US VISA FOR INDIANS
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.
In rebound from Trump blows, India has few choices
Nearly 20% of Indian exports go to the US, according to the World Bank.
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.
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.
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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Trust is bust despite Donald Trump-initiated thaw in ties with India
Former diplomats caution against trusting Trump's recent conciliatory remarks towards India, viewing them as a tactic to destabilize perceived adversaries. His administration's actions, including sanctions-like measures, have damaged relations with India and alienated allies worldwide.
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.
Lower GST will boost India's economy significantly, says FM Nirmala Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a new dual-slab GST structure expected to significantly boost India's economy. The government is also preparing a package for US tariff-affected export sectors and relentlessly working on next-generation policy changes. While not directly addressing tariff issues, the GST reform is anticipated to spur demand and provide some relief to affected sectors.
'No more visas for India': How Charlie Kirk’s 'we’re full' remark could impact Indian professionals in the US
Charlie Kirk's recent remarks against providing more US visas for Indian professionals have sparked controversy, raising concerns about the potential impact on the US economy and innovation. His statement, made amidst US-India trade negotiations, has been criticized for targeting a community vital to key sectors like technology and healthcare.
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.
New TOEFL initiative gives Indian study abroad aspirants a chance to win Rs 10 lakh
ETS, in collaboration with Credila, has launched the TOEFL SUPER 50 program to support Indian students aspiring to study abroad. This initiative offers a prize pool of Rs 10 lakh, along with test preparation resources and financial planning support. Students registering for the TOEFL iBT test by December 15, 2025, and taking it by December 31, 2025, are eligible.
Indian students in US struggle due to visa restrictions and job crunch
Indian students in the US are facing increased hardship. Stricter visa enforcement and fewer job opportunities are making it difficult to manage living costs. Many students are struggling with finances. They are cutting expenses and sharing accommodation to survive. The OPT program is offering fewer opportunities. Consultants are advising caution to prospective students.
1 in 3 Indian students now take loans to study abroad: Report
A recent report reveals a growing trend of Indian students relying on education loans to finance overseas studies, with 33% taking loans. Germany's popularity has surged due to its rapid return on investment, while traditional destinations like the US and Canada experience slower growth. Career prospects are now the primary motivation, shifting away from permanent residency.
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.
Indian visitors to US dip in June; first decline in over two decades
Indian travel to the US declined in June 2025, ending a 20-year growth. The US Commerce Department reports an 8% drop compared to June 2024. Overall international visits to the US also decreased. Despite this, India remains a key source of US travelers. Visa delays and global events may have contributed to the decline.
Where Indian passport holders can visit with a valid US visa
For Indian passport holders, obtaining a US visa unlocks travel to 42 countries across Asia, Europe, and beyond, simplifying international mobility. In 2024, 2.2 million Indians visited the US, marking a significant increase from pre-pandemic levels. The US visa serves as a gateway to numerous destinations, offering convenient access to diverse regions without additional visa requirements.
Expenditure on abroad study hits five-year low
The expenditure of Indian students on abroad studies have hit a five-year low in June 2025. This comes amid stricter rules and restriction on Indian students. However, the UK is gaining popularity as a study destination. Further. travel expenditures remain high.
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.
Argentina eases entry for Indians holding US visa
Argentina has waived visa requirements for Indian citizens holding valid US tourist visas, effective immediately. This policy aims to attract more international tourists and reduce entry barriers, aligning with President Milei's deregulation agenda. The move is expected to boost tourism revenue and strengthen people-to-people ties between the two nations.
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.
Argentina eases entry to Indian citizens holding a US visa
Argentina has relaxed entry requirements for Indian citizens holding valid US tourist visas, eliminating the need for an Argentine visa or Electronic Travel Authorization. This initiative aims to boost inbound tourism and support sports, aligning with efforts to simplify entry procedures.
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.
‘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.
Indian in US sentenced for visa fraud conspiracy, faces deportation
Rambhai Patel, an Indian national in New York, received a 20-month prison sentence for masterminding a visa fraud scheme. Patel and an accomplice staged at least 18 armed robberies across multiple states, enabling participants to fraudulently apply for U visas reserved for crime victims assisting law enforcement. He profited approximately $850,000 from the scheme and faces deportation after his sentence.
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