NRI Helpdesk: Is an Indian marriage certificate valid in the USA?

With immigration rules constantly changing with the pandemic situation, it is difficult to keep up to date with it all. For our NRI readers, we have started an immigration helpdesk. Our team of experts will address the most pressing issues please note that questions have been edited and/or clubbed so that we can address similar queries at once and that the answers are clear and relevant to our audience.
At present, the U.S. consular offices in India are scheduling limited appointments. You could book an appointment for a regular, non-drop box visa interview if available. However, you will still need a National Interest Exception waiver to get a visa. Just being on a STEM OPT does not qualify you for an NIE. Please visit the websites maintained by the U.S. to see if your job and industry may qualify for an NIE. In any event, it is advisable for a returning foreign national on an OPT, to have a letter from the employer confirming continued intent to employ you in OPT status.