The US Consulate Frankfurt announced on its website that investors and executives and senior-level professionals now qualify for National Interest Exception (NIE) applications.
This new guidance states that the Consulate may approve NIE applications if an applicant's travel falls into one of the following categories:
1) Executive direction in connection with vital support of Critical Infrastructure Sectors as defined by the Department of Homeland Security, or supply chain directly linked to Critical Infrastructure Sectors
2) Travel to provide vital support or executive direction for significant economic activity in the United States. This includes:
Travel to support a major entertainment production conducted in the United States that would not go on without the traveler.
Travel by highly specialized professionals or experts to install, service, maintain, or receive necessary training for vessels, machinery and other critical equipment required by U.S. and foreign firms with a substantial investment in the United States.
Travel by executives and senior-level employees providing strategy and direction to U.S. and foreign firms with a substantial investment in the United States.
This loosening of the National Interest Exception requirements to accomodate executives, senior-level employees, specialists and investors is a significant change in NIE policy, and will make these applications much more accessible for business-travelers worldwide.
If you have any questions regarding this article or the newly revised NIE policy, please contact Ayla Adomat at ayla@adomatimmigration.com.
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