On April 30, 2021, the State Department announced the Presidential Proclamation to bar entry of travelers from India due to the danger of COVID-19 transmission, effective May 4, 2021. This limits entry to the US by individuals who were physically present in the Republic of India during the 14-day period prior to their planned or attempted entry, with some exceptions listed in the Proclamation.
In addition, the Secretary of State has determined that other categories of travelers qualify for a National Interest Exception (NIE), including students and certain academics covered by exchange visitor programs:
"Students subject to these geographic COVID proclamations due to their presence in India, China, Iran, Brazil, or South Africa, may qualify for a National Interest Exception only if their academic program begins August 1, 2021 or later. Students with valid F-1 or M-1 visas intending to begin or continue an academic program commencing August 1, 2021 or later do not need to contact an embassy or consulate to seek an individual National Interest Exception to travel. They may enter the United States no earlier than 30 days before the start of their academic studies. Students seeking to apply for new F-1 or M-1 visas should check the status of visa services at the nearest embassy or consulate; those applicants who are found to be otherwise qualified for an F-1 or M-1 visa will automatically be considered for a national interest exception to travel."
Additional Information
