President Trump’s $100,000 visa fee proclamation for H1B petitions has left not only the entire H1B visa community in utter shock but also those in India scrambling for last-minute flight tickets to the US. It is to hit hard Indians being the backbone of the H1B visa program, with India having received 71% of 85,000 visa petitions in fiscal year 2024.

Who are exempted from paying the new H1B Visa fee $100,000?

Trump’s executive order that imposes a hefty $100,000 fee for H1B visa applies to new petitions. Precisely, the existing H1B visa holders in and outside the United States are exempted. The proclamation clarifies that the new annual fee can be waived for H1B workers employed in the industries aligned to the national interests of America. The Department of Homeland Security is authorized to exercise its discretion in determining whether certain industries hire aliens (non-immigrants) on H1B visa for national interests without posting a threat to the livelihood and welfare of Americans.

Why are US companies calling for immediate return of H1B workers from India?

President Trump’s H1B visa fee hike to $100,000 does also target those who have been outside the US for 12 months or longer. That’s why Microsoft, Cognizant, Google, Apple and other major H1B visa beneficiaries called their H1B employees (who have been working remotely) to return before the fee hike takes effect on 21 September.

What is National Interest Exemption (NIE) in the US?

The United States’ National Interest Exemption is a discretionary measure that allows unrestricted entry into the US for those non-immigrants in the fields of national interest, such as economy, arts, security, medical, engineering, and public welfare. H1B visa holders whose employment is important to the national interests of America can return to the US without paying the $100,000 visa fee.

Though exempted, they may face scrutiny of their documents at entry airports in the US to validate that the nature of their employment is aligned to the national interest.

Facts about Trump’s executive order raising H1B visa fee to $100K?

• Not every H1B visa professional would incur the $100,000 fee hike to their employers. If you’re already living and working with a valid H1B visa in the US, the new fee does not apply to your employer.
• If you are currently on a visit in India and hold a valid H1B visa, you don’t need to rush back to the US. The new visa fee does not impact your return. You can travel to the US any time after 21 September 2025 without worries.
• The White House press secretary clarifies that $100,000 is not an annual fee for new H1B petitions. It’s a one-time fee that is subject to revision in the next 12 months.

Does the new visa fee $100,000 apply to H1B renewals?

The H1B visa price hike does not apply to H1B renewal petitions, according to the assistant to the White House Press Secretary. Yet, it lacks clarity on whether visa renewals scheduled in India after 21 September 2025 would incur the new $100,000 fee.

DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only. The information provided above should not be construed as legal advice. Readers are encouraged to verify details with official government sources and/or consult a qualified immigration attorney for advice tailored to their specific circumstances before making decisions. Indian Eagle and Travel Beats assume no responsibility for actions taken based on this content.

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The Deepavali Day Act, a nationwide movement by Indian American leaders from different walks of life trying to get a federal holiday on Diwali in the US, is still in the dark after 4 years of its introduction. However, something is better than nothing. After Texas and Pennsylvania, California officially declares Diwali, the festival of lights, as a state holiday for South Asian immigrants, including Indians.

PC: BAPS.org and California State Capitol

On June 2, the California State Assembly voted unanimously (78-0) to pass Assembly Bill 268, a proposal that would make Diwali an official state holiday. The bill was introduced by Assemblymembers Ash Kalra and Darshana Patel, California’s first two Hindu American legislators. Hailed as the best Diwali gift to California’s largest Indian-origin population in the US, the legislation – AB 268 – would enable community colleges, public schools, and state offices to close on Diwali.

The California State Assembly Bill 268 headed to the State Senate for approval. It was a significant step towards promoting inclusion of Indian immigrants who have been contributing to California’s growth in all spheres for decades. AB 268 would add the Festival of Lights not only to the list of California State holidays but also to the court calendars for judicial personnel. It would designate Diwali as a paid holiday for state employees in California.

Recognizing Diwali at the state level is not just about a day-off. It is about embracing the cultural identity of Indian immigrants who have woven themselves into the socio-economic fabrics of the Golden State. Diwali is also a time for Indian families across California for a reunion at temples in the state. By declaring Diwali as a state holiday, California made it possible to say, “Yes, Diwali belongs here too. Your traditions matter.”

“I’m grateful to my colleagues for their unanimous, bipartisan support of AB 268, which would have California officially recognize Diwali as a state holiday,” said Ash Kalra after the vote. Fellow Assemblymember Darshana Patel also highlighted the cultural significance of the bill, calling it a proud moment for the American Hindu community. The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) added, “Kudos to the US Indian Seniors for mobilizing the Hindu community on this important initiative.”

“We are happy for our customers from California, who would get to celebrate Diwali with peace of mind, most probably starting this year. Diwali celebration is grand not only in California but also in the northeast coast where many school districts observe Diwali as a holiday. May the Deepavali Day Act gain momentum this year to make the Festival of Lights a federal holiday” said the chief customer relations officer of Indian Eagle, the most trusted travel-booking partner of Indians in the US.

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With Diwali having entered the New York school holiday calendar, the Festival of Lights is now a public school holiday in both New York and New Jersey. Indian families are gearing up to celebrate the festival of lights at a number of Diwali 2025 events in New York and New Jersey, from Times Square to Garden City, from Ganesh Temple to BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, and from Bhakti Center to Brooklyn Children Museum. Diwali is one of the few Indian festivals, which is celebrated with great pomp and loads of enthusiasm from America to Australia.     

Like previous years, Travel Beats, a leading community portal for Indians in the US, has compiled the best Diwali 2025 events in the East Coast US for you. If you have not planned your travel on last minute flights to India yet, you can celebrate Diwali with fellow Indians at any of the places listed below. Travel Beats is a subsidiary of IndianEagle.com, the most trusted air-ticketing partner of Indians in America.    

Times Square Diwali 2025, NYC

Times Square Diwali in New York is not just another event; it is the largest Diwali celebration in North America as described by the US media. Every year, this iconic festival lights up Manhattan with Bollywood glamour, dance, music, and fireworks. Over the years, the stage has welcomed celebrities like Shankar Mahadevan, Sukhbir, Jay Sean, and Mika Singh, who made the crowds dance to their beats.

Times Square will celebrate Diwali 2025 on 12 October. The list of celebrities and concerts has officially not been announced yet. But 2025 is the 10th anniversary of Diwali at Times Square, it is almost certain that some of the biggest names from Bollywood and beyond will join the celebration. Indians from the east coast US are looking forward to a day of dazzling performances, delicious food, and the unmatched vibe of Times Square glowing in Diwali lights.

• Date: October 12, 2025
• Venue: Times Square, New York City
• Contact: info@diwalitimesquare.com
• Website: diwalitimessquare.com/

Diwali Celebration at BAPS Swaminarayan Temple Long Island

Hindu temples in New York are among the best places for NYC Diwali events 2025. BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Long Island will celebrate Diwali and Chopda Puja on 20 October. Diwali is a most traditional celebration here, while Chopda Puja is an age-old cultural ceremony wherein Gujarati and Marwari business people close their old account books and open new ones in paper or electric form, and seek blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for a new year as per the Hindu Calendar.

NYC’s BAPS Swaminarayan Temple at Long Island does also organize children’s Diwali celebration every year to make kids understand the significance of the festival and walk them through traditional rituals. Children learn the art of making diyas and rangolis. This is scheduled from 11 am to 6 pm on October 12 this year.   

Diwali at NY Ganesh Temple, Flushing

Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam is one of the best places for traditional Diwali celebrations in New York City. Home to the first temple canteen in America, the Ganapati Devasthanam organizes Maha Lakshmi Puja through the observance of rituals such as abhishekam, homam, japam, and deepam pooja. To be held from October 18 to 20, Diwali will be followed by the Govardhan Annakut Festival on October 21 and 22 at the Flushing Ganesh Temple in New York.

Date: Diwali – October 18-20 | Govardhan Annakut – October 21-22 

Flushing Townhall Diwali 2025 in Queens

Of all Diwali 2025 events in New York, Flushing Townhall’s 11th annual Diwali festival is out and out a cultural celebration. This year, the highlight is live performances by sitar maestro Pt. Kinnar Seen ji, tabla exponent Dr. Naren Budhkar, and Kathak dancer Abha B. Roy, the Director of Srijan Dance Company. Together, they will bring the richness of Indian classical music and dance to the stage.

Learning the art of Indian cooking, among various joyous activities, from Chef Nupur Arora, the founder of Queens Curry Kitchen, is another attraction of Flushing Townhall Diwali, Queens. Block printing with Dr. Alka Mukerji, rangoli making with Dr. Anju G. Modak, henna art, and Hindi calligraphy are the other workshops that you can choose to take part in. It is one of the few ticketed Diwali events in the Big Apple; hence, advance booking is recommended.

• Date: October 18 | Time: 12 noon – 4 pm
• Venue: Flushing Town Hall Theater
• Website: www.flushingtownhall.org/event-detail.php

New York Asia Society Diwali 2025

Asia Society’s Diwali celebration in New York doubles up as a family day full of fun, joy and entertainment. Asia Society’s auditorium will throb with dance dramas, storytelling, and musical performances. Among the major programs, families can enjoy interactive segments introducing Indian traditions along with a special meet-and-greet session with Lord Ganesh. The Visitor Center will host a live rangoli workshop by artist Anushya Mamtora.

New York Asia Society’s Diwali event is a great opportunity for Indian children to get introduced to the art of rangoli, Hindi calligraphy, and other crafts. A live cooking experience and henna design sessions are also among the attractions. The eighth floor of the venue will continue to host cultural workshops and lively dance activities. The event is being organized in collaboration with the Culture Tree that promotes South Asian culture on the east coast.

• Date: October 18 | Time: 1 pm – 4 pm
• Venue: 725 Park Avenue, NY 10021
• Website: Asiasociety.org/new-york/events/diwali-lights-asia-society-2025

Saraswati Cultural Association Diwali in New Jersey

Diwali celebration by Saraswati Cultural Association of New Jersey is one of the free outdoor events for Indians in October. Founded in the late 1980s as a community-driven non-profit organization, Saraswati Cultural Association hosts Diwali and other festivals to promote Indian culture and heritage, other than raising funds for charities. You can make the most of this event by grooving to live music, enjoying Dandiya and Bhangra performances, taking part in cultural programs, relishing Indian food, and shopping for Indian items. Interestingly, entry to the event venue is free for all.

• Date: October 4
• Time: 12PM – 6PM
• Venue: Exchange Place Centre, Between Hudson St & Greene St Jersey City, NJ
• Contact: 551-358-9407

Diwali Motorcade in Queens

South Richmond Hill’s Diwali Motorcade has become a much-loved tradition, especially among the Indo-Caribbean community in Queens. The neighborhood lights up with decorated vehicles, bhajans, tassa drums, and dance troupes marching down Liberty Avenue. It’s a vibrant display of unity, faith, and joy that makes Diwali unforgettable in New York’s Little Guyana.

• Date: October 18, 2025
• Venue: Little Guyana (TBA)
• Contact: info@diwalimotorcade.com
• Website: https://diwalimotorcade.com/

Diwali Festival at Marine Park, Brooklyn

Marine Park’s Carmine Carro Community Center will host a serene yet festive evening of Diwali. The program includes a traditional talk on the festival’s significance by Pandit Ravi Doobay and a Bharatanatyam dance performance by Sloka Iyengar. It’s a beautiful way for families to experience both devotion and art in one setting.

• Date: October 18, 2025 | Time: 4 pm – 5 pm
• Venue: Carmine Carro Community Center, Marine Park, 3000 Fillmore Ave, Brooklyn, NY
• Contact: 8607123393 | reachus@marineparkalliance.org
• Website: Nygovparks.org

Shri Ramamayi Deepotsav 2025 in Somerset, NJ

This fall, SohAnika Arts presents Shri Ramamayi Deepotsav among the much-anticipated New Jersey Diwali events 2025. Shri Ramamayi Deepotsav is a grand full-length Ramayan stage musical that blends drama, classical & fusion dance, and live music, all in the spirit of Diwali’s light-over-darkness theme. The production brings together artists from the tri-state area and the Midwest, offering families a chance to deeply experience Indian myth, culture, and devotion through performance art.

• Date: October 17, 2025
• Venue: Ananda Mandir, Tagore Hall, 269 Cedar Grove Lane, Somerset, NJ
• Contact: (732) 873-9794

Diwali Fest NJ 2025 in Maplewood

Maplewood Memorial Park turns into a lively cultural fair every Diwali. From Bollywood dances to live music, children’s art activities to authentic Indian food, this free event offers a slice of India in New Jersey. Out of Diwali celebrations in New Jersey, Diwali Fest in Maplewood is unmissable for families looking for a festive yet affordable celebration. 

• Date: October 25, 2025 | Time: 2 pm – 6 pm
• Venue: Maplewood Memorial Park, Maplewood, NJ
• Contact: www.diwalifestnj@somaccw.org

New York Brahma Kumaris Diwali 2025 

The Brahma Kumaris, a global spiritual organization headquartered in India, is inviting New Yorkers to their Diwali event on October 16, at their Manhattan Meditation Center. One of the free Diwali events in New York City, this year’s celebration, “Interactive Lecture Series: Re-igniting the Light Within,” is that of the human soul’s journey from darkness to light. The event will be held both online and offline and is showcased through live storytelling, live music, meditation, and inspiring reflections that intensify one’s longing for spiritual awakening in the solitude of heavenly peace and divine bliss.

• Date: October 16 | Time: 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
• Venue: 306, 5th Avenue, NY 10001
• Website: https://manhattanmeditationcenter.org

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Starting 1 September 2025, Indian embassies and consulates across the world won’t accept passport applications with photos that do not meet ICAO standards. This means if you are applying for a passport or passport renewal in the US or anywhere else outside India, your application must follow the ICAO passport photo rules 2025. Otherwise, it will be rejected.

What are ICAO standards for passport photos in 2025?

Indian embassies clearly state that only ICAO-compliant passport photos are accepted starting September 2025. Your photo must be in color, sized 630 × 810 pixels if uploaded digitally, with your face covering 80 to 85 percent of the frame, as per the international aviation standards. The background must be plain white, without any patterns, shadows, or off-white tones. You should be looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression, eyes open and visible, and mouth closed.

Lighting plays a big role too. According to the new Indian passport photo rules 2025, your photograph must show natural skin tones without glare, red-eye, or heavy shadows. Glasses should be avoided since any reflection that covers your eyes will lead to rejection. Head coverings are permitted only for religious reasons, but even then, your full face from chin to forehead must be clearly visible.

Old Indian Passport Photo Rules vs ICAO Standards 2025

The Indian passport rules were relaxed and flexible before Indian embassies started enforcing the ICAO requirements for passport photographs in September 2025. Until then, printed photos sized 2 × 2 inches, or 35 × 35 mm were accepted. The face was required to cover about 70 to 80 percent of the photo, and the background could be white or light-colored. Glasses were generally allowed as long as there was no glare. Some embassies and VFS centers also accepted slightly edited photos if the face remained clear.

How to follow ICAO rules for your Indian passport photo

Complying with the ICAO passport photo guidelines is not as complicated as it sounds, but you need to follow a few steps closely. Make sure you stand against a plain white background with no shadows. The camera should be placed about 1.5 meters away to avoid distortion. Your head should be straight, centered, and filling most of the frame. Keep your mouth closed and avoid smiling or tilting your head.

If you wear glasses, you can keep them on only if they do not cause glare or hide your eyes. Any reflection on the lens will result in rejection, so in most cases it is safer to remove them. Head coverings are allowed for religious reasons, but your entire face from chin to forehead must remain visible. Do not use filters or apps to enhance your photograph. Even a photograph with minor edits can make your passport application meet with rejection.

Why Indian expats must submit ICAO-compliant passport photos

For millions of Indians abroad, the passport is not just a document for boarding international flights to India but also a critical proof of identity and nationality. The ICAO-compliant passport photos are now a global obligation, irrespective of nationalities and geographies, in view of rigid foreign entry requirements, border security concerns, and widespread adoption of biometric systems. A single instance of non-compliance with the ICAO guidelines will result in rejection of your application, thereby delaying your travel plans for an international holiday trip or in-person visa renewal interview in India.

What Indian Expats should do in view of ICAO guidelines being enforced

If you are living in the US and your passport is due for renewal, here’s how to get your Indian passport renewed in USA.  Do read the ICAO-compliant photo specifications listed on your local Indian embassy or VFS website. Print and digital submissions must strictly match the new size and clarity requirements. Even if you recently got your passport with the photo as per the old rules, it may not be accepted after September 1.

The above is one of the major shifts impacting international travel for Indians, including the US Visa Integrity fee. However, our winter holiday travel discount to India can save you big on budget flight tickets from Indian Eagle, the most trusted air-ticketing partner of major airlines and for Indians in the US. Grab the limited offer now and fly later!

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The US visa interview update July 25, 2025 is that the Department of State eliminates the Dropbox renewal option for all non-immigrant visa categories, except B1/B2 visa holders on certain conditions. “All nonimmigrant visa applicants, including applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 79, will generally require an in-person interview with a consular officer, effective September 2, 2025,” according to the revised US visa policy for non-immigrants from India and other countries.

It seems to hint at further revision of the Dropbox eligibility or potential elimination of in-person interview waiver for H, L, F, M, and J visa categories. The US visa interview update July 25 follows the February 2025 revision of the Dropbox eligibility criteria wherein the nonimmigrant visa expiration window was reduced to 12 months from 48 months. The previous update continued to grant visa interview waiver (Dropbox) to children under 14 years and senior citizens aged 80 or older.

On or before September 2, the Department of State will specify nonimmigrant visa categories that may be eligible for in-person interview waiver or Dropbox renewal.

Who are eligible for US Visa Interview Waiver, Dropbox in 2025

• B1/B2 visa holders renewing a full validity within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration given they were at least 18 years old at the time of the prior visa issuance.
• Mexico nationals renewing a full validity of Border Crossing Card (Foil card or laser visa) within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration
• B1/B2 visa holders must apply for Dropbox renewal in their country of nationality or residence
• They have never been refused a visa nor do they have apparent or potential ineligibility.
• The same conditions apply to Mexico citizens for Border Crossing Card Dropbox eligibility

What about H1B visa holders with Dropbox appointments in 2025?

Dropbox appointments in September 2025 onwards may be cancelled if the US visa interview waiver update July 25 blanketly targets H1B visa holders and others in’ H’ visa categories. It is too early to say anything until the next update – whether in-person interview is mandatory for H1B renewal and other non-immigrant visas.

H1B visa holders with Dropbox appointments in India feel puzzled wondering if they have to book in-person interview slots. It is natural for them to panic, because all Dropbox appointments were annulled when the February 8, 2025 update was rolled out.

If you have already booked your travel to India for Dropbox appointments in September or October 2025, it is recommended you contact your travel agent or the airline for possible rescheduling options. If not, you can avail flight discounts now and book budget flight tickets to India from USA in August or September.

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It seems that non-immigrants are at the center of revenue streams to the US Treasury. After having signed an executive order to increase visitor fees to America’s national parks for non-US residents, President Trump is up with the first-of-its-kind surcharge for non-immigrant visa applicants under the One Big Beautiful Bill. Named the Visa Integrity Fee, $250 will be levied on all US visa applicants from India and other countries, starting in 2026. Read on to know whether it is fixed, waivable, and refundable. 

What is new US Visa Integrity Fee?

Integral to President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, the $250 Visa Integrity Fee will be collected from foreign nationals including Indians applying for B1/B2 visa, US student visas, US work visas (H-1B, L-1), and others. Dependent visa applicants (like H4) may not be exempted. The Department of Homeland Security has made the Visa Integrity Fee mandatory, in addition to the standard visa application fees.

This is the first time the US government has introduced this kind of fee, and it’s part of President Trump’s sweeping immigration reform known as the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill.‘ With this, the overall cost of visiting or studying or working in the US will go higher, especially for US-based Indians’ visiting parents and students from India. With this new fee, the US treasury would have an inflow of funds from Indian professionals who make up a large share of the US non-immigrant population.

The new Visa Integrity Fee is non-waivable, which means non-immigrant US visa applicants will have to pay it, regardless of their visa purpose or financial situation. However, the $250 Visa Integrity Fee is refundable, and the refund claim is subject to certain conditions, including but not limited to your strict compliance with the US visa rules, like no visa overstay.

How to get a refund on $250 Visa Integrity Fee collected by DHS

DHS reiterates that the fee cannot be waived or reduced for any reason, but it may be refundable in limited cases.

You might get the Visa Integrity Fee back if you strictly comply with the rules and regulations applicable to your US visa status and category. This means you refrain from taking up a job or any sort of employment without authorization.

DHS may refund the additional $250 fee if B1/B2 visa holders don’t overstay in the US. Those who exit the US within 5 days prior to their form I-94 expiration date without seeking visa extension or change of status might be eligible for a refund.

If you receive a lawful extension or your visa status is adjusted to permanent residency before the Form I-94 expiry date, you can seek a refund of the Visa Integrity Fee from the Department of Homeland Security.

Purpose of the US Visa Integrity Fee for non-immigrants

Under the One Big Beautiful Bill, the Visa Integrity Fee is introduced aiming to make all US visa holders more accountable and law compliant. The additional $250 fee is intended to prevent non-immigrants from making violations like unauthorized work and overstaying in the US. It is a kind of penalization for any discrepancy found between what B1/B2 visa holders do in the US and what they stated as their purpose of visit in the US tourist visa interview as well as the DS-160 Form.

Subscribe to monthly newsletters of Travel Beats, your favorite Indian Diaspora portal for relevant stories for NRIs in America, US immigration updates, US-India travel news, and a lot more. Travel Beats is a subsidiary of Indian Eagle, the most trusted travel-booking partner of Indians and Americans in the US, offering phone-only budget flight deals to India. 

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After imposing a 3.5% remittance tax on international money transfers by non-US citizens, President Trump is looking to cash in on visa interview appointment delays at US embassies and consulates across the world. The US visa interview wait times continue to be a nightmare for Indians, especially B1/B2 visa applicants planning to visit America for personal or professional purposes. It takes several months to secure a B1/B2 visa interview slot, with the average wait time extending to nearly 9 months across the US Embassy and Consulates in India.

The Trump administration has proposed a premium service fee – $1000 – for US visa applicants to fast-track their interview appointments and bypass long waiting times. This is proposed in addition to the current processing fee of $185 for US tourist visa and student visa categories. With plans to be launched as a pilot program in December 2025, the new premium processing fee would enable you to secure early non-immigrant visa interview slots in India.

Cutting short, B1/B2 visas will particularly come with a hefty $1000+$185 fee given the US tourist visa interview delays at the US Embassy and Consulates in India, if President Trump’s proposal is approved. A significant number of US tourist visa applicants would take a hit, as evident from Hyderabad to Dallas, Chennai to Detroit, Kolkata to New York, Bengaluru to Seattle flights carrying Indians on B1/B2 visa.

Trump’s fast-track visa interview processing fee aims to monetize the demand for non-immigrant US visas and generate a revenue stream out of unusually long interview wait times. With over 10 million non-immigrant visas issued in 2024, including nearly 6 million tourist visas, the demand is high, and interview delays are often frustratingly long. By offering to expedite US visa interview appointments for a premium fee $1000, the Trump administration is to give travelers a choice: wait it out or pay to move up.

This proposed fast-track visa interview service is very much like President Trump’s vision of a Gold Card visa program that would sell US citizenship for $5 million, granting faster access to those willing to pay. Since returning to office in January 2025, Trump has quickly moved to reshape immigration policy by tightening screening procedures, revisiting visa categories, and now, introducing a paid route for faster visa appointments.

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Applying for US visas is now easier, faster, and smarter. The days of long visa waits at US embassies and consulates in India and other countries are numbered, as the US State Department is digitally transforming your visa journey by speeding up the process, from selection to queries to application to interviews. Let’s say hello to the US Visa Navigator, a new AI-powered digital assistant that is designed to remove hassles from the end-to-end application process.

What is US Visa Navigator Tool?

Integrated to the country-wise websites of US embassies and consulates, the Visa Navigator Tool is a real-time assistant to clear your confusion, address your queries, help you with latest updates, guide you step-by-step through application, and reduce unnecessary delays. It takes days, sometimes weeks, to get response to your visa-related queries via email. The new AI tool aims to eliminate delays by giving you case-specific answers in real time and around the clock.

With the online Visa Navigator Tool, the US State Department simplifies the way you navigate the visa selection and application process. It also eliminates the need to go through the US visa-related FAQ pages. It leaves little room for mistakes by breaking down the complex information and outlining the tedious application process step by step for your convenience. Precisely, no more waiting for clarification! No more delays for application!

Is it safe to use the Visa Navigator Tool?

The US State Department claims it to be safe for users. The Visa Navigator neither tracks you nor asks for your personal information. Unlike commercial chatbots, it does not even collect your name, IP address, gender, nationality, or any other identifiable detail. You can expect to get information, clarification, and guidance in real time, regardless of your identity and location, without being watched.

How USA Visa Navigator Tool Works

You can access the Visa Navigator Tool on a US embassy website or consulate. It has a clean, form-style interface (Google Forms). It walks you through a few simple steps to identify your needs, like whether you’re applying for a new visa or visa renewal, and in which category. As you click through, the tool tailors its advice based on your inputs.

First, the tool asks, “What can we help you with?” and gives several options like “Nonimmigrant visas” (tourism, work, study), “Immigrant visas” (green cards), “Green Card issues” (lost/expired), “Diplomatic/Official visas”, “Visa Fraud”, “US Citizen Services”, or “Other questions.” Selecting the right category narrows down the advice you’ll get.

Next, it asks something like “Which of the below best describes you?” with choices such as “I’m a new applicant”, “My visa is under processing”, or “I have a valid/expired US visa and have questions.” This way the US Visa Navigator knows whether you’re starting fresh or need help renewing or replacing a visa. Finally, the tool shows very specific topics (based on your selection so far). You pick the one that best matches your exact query.

If you’re planning a trip to the US from India, the Visa Navigator can be a huge help with your visa queries. This newly launched tool is embedded to the websites of the US Embassy and Consulates in India. Simply go to the visa section of the embassy or consulate website and click on the Visa Navigator link to get started.

The US State Department described it as “just the beginning and a part of the global push to digitize consular services and make the visa journey more transparent and user-friendly.” So, give Visa Navigator a try to get through the process without delay. This 24/7 digital guide could save you time, reduce stress, and help you avoid mistakes. The US Visa Navigator tool is getting you one step closer to your goal of visiting or living in America.

The post USA Launches Visa Navigator Tool: Applying for US Visa is Now Easier, Faster, Smarter first appeared on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

The post USA Launches Visa Navigator Tool: Applying for US Visa is Now Easier, Faster, Smarter appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

Every other day comes with a surprise for immigrants in the United States. On April 11, a new USCIS rule for immigrants came into effect requiring all temporary visa holders, including H1B, and Green Card holders, to carry a valid ID proof all the time. And now, in a recent development, the US immigration agency (USCIS) issued an alert that updating your address with the US Postal Service (USPS) is not enough.

Are you moving to the US? Or, changing your residence within the US? It is crucial to update your new address or change of address with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is now a mandate for all non-citizen visa holders and Green Card holders to update their address with USCIS within 10 days of relocation. Non-compliance may result in consequences. Non-compliance may result in fines and missed communications, such as biometrics appointment notices, green card renewal updates, or interview letters. However, certain visa holders are exempt to this USCIS rule for aliens.

Why is it not enough to update your address only with USPS? Who must report address change to USCIS?

Many L1, O1, F1, and H1B visa holders are under the impression that updating their address change with USPS is enough to receive all official correspondence. However, USCIS’ most recent social media post clarified that all non-citizens in the US (except A & G visa holders and visitors under the Visa Waiver Program) must update their address directly with the immigration agency.

“All aliens in the U.S. must report a change of address to USCIS within 10 days of moving. This reporting requirement does not apply to A and G visa holders and visa waiver visitors. Failure to comply may result in fines or removal.”

How to update your address change with USCIS

USCIS recommends using the Enterprise Change of Address (E-COA) tool for quick and secure address updates. Accessible through your USCIS online account, this digital option eliminates paperwork and allows you to update multiple pending applications by entering the receipt numbers. It offers faster processing and real-time confirmation once your address is successfully updated in the USCIS records. To begin, visit the official USCIS Change of Address tool.

How to update your address offline If you don’t have a USCIS account?

If you don’t have a USCIS online account, you can update your latest US address by submitting Form AR-11, the Alien’s Change of Address Card. You can download it from the USCIS website, fill it out manually, and mail it to the address listed on the form. However, this process may take longer and it does not provide for an automated update to your address in the USCIS system.

Link your pending or approved immigration benefit requests when updating your address

When updating your change of address with USCIS online, it’s important to include the receipt numbers for each of your pending or approved immigration benefit requests. This ensures that your new address in USA is correctly associated with all active cases, preventing application processing delays and missed correspondence

Who are exempted from the USCIS mandate on updating change of address?

A and G visa holders are diplomats, foreign government officials, and employees of international organizations such as the United Nations or the World Bank. These visa holders are typically exempt from the standard immigration processes and requirements that apply to other non-citizens, including the 10-day address update rule.

Also Check: Travel to India and Fly Back to USA worry-free with These Essential Documents

The post USCIS Requires All Non-Citizens to Update Their Change of Address within 10 Days of Relocation first appeared on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

The post USCIS Requires All Non-Citizens to Update Their Change of Address within 10 Days of Relocation appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

Not all news stories of travel nightmares in the US are rumors. Unfortunately, some are true. One such news of stringent security screening and harassment at US airports involves Shruti Chaturvedi, an Indian business woman who supports rural communities with business opportunities. She recently traveled to Alaska from India and had a harrowing experience as she was detained for long 8 hours at Anchorage Airport. All because a power bank in her luggage was deemed suspicious. What unfolded during her detention took not only Indians but the world aback.

She wrote about her ordeal on X.com, “Imagine being detained by Police and FBI for 8 hours, being questioned the most ridiculous things, physically checked by a male officer on camera, stripped off warm wear, mobile phone, wallet, kept in chilled room, not allowed to use a restroom, or make a single phone call, made to miss your flight – all because the airport security found your power bank in handbag ‘suspicious’.”

This not just distressed her beyond measure but also ruined her trip to the US. This incident involving Shruti Chaturvedi is an eyeopener for Indians and others planning to visit USA on B1/B2 Visa. It has raised significant concerns over the intensified scrutiny and harsh treatment of international travelers at the ports of entry in Trump’s America. Reports of apprehension among tourists and visitors being frisked and interrogated for hours have prompted several countries, including the UK, Canada and Germany, to update advisories for their citizens traveling to USA.

The discovery of a power bank in carry-on bags is not too suspicious to detain travelers. However, the above incident apart, international airlines are dissuading passengers from carrying and using power banks on flights. Of late, several airlines have updated their cabin baggage policy to evade inflight fire incidents that power banks with lithium-ion batteries may cause.

EVA Air has banned the use and charging of power banks aboard flights starting 1 March 2025. Singapore Airlines and its low-cost subsidiary Scoot have also barred passengers from using power banks and plugging the devices into the in-seat USB ports, effective from 1 April 2025. Cathay Pacific, Qantas, and Emirates have introduced similar rules.

Booking travel to USA from India? It’s crucial to stay informed about specific airline policies regarding power banks and other electronic devices. While no major international airlines operating flights to USA from India have bans carrying power banks outright, the guidelines have been tightened. Typically, power banks are allowed only in carry-on luggage and must not be used or charged in the air.

Can I carry a power bank on my flight to USA? 

Yes, you may carry in compliance of the policy of the airline that you are flying with. Most airlines allow power banks in carry-on bags, not in checked baggage. However, the onus of checking the updated airline policy is on you for hassle-free arrival in the US. You may be allowed to bring a power bank (with limited capacity) on board, but you may be barred from using it during a flight for safety concerns. Many airlines allow power banks with limited capacity, to say under 100Wh.

The post This Indian Business Woman Shares Her Ordeal of Being Detained for a Power Bank at US Airport; An Eye-opening Incident first appeared on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

The post This Indian Business Woman Shares Her Ordeal of Being Detained for a Power Bank at US Airport; An Eye-opening Incident appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.