US 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.
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.
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.
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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 considers banning Iranians from shopping at Costco during UN meeting
The Trump administration is considering tightening travel restrictions on delegations from Iran, Sudan, Zimbabwe, and potentially Brazil, for the upcoming U.N. meeting. These restrictions could limit their movement outside New York City, with Iranian diplomats possibly facing a ban on shopping at wholesale stores without State Department approval. Syria, however, will see fewer restrictions as the U.S.
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.
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.
Indian shadow banks’ IPO boom falters on mounting credit stress
Initial Public Offerings of India's shadow banks face challenges. Several firms, including SK Finance and Belstar Microfinance, shelve their IPO plans. Investors are wary due to rising bad loans and economic uncertainty. Other lenders like Veritas Finance and Aye Finance delay their offerings. Concerns about unsecured loans and US tariffs add to the pressure.
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.
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
Passport damaged? UAE Airlines & immigration could deny you boarding, even with a valid visa
International travel requires a pristine passport. Airlines and immigration officials are getting stricter. Even slight damage can cause problems. Frayed corners or water stains raise authenticity concerns. Airlines from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah are responsible. Countries like UAE, Indonesia, and US apply strict checks. Renewal is advised at the first sign of wear.
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.
Colleges face financial struggles as Trump policies send international enrolment plummeting
American colleges face financial strain due to a drop in international student enrollment. Visa issues and policy changes are causing this decline. University of Central Missouri is among those affected, impacting their budget. Many institutions rely on international students' tuition. Smaller colleges are particularly vulnerable. Lee University in Tennessee is also experiencing a significant revenue drop.
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.
US revokes Palestinian officials' visas ahead of UN meeting, State Dept says
The U.S. State Department is denying and revoking visas for members of the PLO and Palestinian Authority, citing non-compliance with commitments and undermining peace prospects, ahead of the UN General Assembly meeting. This action follows previous sanctions, even as Western allies consider recognizing Palestinian statehood. The U.S.
US colleges need the Chinese, and Indians
Donald Trump's shift on Chinese students highlights the US higher education system's reliance on foreign enrollment, particularly from India and China. Restrictions could backfire, boosting Asian competitors and harming US companies benefiting from foreign talent. Addressing excess capacity requires focus on basic education and nuanced immigration policies, avoiding blunt measures that stifle innovation and economic growth.
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.
New US rule bars student visa holders from changing courses in first year
The US Department of Homeland Security proposes new restrictions on F-1 student visas, limiting program changes and prohibiting enrollment in programs at the same or lower levels after completion. A fixed stay period of up to four years would be implemented, requiring extensions and increasing the risk of overstaying.
US to limit visa duration for international students, media professionals & cultural exchange visitors
The Trump administration proposed new rules to limit the duration of visas for international students, cultural exchange visitors, and journalists. F visas for students and J visas for exchange workers would be capped at four years, while I visas for journalists would be limited to 240 days, or 90 days for Chinese nationals.
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.
Trump administration weighs sanctions on officials implementing EU tech law, sources say
Such a move would be an unprecedented action that would escalate the Trump administration's fight against what it sees as Europe's attempt to suppress conservative voices. Senior State Department officials have yet to make a final decision on whether to go ahead with the punitive measures that would likely come in the form of visa restrictions, the sources said.
This is the world's most relaxing city to visit in 2025. And it's not in Europe or Asia
San Diego has been named the world’s most relaxing city, scoring 68.7/100 in a global study by Holafly. The ranking, based on factors like air quality, sunshine hours, wellness centres, traffic, and happiness, highlights destinations ideal for rest and wellbeing. Joining San Diego in the top five are Singapore, Vienna, Sydney, and Melbourne—cities that blend nature, wellness, and urban calm.
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