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!

Which airlines have opened their India to US services?

The following airlines have opened India to US services as of November 8th.

• Oman Air
• Air India
• United Airlines
• Etihad Airways
• Qatar Airways
• Air France
• Virgin Atlantic
• Lufthansa
• British Airways
• Delta Airlines
• American Airlines
• Emirates
• All Nippon Airlines
• Air Canada

Are there any restrictions in India USA travel?

No. As of November 8th, 2021 all the airlines are running at normal capacity. Anyone with a valid passport and visa can book their flights from India to USA on any of the flights mentioned above. However, travelers will require to provide vaccination certificates for two doses of vaccines taken.

Not all flights are available from all cities though. All the flights/airlines mentioned above are available to board from New Delhi.

What is the cost of flying India to USA currently?

The cheapest airfare I could find was around INR 53,000 on Emirates airlines from New Delhi to San Francisco with a stopover at Dubai.

What is the criteria to fly from India to the USA post-November 8th, 2021?

As of 8th November 2021, travel to the USA is open to only select Indian passport holders including lawful US permanent residents, their spouses, parents, and siblings (provided the child/sibling is unmarried and less than 21 years of age), students starting their study program from 1st August 2021, certain academics and journalists.

From 8th November 2021, ALL fully vaccinated travelers are allowed to enter USA.

Only WHO-approved vaccines (includes Covishield) are accepted by the USA.

As of November 8, the United States will accept fully vaccinated foreign air travellers from the 26 Schengen countries in Europe, including France and Germany.

Which vaccines are accepted for US travel?

All vaccines approved by the FDA and WHO will be accepted for air travel. The AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson and Moderna vaccines are currently included.

Can non-vaccinated travelers enter USA?

A negative Covid-19 test is required for unvaccinated Americans and non-vaccinated foreigners.

Where should travelers show their vaccination report?

Indians visiting the US will need to show proof of vaccination and a recent negative Covid-19 test. Crossing a land border requires no recent negative Covid-19 test.

Can you book India to US flights?

Yes, if you have vaccination report with two doses of vaccine, you can book flights to USA from India.

Are direct flights from India to USA open?

Yes, India to USA flights are now open for booking.

Following this, the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advised people to stay away from India.

New Zealand banned all Indian travelers from entering the country earlier this month (including their residents). Hong Kong, too, took action and placed a 14-day ban on all passenger flights from India.

India had previously reported over 100 cases of the latest Coronavirus strains. Since the transmission rate of mutated strains is very high, countries like the United Kingdom and Hong Kong have been placed on high alert. Not to mention, the regular increase in active COVID-19 cases is a concern not only for India, but also for other countries if travel restrictions are not enforced.

US Travel Restrictions to India

Regular international flights have been suspended to India, but Vande Bharat Mission repatriation flights and “air transport bubbles” from various countries around the world are still operating — but only those who meet the visa requirements are permitted to board these flights.

All visitors are subjected to a screening process. Anyone who exhibits signs will be taken to a hospital. Except for returning Indian nationals, land borders are locked.

Beginning February 22, all travelers must submit a self-declaration form to the Air Suvidha Portal, as well as a negative PCR test was taken within 72 hours of the trip. They must also announce on the platform that they will quarantine for 14 days at home when they arrive.

People should avoid traveling to India, according to the CDC’s travel website, since they are at risk of contracting and transmitting Coronavirus (mutated variants) even if they are completely vaccinated. People would need to get completely vaccinated before traveling, as well as wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines, according to the CDC.

UK Travel Restrictions to India

On arrival in India, travelers arriving from the United Kingdom or the Middle East must fill out the same form (self-declaration form to the Air Suvidha Portal), declaring their travel history for the previous 14 days and any connecting flights, as well as providing a negative PCR exam.

They will be separated during the flight or when disembarking, and must pay for a second PCR test when they arrive. They must remain at the airport until their results are received.

Passengers from these countries who test negative in transit will board their connecting flights, but they must quarantine at home for seven days and take a test at the end.

Travel Restrictions to India by Other Countries

In March 2020, India halted international flight operations as Covid-19 spread around the world after breaking out in Wuhan, China, at least four years prior. India sent out special flight missions to carry stranded people from all over the world home. For the majority of 2020, daily international flight operations were effectively halted.

India is currently subject to travel restrictions by New Zealand, Hong Kong, Pakistan, the United States, and the United Kingdom. These limitations are not the same as they were previously.

Following the discovery of 23 Covid-19 cases among passengers travelling from outside New Zealand earlier this month, the country placed a ban on all travel from India. The Indian version of SARS-CoV-2 was found in 17 of them. As a result, India was subjected to a travel ban.

Hong Kong designated India, the Philippines, and Pakistan as “high-risk” countries for the spread of Covid-19 and placed a 14-day travel ban on them. Those who spend more than two hours in India and the other two nations, also during transit, are barred from visiting Hong Kong for 14 days.

Pakistan put India on a Category-C list of countries on Monday, prohibiting travel to and from India due to an increase in Covid-19 incidents. On the occasion of Baishakhi, more than 800 pilgrims from India travelled to Pakistan last week.

India has been added to the United Kingdom’s “red list” of countries affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Boris Johnson’s April visit to India for summit-level bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi was canceled. Due to a travel restriction order issued by the United Kingdom, only British citizens are permitted to travel from India to the United Kingdom. Others are unable to travel to the UK from India.

On Monday, the United States issued an alert to its people planning a trip to India. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised Americans to stay away from India.

“If you must fly to India, get fully vaccinated before going,” the CDC advised, noting that even fully vaccinated travellers could be at risk of contracting and spreading Covid-19 variants in India.

This came a day after the United States announced that its people could stop travelling to approximately 80% of the planet.

Several countries have said that despite boarding the flight with a “negative” certificate, travellers from India were found positive for Covid-19 on arrival. Around one-third of the passengers who arrived in Canada between March 3 and 19 and tested positive for Covid-19 on arrival were from Delhi, according to a recent study.

Last year, Hong Kong authorities filed a similar lawsuit, alleging that Indian flight operators brought Covid-19 positive passengers to the capital.

Who can travel to India?

Tourists are not allowed at this time. Only Indian citizens, those relocating to India as permanent residents, and those from certain countries who apply for visas other than tourist visas are permitted to enter.

Only ambassadors and those specified in a government memorandum are allowed to travel from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Other visa holders from the European Union, Africa, and South America, on the other hand, are permitted to fly as long as they are not on a tourist visa.

Vaccinations are underway in USA, India and other countries as we speak. And people are asking the same question.

“Will international travel be possible, and if yes, when?”

While there is no clarity on whether international travel will be open in 2021, there are hints and signs that international air travel will open soon.

It all depends. Whether vaccinations can get us all covered. Whether most of the population can get vaccinations.

There are some minor concerns as new strains of the virus have been detected in the UK, India and other countries.

Question is, whether the vaccines will be effective for the new strain or not.

If all goes well, international travel should be open between countries by mid of 2021.

Domestic travel is also seeing a lot of activity and interest meanwhile.

Will travel be the same post vaccinations?

No. Travel will probably remain the same way we experienced during 2020. All the protocols, safety distancing, and procedures would most likely be in place, at least for a while.

Here’s hoping that international travel, visas and other travel options open up in 2021!

The Indian Aviation Ministry has announced that India will start operating international flights to USA, France and Germany.

Under this arrangement airlines from the concerned countries will be able to operate flights from & to India along with Indian carriers. I have no doubt these will be beneficial for our citizens who are stressed & distressed abroad or those who want to fly out.

Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Aviation, India

What this means is that those who want to travel from India to USA and back can now do so with the help of air bubbles. But what exactly are these “air bubbles?”

What are Air Bubbles?

Air Bubbles are special flights, a little better in service and features than “Vande Bharat” flights, but not yet normal flights.

Can you book tickets to US yourself?

Yes, you can book tickets to USA and India (to and fro) yourself through the airline websites. But right now, since there is so much demand among travellers, you might need to make the bookings asap.

Which airlines are operating flights to USA and India?

You can buy flight tickets from most online portals like MakeMyTrip or better yet, directly from the airline. Currently, United Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Air Canada and Air India are the major airlines on which you can book tickets between USA and India.

Please make sure that you check directly with the airlines before buying ticket because, not all flights are operational even though airlines are opening ticket booking options.

Who can travel to and from India on these flights?

Apparently, this is defined by the airline itself. And each airline have their own policy. United Airlines is welcoming all, who wants to travel to India from USA (and back).

However, certain airlines like Air France, has stated that they are currently only operating repatriation flights.

Also, getting a travel insurance that covers COVID 19 might be a good idea.

During this time services like the following may not be available online.

• Check My Case Status
• e-Request
• Change of Address online
• Check Case Processing Times
• Civil Surgeon Locator
• Office Locator
• File Online
• myUSCIS online account

So, if you’re trying to check the status of your application, you may not get a response. Now you know why.

Source – https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/tools-outage

It appears that only domestic offices (in the USA) will be opening on or after June 4th and not the ones outside of the country.

Which means visa applications and interviews usually done at other country offices, will not be available at this point.

Services at the domestic offices will also be done following social distancing procedures. Therefore, the number of interviews done will be lesser than usual and staff available will be minimal.

Can you apply for US visit visa in June?

Not likely.

On June 4th, only selected services will be reinstated and visa services may not be available until offices start to function at full capacity.

We’ll have more details by next week.

The Department of Homeland Security has announced that non-immigrants who are currently staying in the US on visit visa (or similar visas), can apply for an extension quoting the COVID pandemic. If you apply at the right time (assuming, before your visa expires), then you might qualify for an extended stay, says a press release from the Department of Homeland Security.

See full news here.