Goyal made this statement during a meeting at Vanijya Bhavan in New Delhi, signaling a shift in focus toward other areas of economic and strategic partnerships between India and the U.S.

During his recent trip to the United States, Goyal spent two days in New York meeting with top CEOs to discuss the Modi government’s reforms aimed at increasing foreign investment, especially in sectors like pharmaceuticals and diamonds.

Surat, known as a major hub in the diamond industry, was emphasized as a key area for these investments.

Around 30 business leaders already invested in India participated in the discussions, showing continued interest in expanding operations in the country.

Goyal then traveled to Washington, where he had a luncheon with 17 CEOs from the CEO forum, including Tata Sons’ top executive.

The discussions included restructuring the forum, as the terms of several members are set to expire in December, and signing various Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to deepen business ties between the nations.

His visit also involved meetings with Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), think tanks, educators, and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

Goyal highlighted the positive nature of this trip, remarking that there were no “negative agendas” and the outlook on Indo-US relations was optimistic.

In addition to traditional sectors, the talks covered key areas like clean energy development, technology transfer, digital telecommunications, and defense partnerships.

Goyal also mentioned that while biosciences discussions are ongoing, progress on biofuels remains slow due to the upcoming US elections.

There were even conversations about stabilizing the exchange rate between the Indian rupee and the US dollar to enhance bilateral trade.

Tourism and the development of the digital economy were also central topics during Goyal’s discussions, as he aimed to showcase India’s evolving business landscape and economic reforms, positioning the country as an attractive destination for global investment.

While it’s currently limited to these two forms, this move marks a significant step in modernizing U.S. immigration services.

If you’re applying for work authorization or a fee waiver, here’s a breakdown of what’s changed and how you can navigate the new system.

What’s New?

USCIS now allows eligible applicants to submit Form I-765 (application for employment authorization) and Form I-912 (request for fee waiver) online in PDF format. As of October 2024, applicants can upload their completed forms through their USCIS account, eliminating the need for paper submissions. This should reduce errors and delays caused by mailing.

This change supports USCIS’s broader digital transformation efforts aimed at speeding up processing times and reducing backlogs for commonly filed forms.

Who Can Use the New Online PDF Filing?

Currently, this online option is available only for those filing Forms I-765 and I-912. These forms cater to immigrants applying for work authorization and those seeking financial relief from USCIS fees.

Eligibility for Form I-765:

• Must be physically present in the US.
• Must be applying under specific eligibility categories (e.g., certain family- or employment-based immigrants, asylum seekers, or TPS holders).
• Must have access to a USCIS online account (free to create).

Eligibility for Form I-912:

• Must show household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines.
• Provide proof of receiving means-tested benefits (like Medicaid or SNAP).
• Can also demonstrate financial hardship due to circumstances like unemployment or medical conditions.

How to File Online

If you’re eligible to file Form I-765 or I-912 online, follow these simple steps:

1. Create or Log into Your USCIS Account: If you don’t already have one, it’s free to set up through the USCIS website.
2. Download and Complete the Form: Get the latest version of the form (I-765 or I-912) from the USCIS site, fill it out digitally, and ensure all required fields are accurate.
3. Gather Supporting Docs: Collect any documents needed to prove eligibility (e.g., passport, asylum approval, TPS status) or income verification for fee waivers.
4. Upload Your Application: Log into your USCIS account, go to the “Upload PDF Form” section, and submit your completed form along with supporting documents.
5. Pay Any Required Fees: If you’re filing Form I-765, pay the application fee (unless you’re submitting a fee waiver request with Form I-912). Payments can be securely made online.
6. Track Your Application: Once submitted, you can monitor the status of your application through your USCIS account dashboard for updates or additional requests.

Why It Matters for Immigrants

This new online PDF filing system is a huge win for immigrants seeking work authorization or financial relief. Here’s why:

• Faster Processing: No more mailing delays—your application reaches USCIS instantly.
• Fewer Errors: Filing online helps reduce common mistakes like missing documents or incomplete forms.
• Better Access: For those in remote areas or without easy access to postal services, this online option makes things a lot more convenient.
• Quicker Financial Relief: Fee waivers can be processed faster, helping low-income applicants move forward without the worry of hefty fees.

Bottom Line

The USCIS online PDF filing option is a game-changer for many immigrants, especially those applying for employment authorization or seeking fee waivers. By digitizing forms like I-765 and I-912, USCIS is making the process faster, more efficient, and accessible.

Of course, if you prefer, you can still submit paper applications via mail. But for those who want to avoid the hassle, the new online system is a great alternative!

Here are the links for filing forms and accessing USCIS resources:

• USCIS Online Account Portal
• Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
• Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver)
• USCIS Filing Guidance and Instructions

These should direct you to the appropriate USCIS pages for further details. Let me know if you need any more information!

What You Need to Know:

• Up to 55,000 green cards will be awarded through a random selection process.
• Results will be announced in May 2025, with successful applicants able to apply for their green cards starting October 2, 2025.

Who’s Eligible?

The DV lottery is available only to natives of countries with historically low immigration rates to the US. If you’re from a country with high immigration numbers—like India, China, Canada, or Brazil—you won’t be able to enter this year.

But don’t worry! If your country is ineligible, you still have options. You may qualify if:

• Your spouse was born in an eligible country.
• In some cases, you can claim eligibility through a parent.

To enter, you’ll need either:

• A high school diploma (or equivalent), or
• Two years of qualifying work experience in the past five years.

How to Apply:

Applications can be submitted online through the official DV lottery website. Here’s a quick rundown of the process:

1. Fill out the form and upload a digital photo.
2. You can include your spouse and children in the submission.
3. Only one entry per person is allowed—multiple entries mean disqualification.
4. Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation number to check your status.

Selection and Results:

Winners are selected randomly by a computer system, and results will be available starting May 3, 2025. You’ll be able to check your status on the official DV lottery website, with results remaining available until at least September 30, 2026.

Make sure to double-check the instructions before submitting, as incorrect entries will be disqualified. Good luck!

The big change? The US has tightened up rules on how long international students can stay outside the country while keeping their F-1 visa status.

Now, the limit is set at five consecutive months during your academic program.

What does this mean for you? If you were thinking about taking a longer study break, internship, or even spending some extra time back home, this rule might throw a wrench in those plans.

Students will now have to carefully navigate their study schedules to avoid risking their visa status.

Stay tuned for more updates on how this impacts students and what you can do to stay on top of these changes!

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) just dropped some updated rules for the EB-1 visa—the visa designed for people who are top of their game in areas like science, arts, education, business, or athletics.

Here’s what’s new and why it matters if you’re looking to apply:

What is the EB-1 Visa?

The EB-1 is a first-preference employment-based visa that’s all about extraordinary abilities. If you’ve got national or international recognition in your field, you might be eligible.

We’re talking about top-tier scientists, award-winning artists, breakthrough business leaders—basically, people who’ve got receipts for their success.

Key Updates You Should Know:

• Team Awards Now Count: If you’ve ever been part of a team that won a major prize, USCIS will now recognize that as part of your application. So, if you’ve been holding back because your achievements weren’t solo, this change could make a big difference.
• Membership Criteria Clarified: USCIS has made it clearer how they evaluate your past memberships in professional organizations. Basically, they’re helping you figure out what counts and what doesn’t, making the application process a little less stressful.
• Simplified Published Material Rules: No more jumping through hoops to prove the impact of your published work. USCIS has removed the tricky language that required showing the “value” of your published material. If your work has been featured somewhere credible, it’s now simpler to submit.

Why This is a Big Deal:

These updates give more transparency on what you need to show when applying, and that could save a lot of headaches when pulling together your documentation. Whether you’re a solo genius or part of an award-winning team, there’s now more room to showcase your achievements.

Pro Tip: You don’t even need a job offer to apply for the EB-1. That means you can file the petition yourself (yep, self-petitioning is a thing). Just be ready to prove that you’ll continue your extraordinary work in the US, and that your contributions will benefit the country.

For more info on the EB-1 and other visa types, stay tuned here at indiausatravel.com. We’ve got you covered with the latest updates and tips!

However, this journey often begins with the less glamorous but incredibly important step of visa processing.

In the context of U.S. visas, wait times can vary significantly, adding a layer of uncertainty to your travel plans.

Here’s what we know so far about U.S. Visa Global Wait Times.

An Overview of U.S. Visa Wait Times

U.S. visa wait times refer to the estimated time from when you submit your application to when you receive the decision.

These times vary depending on several factors: the type of visa, the volume of applications, and the specific U.S. embassy or consulate handling your application.

As of July 2023, it’s important to note that wait times have been affected significantly due to the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to temporary closures and limited operations at many U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide.

Factors Affecting Visa Wait Times

Several factors influence visa wait times:

1. Visa Type:

The category of the visa you’re applying for can significantly impact wait times. For example, non-immigrant visas such as tourist, business, or student visas typically have shorter wait times compared to immigrant visas.

2. Volume of Applications:

High-demand periods such as holidays or study seasons can lead to an increased volume of applications, thereby extending wait times.

3. Specific Embassy or Consulate:

Wait times vary between different U.S. embassies and consulates, depending on their processing capacity and the volume of applications they receive.

How To Check Your Visa Wait Time

The U.S. Department of State provides an online tool for checking approximate wait times for different visa types at various embassies and consulates.

Visit the Visa Wait Times page to find the estimated wait time for your specific situation.

FAQs

Q1: Can I expedite my U.S. visa processing time?

In some urgent situations, you may request expedited processing of your visa application. However, these requests are granted on a case-by-case basis, and there is no guarantee of approval.

Q2: What happens if my visa application is delayed beyond the estimated wait time?

If your application is delayed beyond the estimated wait time, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate where you applied for an update on your case.

Q3: Does the visa wait time affect when I can travel to the U.S.?

The visa wait time does not impact when you can travel. Once you receive your visa, you can travel to the U.S. based on the validity of the visa.

Disclaimer

Please note that this information is accurate as of July 2023. For the most recent and specific details, always refer to the official USCIS website or the respective U.S. embassy or consulate’s website.

Understanding U.S. visa wait times is crucial in planning your journey to the United States. While the waiting might be a test of patience, remember that it’s just a small part of a larger adventure.

All the best!

According to a National Foundation for American Policy report, visa rejection rates for initial employment, or new H-1B visas, fell from 28.6% last year to 7.1 percent in the first six months of fiscal 2021 due to legal challenges (NFAP).

In the first two quarters of 2021, the denial rates for India’s leading IT services businesses fell drastically from 59 percent to 5 percent for Infosys, and from 15 percent to 7 percent for industry leader TCS.

Similarly, HCL America had a 7% decline from 37% and Wipro saw an 8% decline from 39%.

A surge in demand for highly qualified technology professionals and historically low unemployment rates have kept H-1B visa demand high.

Employers have submitted 308,613 H-1B registrations for the fiscal year 2022 cap selection for about 85,000 H-1B petitions.

The USCIS then announced that it will hold a second lottery since it had not received enough applications to reach the limit.

They argued the Biden administration supported legal immigration and that improvements had begun.

Businesses registered for H-1B cap selection for the fiscal year 2022 with 308,613 H-1B registrations submitted earlier in March.

There were not enough applications submitted in the first round, therefore the USCIS announced a second lottery.

Immigration attorneys claimed the Biden administration supported lawful immigration and that improvements were already evident.

With the H-1B non-immigrant visa, US corporations may hire foreign employees in specialty jobs requiring theoretical or technical competence. Every year, technology businesses recruit tens of thousands of workers from nations like India and China.

The Department of State stated on Thursday that consular officials may now waive in-person interviews for certain individual petition-based nonimmigrant work visas and their eligible derivatives: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement (O visas), Athletes, Artists, and Entertainers (P visas), and Participants in International Cultural Exchange Programs (H-1B visas) (Q visas).

The Secretary of State has also expanded the power of consular officials to forgo in-person interviews for the following nonimmigrant visa categories: Temporary Agricultural and Non-agricultural Workers (H-2 visas), Students (F and M visas), and Academic J visas.

Depending on the circumstances, embassies and consulates may still demand an in-person interview. Applicants should visit the embassy and consulate websites for further information on current operations and services.

To help nonimmigrants travel and reduce visa wait times, the State Department says it “recognises the tremendous contributions of overseas visitors to our communities and schools.”

This authority to forego in-person interviews for applicants renewing visas within 48 months of the previous visa’s expiry has been extended indefinitely.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Department’s visa processing capacity was reduced. As global travel recovers, the US is adopting temporary actions to shorten visa wait times while retaining national security as a priority.

Last year, the US closed its borders to numerous nations, including India, because of the coronavirus outbreak. Later, only travellers with particular visas could travel.

From November 8, all overseas passengers, including Indians, must produce evidence of a negative coronavirus test before boarding an aircraft to the US.

It also applies to temporary employees who satisfy specific criteria, such as filing for a visa in their country of nationality or residency.

This authority allows consular officers to waive the visa interview requirement for first-time individual petition-based H-1, H-3, H-4, L, O, P, and Q applicants who have never been refused a visa, until waived, and who have no apparent ineligibility or potential ineligibility (ESTA).

The Omicron strain is now responsible for 73% of all Covid infections in the US. In just one week, the CDC reported a roughly six-fold rise in omicron infection rates.

Omicron was initially identified as a threat by African scientists on November 26th.

There are now roughly 90 mutants worldwide, including India.

The Omicron variant’s severity is unclear.

According to the latest Johns Hopkins University figures, there have been 51,814,812 coronavirus infections in the US, with 815,423 deaths.

This is great news for the many Indian citizens who have been eagerly awaiting this decision from the U.S., but there are still restrictions on those who wish to travel to America under these new terms and those wishing to visit family, work or study in America will need a separate visa than those just travelling for tourism purposes.

The U.S Embassy in New Delhi announced on July 4 that it would be ending the backlog of pending visa applications and inviting applicants.

What documents do I need to apply for a US Visa?

To apply for a US visa, you need to submit the following documents:

1. A completed application form (Form DS-160)

2. A passport valid at least six months beyond the date of application and validity date on the application

3. A passport photo, which should be a 2”x2” size and taken against a white background on a digital camera or scanner

4. A copy of your roundtrip ticket

5. 4”x6” size photos taken on a digital camera or scanner

6. Proof of financial capability to cover your expenses while in the United States as well as return trip home

7. Proof of employment with an explanation if unemployed

How long does it take for an Indian citizen’s Visa Application to be processed?

The process for a visa application can vary from consulate to consulate.

In some cases, the visa application process may take only a few days. In other cases, there may be a long waiting time due to increased security or vetting procedures.

Many factors affect how long it will take for an Indian citizen’s visa application to be processed by the US consulate. These factors include:

-The type of visa being applied for

-What type of travel is being planned (tourist/business)

-The applicant’s nationality and country of residence

What are the advantages and disadvantages of travelling on a US Visa?

Advantages of travelling on a US Visa:

– Spending time in America

– Tourist activities

– Using US currency

– Shopping

– Staying for as long as the visa permits

Disadvantages of travelling on a US Visa:

– Cost of the visa fee, which is $140 per person

All the best.

Similar is the case for many others who had planned their pleasure trips, to US, to Europe, to Asia. Every plan is either postponed or canceled.

How to Travel in 2020 and Beyond!

1. Avoid all non-essential travel if at all possible.

2. Get necessary insurance if at all you decide to travel.

3. Avoid hot spots and destinations with travel advisories.

4. Avoid common touch points, ares of high-contact like elevator, restaurants etc.

5. Wash your hands with soap or hand sanitiser for at least 20 seconds during travel, every 10-20 minutes.

6. Avoid contact in public areas like park, waiting areas.

7. Get medical certificates before travel wherever necessary.

8. Stay in quarantine minimum 14 days after your travel.

9. Use face masks at all times.

10. Avoid physical contact with co-passengers and staff during travel.

What else can you think of?