US VISITOR VISA APPLICATION
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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 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.
Oman’s 10-year Golden Visa: Who is eligible and how much does it cost
Oman launched a golden residency program on August 31, offering long-term visas to attract foreign investors and skilled professionals as part of its Vision 2040 reforms. The program features two tiers with varying investment requirements for 10-year and 5-year residencies. This initiative aims to boost investor confidence, increase capital inflows, and diversify Oman's economy.
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.
Want to change jobs on UAE Golden Visa? Here’s what happens to your residency
UAE Golden Visa holders can switch jobs without affecting their residency, provided they secure a new work permit. This self-sponsored residency, designed for investors and skilled professionals, requires the new employer to apply for the permit through MoHRE. The process ensures uninterrupted residency and benefits both employees and employers by streamlining onboarding and promoting career mobility.
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
New Zealand updates police clearance certificate requirements for Indian visa applicants
Effective December 1, 2025, Immigration New Zealand will only accept police clearance certificates from Indian visa applicants residing in India if they are issued by a Regional Passport Office. This change is due to inconsistencies and verification difficulties with previously accepted certificates from local police stations. Applicants are advised to plan ahead to meet the new requirement.
A downturn in international travel to the US may last beyond summer, experts warn
International tourism to the United States faced a decline. Buffalo, New York, experienced a drop in Canadian visitors. Experts attribute this to policies and rhetoric. Forecasts suggest a continued decrease in foreign visitor spending. Some events were postponed due to concerns about America's image. While some regions saw domestic tourism growth, the absence of international visitors was noticeable.
Planning to start a business in the UK? This visa could be your gateway
The UK's Innovator Founder visa offers entrepreneurs a route to establish innovative businesses with global potential. Applicants need endorsements, demonstrating their idea's originality, viability, and scalability. The visa allows a three-year stay, extendable with progress checks, and leads to permanent residency. It requires English proficiency, involves fees, and grants flexibility in business activities, excluding public funds and professional sports.
Columbia University admits record number of freshmen amid Trump visa threats
Columbia University's freshman class of 2029 has surged by 20% to 1,806 students, despite concerns about campus turmoil and Trump administration policies. Increased admissions and waitlist acceptances offset potential enrollment declines. Acting President Claire Shipman cited a strong applicant pool, while the university expands resources to accommodate the larger class.
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.
New $250 'visa integrity fee' risks deepening US tourism
The United States is set to introduce a $250 visa integrity fee in October 2025, potentially deterring overseas travelers. This increase, bringing the total visa cost to $442, coincides with a decline in inbound travel and projected drop in international visitor spending. Analysts suggest the fee, coupled with existing policies, may negatively impact the US's appeal despite upcoming global events.
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.
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.
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.
Trump administration is reviewing all 55 million foreigners with US visas for any violations
The Trump administration scrutinized over 55 million valid US visas. This review aimed to identify violations leading to deportation. Continuous vetting was in place for all visa holders. The US stopped issuing worker visas for commercial truck drivers. The administration increased restrictions on visa applicants. They revoked more visas compared to last year.
Planning a business trip to New Zealand? Here’s the visa you need
New Zealand's Business Visitor Visa facilitates short-term business visits for professionals, allowing stays up to three months for meetings, conferences, and negotiations. The visa costs NZ $341, with quick processing times, and requires applicants to demonstrate good health, character, and sufficient funds. It also permits limited study and family inclusion, offering a streamlined pathway for international business engagement.
US $250 visa fee may cost economy $29 bn in lost tourism spend
A newly approved $250 visa integrity fee is causing friction between Congress and the US tourism industry. While Congress anticipates significant revenue, industry officials fear it will deter international visitors, particularly from key markets like India and Brazil. Concerns are amplified by refund complexities and cuts to Brand USA's funding, potentially leading to a decline in US international tourism spending.
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