B2 VISA RULES
Indian students, visitors can no longer apply abroad for a short-term US visa
The US has barred Indians from applying for student, visitor, or work visas in third countries to bypass long wait times at home. A new State Department directive mandates applications only from the applicant’s country of residence or citizenship. The rule, effective immediately, affects Indians who earlier applied in places like Thailand, Germany, or Brazil.
Beyond tariffs: US creates new visa hurdles for Indian students, visitors
Indians applying for US student or visitor visas in other countries to avoid long wait times at home now face a setback. A new US rule requires non-immigrant visa applications to be made only from the applicant’s home country, ending a Covid-era flexibility and adding more pressure to India's overloaded visa system.
US immigrants now face higher deportation risks. Here's why
Immigrants in the U.S. are facing increased deportation risks as immigration enforcement agencies utilize IRS data to identify unauthorized employment. Reporting income from side jobs while on visas like H-1B or F-1 can lead to visa denials and removal proceedings. Attorneys advise caution, as tax records are under greater scrutiny, potentially impacting immigration status.
Golden visas for Indians: Amid changing rules and global uncertainty, golden visa calculations now include risk-hedging, estate planning, taxation
From EB-5 uncertainty to Portugal’s property ban, wealthy Indian families are rethinking their residency strategies as global rules tighten.
Inside the Hyundai raid: A monthslong probe that shook Georgia’s EV ambitions
A massive immigration raid at the Hyundai-LG battery plant in Georgia detained over 475 individuals, including South Korean nationals, halting construction and sparking economic and diplomatic repercussions. The action, targeting alleged visa violations and unlawful hiring, has raised concerns about U.S. visa restrictions and their impact on foreign investment in the EV sector.
IT Inc worries as US may slap tariffs on software exports
India's IT sector faces potential US tariffs on software exports, threatening its largest market and impacting firms already struggling with global uncertainty and AI-driven automation. The proposed tariffs could lead to double taxation and increased costs due to visa restrictions, potentially harming the growth of India-based service providers and GCCs, while raising delivery costs.
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Want to stay in the UAE? Know which visa works for you
The United Arab Emirates boasts a diverse residency system, featuring visas from short-term work permits to decade-long options for various professionals. The Golden Visa offers long-term residency to investors and specialists, while the Blue Visa targets environmental experts.
Trump administration plans stricter reforms for H-1B visas, keeping cap-exempt category in focus
The Trump administration plans significant H-1B visa changes, tightening eligibility and oversight, particularly for third-party placements. Scheduled for December 2025, the proposal revises cap exemptions and introduces stricter compliance. A new rule prioritizes higher-wage applicants in the lottery, potentially impacting staffing firms and Indian professionals who are the largest beneficiaries of the H-1B program.
Trump's advisor Navarro needles India once again
Peter Navarro, trade advisor to Donald Trump, is stirring controversy by supporting tariffs on foreign remote workers, potentially impacting India's IT services exports. This move resonates with Trump's "America First" agenda, targeting Indian tech workers and outsourcing. While formal tariffs may be challenging, non-tariff barriers could be employed, posing a threat to India's $250+ billion IT industry.
US scrutiny on H-1B visas: MEA stresses mutual benefits of India-US mobility
India has defended the H-1B visa program amid growing US scrutiny over alleged misuse. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the mobility partnership's importance to technology, economic collaboration, innovation, and financial cooperation between the two nations. This response follows US probes into discrimination and concerns that Indian IT firms are leveraging the system to hire lower-cost workers, prompting calls for reforms.
Job offer in hand? Timing can still derail your UK Skilled Worker visa
Securing a Skilled Worker visa is crucial for overseas professionals aiming to work in the UK. The process involves strict deadlines and precise documentation. A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) triggers a three-month application window, and errors can lead to significant delays. Careful planning and attention to detail are essential for a smooth transition and long-term settlement prospects.
UK raises English test requirements for work and family visas
The UK has tightened its immigration rules, raising English language standards for migrants seeking work, settlement, or family visas. Skilled worker visa applicants now need B2 proficiency, up from B1. Family visa applicants must demonstrate English skills at entry, progressing from A1 to B2 for settlement.
H-1B reforms may be next, says USCIS chief as White House readies announcement
The White House is considering changes to the H-1B visa program to protect American workers, according to USCIS Director Joseph Edlow. The administration is weighing a "Weighted Selection" rule and exploring broader reforms, potentially prioritizing higher wages. Simultaneously, the Department of Justice is investigating hiring practices that may favor H-1B workers over US citizens, signaling increased scrutiny of the program.
H-1B visa scrutiny rises as DOJ launches discrimination probes
The US Department of Justice is investigating H-1B visa-related hiring discrimination claims amid calls for program reform. Several probes are underway, examining allegations of companies favoring visa holders over qualified American workers. Policy changes are also reshaping the H-1B process, including a shift to a beneficiary-centric lottery and potential wage-based allocation.
US says it is restricting visas of some Central American nationals over China ties
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced visa restrictions on Central American nationals allegedly acting on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party. These individuals are accused of undermining the rule of law in Central America. The move comes amid strained relations between Washington and Beijing, as China seeks to expand its influence in Latin America.
US halts EB-2 Green Card issuance till September 30; Indian applicants face longer wait times
The US State Department confirms the EB-2 visa category has reached its annual limit for fiscal year 2025, impacting skilled workers and professionals. No new EB-2 visas will be issued until October 1, 2025. Indian applicants face further delays due to existing backlogs, with no progress in priority dates reported in September 2025.
Citizens of Nepal, Bhutan not required to carry passport, visa for entering India, as earlier: MHA
New rules ease entry into India for citizens of Nepal and Bhutan. No passport or visa needed for land or air travel from these countries. Indian military personnel on duty also get this exemption. The rule extends to certain Tibetans and religious minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Registered Sri Lankan Tamil refugees are also included.
SBI to provide up to Rs 1.6 crore insurance cover to Railway employees with SBI salary accounts
Indian Railways and SBI have partnered to provide enhanced insurance coverage for railway employees. Under the MoU, employees with salary accounts will receive a personal accident cover of ₹1 crore for permanent total disablement, a significant increase from previous limits. Additionally, the agreement includes ₹1.
Applying for a US visa soon? Key updates every applicant must know
The US government is tightening visa rules with stricter social media checks, a new integrity fee, and fewer interview waivers. Proposed regulations may limit visa durations for international students, media, and exchange visitors. Indian applicants face in-person passport collection and increased visa costs, signaling a shift towards heightened scrutiny and compliance.
No more shortcuts for US visas — interviews are now mandatory for almost everyone
Starting September 2, 2025, the US State Department will require nearly all nonimmigrant visa applicants to attend in-person interviews, ending previous age-based exemptions and 'drop box' renewals. This change impacts students, business professionals, and frequent travelers, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments.
UK warns international students against overstaying visas
The UK government has initiated a campaign to deter international students from overstaying their visas, directly contacting them with warnings of potential deportation. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized that those without legal status will be removed, particularly targeting asylum claims lacking merit.
How Trump is killing the US tourism industry: $12.5B gone, visitors down 8.2% in 2025
US tourism is collapsing in 2025 as Trump-era tariffs, immigration crackdowns, and a new $250 ‘visa integrity fee’ drive international arrivals down 8.2%. The World Travel & Tourism Council warns America is the only major country seeing declines, with $12.5 billion lost as Canada, China, and Colombia surge
Run from the USA: Students will have to pack their bags fast
Proposed US visa rule changes, limiting durations to four years, are expected to disproportionately affect Indian students compared to their Chinese counterparts. This is because many Indian students rely on post-study work opportunities like OPT and H-1B visas, while Chinese students often return home or pursue funded PhD programs.
MEA makes emigration clearance mandatory for Indians going to Iran
The Ministry of External Affairs has withdrawn the exemption for Indians travelling to Iran, making emigration clearance mandatory. In its August 26 notification, the ministry said the decision, taken under the Emigration Act, 1983, aims to protect and safeguard the interests of Indian citizens going to Iran, thereby ending the exemption granted since December 2006.
Indian IT firms' reliance on it fell over years; are less vulnerable: Mohandas Pai on H-1B concerns
Amidst US scrutiny of H-1B visas, Mohandas Pai, former Infosys CFO, has asserted that Indian IT firms' reliance on these visas has significantly decreased. He highlighted data showing major American tech companies are now among the top applicants.
How the new US visa rule on 'fixed periods of stay' could impact international students
The US plans to replace the “duration of status” system with fixed stay periods for F, J, and I visa holders. Students would get a four-year limit with only a 30-day grace period, reduced from 60 days. The rule adds paperwork, restricts program changes, and removes deference to past approvals, creating uncertainty in higher education.
H1-B visa system is a 'scam', will change it, says US Commerce Secretary Lutnick
The US government plans to reform the H-1B visa and green card system. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick calls the current H1-B visa system a scam. The Trump administration aims for wage-based immigration and merit-driven selection. The goal is to replace the lottery system with a selective model. Past attempts to change the system faced opposition.
‘Gold Card’ for wealthy investors, wage test for H-1B: Trump administration’s new immigration push
H1B Visa News: The Trump administration is preparing a sweeping overhaul of US immigration rules, targeting both H-1B visas and green cards. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed the shift from a lottery-based system to one focused on wages and merit. A new ‘Gold Card’ plan, offering permanent residency in exchange for a $5 million investment, is also under discussion. With Indian workers making up more than 70 percent of H-1B recipients, the proposed changes could have far-reaching effects for professionals and companies alike.
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