General Information

Presidential Proclamations and Executive Orders

The following Presidential Proclamation is still in effect: 

The Presidential Proclamation suspending entry of Chinese students and researchers connected to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) “Military-Civil Fusion Strategy” (MCF). This proclamation suspends entry of those who seek to enter the U.S. pursuant to an F or J visa to study or conduct research in fields that contribute to MCF strategy and who either receive funding from or who are currently or have been employed by, study at, or conduct research at or on behalf of, an entity in the PRC that implements or supports PRC’s MCF strategy. The proclamation does not apply to undergraduate students. Only those who meet all three criteria – field of study, affiliation with a MCF entity, and graduate level or above – are subject to the visa restriction.

• The key technologies targeted under MCF include quantum computing, big data, semiconductors, 5G, advanced nuclear technology, aerospace technology and AI. Consular Officers at U.S. embassies/consulates worldwide will make this determination.
• Please be advised – if you are planning to invite a J-1 EV from China who is a graduate student or researcher in a STEM field AND is receiving any amount of China Scholarship Council (CSC) funding, their J-1 visa application is likely to be denied by the U.S. embassy/consulate officer. At this time, we do not have any information as to when PP 10043 will be terminated. 

Presidential Proclamation on Advancing the Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic. All “noncitizens who are nonimmigrants” traveling to the U.S. by air from any part of the world must establish that they are fully vaccinated. “Noncitizens who are nonimmigrants” are H-1B, J-1, O-1, P-3, TN, E-3, B-1, B-2 visa types, and their dependents H-4, J-2, O-3, P-3D, TD, and E-3D.

CDC Announcing Negative COVID-19 Test Requirement from All Air Passengers Entering U.S. From China

Effective January 5, 2023, all air passengers two years and older originating from China will be required to get a COVID-19 test no more than two days before their departure from China, Hong Kong, or Macau, and show a negative test result to an airline upon departure. This requirement applies to all air passengers regardless of nationality and vaccination status.

U.S. Visa Interview Waiver Eligibility Extended

The U.S. Department of State has announced an extension of its nonimmigrant visa interview waiver program for certain temporary workers, students, and exchange visitors through December 31, 2023. Under the program extension, U.S. consular officers are authorized to waive the in-person interview requirement for certain H-1B, O-1, P-3, F-1, and J-1 visa applicants. Please go to the FSIS website for more information: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/fsis/2023/01/18/waivers-of-the-interview-requirement-for-certain-nonimmigrant-visas.

 CBP Phasing Out Passport Entry Stamps

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has started discontinuing the issuance of entry stamps in the passports of foreign nationals arriving in the U.S. This policy is already in place at some airports, including the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, and CBP will continue to roll out this policy at additional ports of entry. 

Each time a nonimmigrant foreign national enters the U.S., CBP creates an online electronic entry record to record each entry into the U.S. This is called the I-94 record. The I-94 record is the official record of entry into the U.S. The electronic I-94 record can be accessed either on the CBP’s mobile app or on the CBP website. Upon entry to the U.S., all nonimmigrants must check and have a copy of their I-94 record each time they enter the U.S.

Training on UH Immigration Process Available

Our office is available to conduct group or one-on-one training for Colleges/Schools interested in J-1, H-1B, and/or Permanent Residence process. If your office is interested, please contact Isis Bataluna at isis@hawaii.edu.