The path ahead, visa dates, and vaccinations!

While countries such as Australia continue to be under severe restrictions, the U.S. is open for business. Even as this author pens this article, dates for U.S. visa appointments for July 2021 are available. Most students have been worried about getting their visa slots, and this news must come as a relief to them. Interestingly, since the student visa (F 1) falls under the category of “Emergency Visas,” students across the nation had booked the earliest available date for the visa and then planned to use the “Emergency Visa” slot to pull up their visa appointment dates.

 For one to be able to use the Emergency Visa slots, it is imperative to have a visa appointment already. The U.S. rules also state that one can use this facility 60 days prior to the beginning of the program. Typically, the Fall term commences around the 20th of August 2021. But, with dates opening for routine visa appointments, the student community has the opportunity to take a breath of relief and get ready to engage with the Visa Officer. This tete-a-tete would be the final step before preparing for the next step in their journey beyond the proverbial seven seas to gain the best education that the U.S. offers.

 At the same time, it is heartening to note that the U.S. Federal Government has declared its intention to ensure that the Fall 2022 season shall consist of learning via In-Person classes. This decision results from its strenuous efforts to ensure that almost 60 % of its population has been vaccinated (at least once). The decision to conduct in-person classes rests on the back of this achievement, and such exemplary planning and execution of the vaccine distribution deserve plaudits.

 It is imperative to note that while every university has different rules, we expect that many of them will require students to be vaccinated to participate in on-campus study. All international students are eligible for vaccines when they arrive in the U.S., and the costs are fully covered through most health insurance plans. Since the gap between vaccines in India is at least 12 weeks, it does not behove a student to get vaccinated in India. This is primarily due to the paucity of the vaccines for the below 45 age bracket and the lack of options for taking the 2nd shot of the vaccine. Of course, some state governments in India are examining the possibility of ensuring that students going for studies abroad get priority in vaccination. Still, until this plan sees reality, and the student is able to get both doses of the vaccine, it would be preferred to take the vaccine while in the U.S.

 One needs to remember that the earliest one can enter the U.S. is 30 days prior to the beginning of the program. Thus, it would be essential to take the RCPCR Test 36 hours prior to the date of departure and be ready to enter into quarantine when you land in the U. S. While each State/ University will have its particular standards about the length of the quarantine, it would be prudent for the student to plan for a 2 week to 6 week at-home quarantine should they not be vaccinated with a WHO-approved vaccine beforehand.

 Many American universities, including MIT, Harvard University, and Stanford, have begun accepting World Health Organization approved vaccines from other countries. WHO-approved vaccines from companies such as Astra Zeneca (Covishield), in addition to the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, are increasingly accepted by most U.S. universities.

Please note that Sputnik has a 28 day mandatory gap between the two doses, it does seem to an ideal solution to getting vaccinated before one flies off. However, it is also pertinent to note that at the moment, both, Covaxin and Sputnik are NOT on the list of approved vaccines. But, both the vaccines have applied for approval from the WHO and thus add to the list of approved vaccines. We expect this trend to continue in the days ahead and remain confident that university officials will be working closely with their partners in the U.S. government to ensure there is a plan to support international students seeking to return to campus.

 On entry to the U.S., students may be vaccinated with one of three – Johnson and Johnson (1 dose) or Pfizer/Moderna (2 doses with a gap of 4 weeks between doses). If the student gets the Johnson and Johnson Vaccine, then the at-home quarantine shall be just 2 weeks post the shot. However, if the vaccine is Moderna or Pfizer, then the home quarantine could extend to a period of 6 weeks (4 weeks between shots + 2 weeks post the 2nd shot). This is, of course, entirely dependent on State law, and one should contact the university officials to get clarity on the situation.

And beyond America’s exceptional vaccination efforts, there are many signs now is as good a time as ever for international students to study in the United States. With the change in leadership in Washington, D.C., public perception of international students for exploring further studies in the U.S. continues to improve. This is also true as more of the leaders at every level of the U. S. government learn and understand the contributions and value that international students bring to the campus communities in the U.S.

So, get ready, pack your bags, and get set for the journey of a lifetime.

K. P. Singh