT YOU ARE SEEKING AN APPOINTMENT:
The current travel restrictions of Presidential Proclamation 9993 and 100052 are in force. We do not have information when those proclamations may be lifted. Consequently, we are not processing applicants at this time for visas in the B, H, I, J (non academic/research exchange), K, L, or O categories. If you are seeking such a visa and believe you qualify for one of the exceptions under the proclamations (PP 9993 and/or PP 10052), please follow the instructions found at: https://fr.usembassy.gov/visas/ There is a .pdf file in the right margin with formatting and documentation requirements. Intending travelers who believe their travel will provide substantial economic benefit to the United States must include documentation from a United States entity (vendor, client, affiliate, etc.) detailing the intended activity and quantifying the economic benefit. Requests that are not formatted in accordance with these instructions will not receive consideration or a response.
Please note that the criteria for exceptions in these categories is quite strict. It is intended that such exceptions will be rarely granted. There is no guarantee that an NIE will be granted. Travelers should not make any irrevocable plans until they receive notification that an NIE has been granted.
YOU ARE A VISA HOLDER, CURRENTLY IN THE UNITED STATES:
The consular section at U.S. Embassy Paris does not respond to visa inquiries from travelers who are in the United States or who are outside of France/Monaco. We cannot grant NIEs in advance of travel to France. Persons currently in the United States must understand that the current travel restrictions of Presidential Proclamation 9993 and 100052 are in force. There is no guarantee that an exception will be granted to any traveler. Conditions under which persons may travel from Schengen countries have changed suddenly and unpredictably and may do so again. The conditions for travel today may not pertain even several weeks in the future. Travelers should only depart the United States with the understanding that they may not be allowed to return. Potential travelers should check https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html frequently for updates. There will be no further response from this email address.”