H 1B VISA CONCERN
US visa squeeze hits Indians; Kiranas, Q-comm go lean before GST 2.0
US visas will become harder for Indians as the Trump administration shuts down a popular fast-track route. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
Rising home prices a major concern for over 81% property seekers : Survey
A recent survey reveals rising home prices are a major concern for most Indian property seekers, with average residential prices increasing significantly. Dissatisfaction is growing among affordable housing buyers due to location, quality, and size issues. Interestingly, Mumbai's real estate market shows surprising buyer confidence despite high prices, while demand for affordable housing declines, shifting preferences towards premium properties.
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.
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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.
Garena Free Fire Max Redeem Codes for September 7, 2025: Unlock 10+ free rewards now
Garena Free Fire Max players can snag free in-game items using redeem codes released on September 7, 2025. These 12-character alphanumeric codes offer a chance to grab rewards, but they expire quickly and can only be used once. Players can redeem these codes by visiting the official redemption site and logging in with their linked accounts.
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.
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.
Where the world’s Indians live: Half of overseas Indians reside in just 10 countries
India's diaspora, the world's largest at 3.43 crore, is almost evenly split between PIOs and NRIs, with nearly half residing in ten countries, including the US, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. In 2024-25, the diaspora sent a record $135.46 billion home, a 14% increase, solidifying India's position as the top recipient of remittances.
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.
Chinese firms still want Nvidia chips despite government pressure not to buy, sources say
The B30A - if approved for sale by Washington - is likely to cost about double the H20, which currently sells for between $10,000 and $12,000, those two people said. Chinese tech firms perceive the potential B30A pricing, reported by Reuters for the first time, as a good deal, they added. One said the B30A promises to be up to six times more powerful than the H20.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Govt hasn't done anything to soften tariff blow: Congress
The Congress party has strongly criticized the Indian government following the implementation of 50% US tariffs, blaming Prime Minister Modi's foreign policy for failing to secure a trade deal. Mallikarjun Kharge warned of a significant economic impact, estimating losses of ₹2.17 lakh crore across key sectors, particularly affecting farmers.
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.
Why Trump’s America can’t do without Indians
Central bankers at Jackson Hole warned developed economies face labor shortages without foreign workers, especially as US policies under Trump restrict immigration, impacting Indian skilled workers vital to STEM and healthcare. A CBO report highlights the US population decline by 2033 without immigration, leading to slower growth. The US needs Indian workers but policies push them away, risking economic consequences.
Green card process: Why I-140 approval alone does not grant US residency
An approved I-140 petition is a crucial step toward a green card, establishing eligibility and securing a priority date. However, it doesn't grant immediate residency, work authorization, or lawful status in the U.S. Beneficiaries must maintain their nonimmigrant status and either adjust status within the U.S. or pursue consular processing abroad once their priority date is current, navigating potential backlogs.
Big tech companies accused of bending H-1B rules with job listings
Amid tech layoffs, major US firms face allegations of bypassing hiring rules by directing job applicants to immigration or “global mobility” teams instead of standard channels, a Newsweek report said. Critics argue such practices favour H-1B workers over US graduates, keeping Americans out of jobs. The Trump administration plans reforms to prioritise American workers.
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