U.S. consular posts in India are currently processing H and L visa applications for applicants eligible for the National Interest Exception (NIE) as detailed here. Dropbox eligible H / L applicants should present documentation to establish eligibility for the NIE at the time of submitting the documents at the Visa Application Centre, failing which their applications will not be processed. This update is available here. 

The recent White House announcement that starting in November 2021, travel will be permitted for fully vaccinated individuals could mean that the U.S. consular posts may start processing more of H and L applications in the coming months. We will continue to share helpful updates on this and other topics to help you plan your travel to the U.S. and overcome any immigration issues.