The Trump administration has put visa appointments on hold at US embassies and consulates around the world, as President Donald Trump pushes ahead with a sweeping immigration crackdown in his second term. The US State Department said Tuesday (Aug 25) that it had begun a global training programme for consular officers. Visa appointments will be adjusted to make room for the training, a department spokesperson said, without providing details on how long the changes would last.The training is aimed at helping officers identify applicants who could become dependent on US public benefits and ensure visa cases are reviewed “comprehensively and consistently”, according to the State Department.The move has already affected people with interviews scheduled at US diplomatic missions. The Financial Times, which first reported the development, said immigrant visa applicants had received emails informing them that their appointments were being rescheduled. New dates would be provided later.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-tightens-green-card-scrutiny-indians-in-backlog-face-new-public-charge-test-1787207437983">US tightens green card scrutiny: Indians in backlog face new ‘public charge’ test</a>The latest move comes amid an intensified immigration campaign by Trump, who has made tighter border and immigration controls a central priority of his presidency. His administration has revoked visas and green cards and rejected applications on various grounds, including political views and participation in pro-Palestinian demonstrations against Israel’s war in Gaza. Trump has argued that the measures are necessary to protect US national security.But the crackdown has also run into legal opposition. A US judge on Friday struck down an administration policy that had suspended immigrant visa issuance for applicants from 75 countries. The court ruled that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had exceeded his statutory authority.Human rights organisations have condemned the wider immigration campaign, accusing the administration of discriminatory enforcement and violations of free speech and due process. They have also warned of increased racial profiling targeting ethnic minorities.Trump campaigned in 2024 on stopping illegal immigration. However, his administration’s policies have also tightened the legal immigration system, including through new and expensive fees for some work visa applicants.For applicants awaiting US visas, the latest changes mean more uncertainty over when their immigration plans can move forward.

The US has paused visa appointments worldwide as the Trump administration launches consular training amid a broader immigration crackdown, leaving applicants facing delays and uncertainty.

The Trump administration has put visa appointments on hold at US embassies and consulates around the world, as President Donald Trump pushes ahead with a sweeping immigration crackdown in his second term. The US State Department said Tuesday (Aug 25) that it had begun a global training programme for consular officers. Visa appointments will be adjusted to make room for the training, a department spokesperson said, without providing details on how long the changes would last. The training is aimed at helping officers identify applicants who could become dependent on US public benefits and ensure visa cases are reviewed “comprehensively and consistently”, according to the State Department. The move has already affected people with interviews scheduled at US diplomatic missions. The Financial Times, which first reported the development, said immigrant visa applicants had received emails informing them that their appointments were being rescheduled. New dates would be provided later. Also read | US tightens green card scrutiny: Indians in backlog face new ‘public charge’ test The latest move comes amid an intensified immigration campaign by Trump, who has made tighter border and immigration controls a central priority of his presidency. His administration has revoked visas and green cards and rejected applications on various grounds, including political views and participation in pro-Palestinian demonstrations against Israel’s war in Gaza. Trump has argued that the measures are necessary to protect US national security. But the crackdown has also run into legal opposition. A US judge on Friday struck down an administration policy that had suspended immigrant visa issuance for applicants from 75 countries. The court ruled that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had exceeded his statutory authority. Human rights organisations have condemned the wider immigration campaign, accusing the administration of discriminatory enforcement and violations of free speech and due process. They have also warned of increased racial profiling targeting ethnic minorities. Trump campaigned in 2024 on stopping illegal immigration. However, his administration’s policies have also tightened the legal immigration system, including through new and expensive fees for some work visa applicants. For applicants awaiting US visas, the latest changes mean more uncertainty over when their immigration plans can move forward.

The US has paused visa appointments worldwide as the Trump administration launches consular training amid a broader immigration crackdown, leaving applicants facing delays and uncertainty.

US visa delays worldwide? Trump administration pauses appointments amid immigration crackdown

The Trump administration is getting ready to revoke business and tourism visas of up to 200,000 foreigners who have applied for asylum or are currently seeking asylum status in the US. If the plan is implemented, it would be the largest single mass revocation of visas in US history.&nbsp;In the coming weeks, the State Department may announce the revocation of so-called B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 whose holders have sought asylum or are now seeking asylum. The action will be taken in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security.&nbsp;&nbsp;The revocations would not necessarily result in immediate deportation, said officials. B1 visas are generally issued for business trips, and B2 visas for tourism, family visits, or medical care.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Set to revoke up to TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND visas 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/K0mnxpXvla">pic.twitter.com/K0mnxpXvla</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://x.com/WhiteHouse/status/2092243458555568209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;“We are coordinating with DHS to identify and revoke the nonimmigrant visas of foreigners who have come to the United States claiming to be short-term visitors but then file for asylum to stay here permanently,” said State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-aircraft-lands-in-moscow-mystery-theories-swirl-as-kremlin-claims-it-has-no-idea-1787665191079">CIA Director John Ratcliffe on secret trip to Russia amid rumours over US military aircraft mystery landing in Moscow</a>&nbsp;Most foreigners with asylum cases currently pending would be recategorised but would lose their status as business or tourism travellers.&nbsp;<h2>Increased vetting, strict entry rules to restrict asylum seekers</h2>&nbsp;Since President Donald Trump took office in his second term, his administration ramped up restrictions on visa applicants from information about their social media activity, requiring the posting of expensive bonds for the processing of visas, and outright banning the issuance of visas to citizens of certain countries.&nbsp;Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau called out people who he said try to use tourist and business visas to get into the US and then apply for asylum.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-tried-to-assassinate-one-of-my-sons-says-benjamin-netanyahu-justifies-security-cover-1787600874336">‘Iran tried to assassinate one of my sons,’ says Benjamin Netanyahu, justifies security cover</a>&nbsp;“People in the US and all over the world are fed up with bogus asylum claims,” Landau wrote on X on Monday. “Asylum isn’t supposed to be a loophole to circumvent immigration law.”He cited the case of a Colombian citizen who came to the US in 2015 on a tourist visa and then applied for asylum.&nbsp;Current applicants for B1 and B2 visas are asked to affirm that they will not apply for asylum in the US and prove that they intend to return to their home countries.&nbsp;<h2>About 175,000 visas revoked in past 18 months</h2>&nbsp;In the past 18 months, the State Department has revoked about 175,000 visas for people who have been convicted or accused of crimes ranging from drunken driving to rape and robbery, as well as for people who have spoken out publicly against US policies, particularly in the Middle East.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-admin-proposes-hiking-h-1b-visa-fee-to-over-100-000-indians-brace-for-impact-1787587379674">Trump admin proposes hiking H-1B visa fee to over $100,000, Indians brace for impact</a>&nbsp;The administration has also moved to crack down on so-called birth tourism, a practice it claims foreign pregnant women use to come to the US to give birth so that their child benefits from birthright citizenship. Trump has tried to end birthright citizenship, but the challenges have been rejected by courts, including the Supreme Court.&nbsp;The screening of current B1 and B2 visa holders began after the State Department received information about asylum requests from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The State Department may soon announce the revocation of so-called B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 whose holders have sought asylum or are now seeking asylum. The revocations would not necessarily result in immediate deportation, said officials.

The Trump administration is getting ready to revoke business and tourism visas of up to 200,000 foreigners who have applied for asylum or are currently seeking asylum status in the US. If the plan is implemented, it would be the largest single mass revocation of visas in US history. In the coming weeks, the State Department may announce the revocation of so-called B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 whose holders have sought asylum or are now seeking asylum. The action will be taken in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security. The revocations would not necessarily result in immediate deportation, said officials. B1 visas are generally issued for business trips, and B2 visas for tourism, family visits, or medical care.

The State Department may soon announce the revocation of so-called B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 whose holders have sought asylum or are now seeking asylum. The revocations would not necessarily result in immediate deportation, said officials.

US to revoke up to 200,000 visas in largest such exercise against asylum seekers

The US has made its pilot visa bond programme a permanent feature, applicable to those applying for certain temporary visitor visas. The rule, affecting 50 countries, comes into effect on Monday (Aug 3). The bulk of the policy affects the African continent. There are three South Asian nations in the list published by the US Department of State in the Federal Register. The bond amount could be between $10,000 or $20,000, and is refundable under some conditions. Here is what you should know.<h2>Which South Asian countries will be affected by US visa bond programme?</h2>Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal are the South Asian nations included in a list of 50 countries whose citizens applying for B1/B2 business and tourist visas may be required to post a refundable financial bond of up to $20,000 before being issued a US visa.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-us-business-ties-get-visa-boost-rubio-pushes-new-visa-scheduling-system-1779593469758/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-us-business-ties-get-visa-boost-rubio-pushes-new-visa-scheduling-system-1779593469758/embed</a><h2>Are all visitor visa applicants supposed to pay bond fee?</h2>The permanent visa bond programme has been published by the US Department of State through the Federal Register under the final rule titled "Visas: Visa Bond Program." The complete list of countries has been published on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website.The State Department clarified that not every applicant from these countries will be required to pay a bond. Consular officers will determine whether a bond is necessary and, if so, set the amount at either $10,000 or $20,000.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/are-you-an-indian-on-an-h-1b-visa-new-us-bill-could-make-getting-green-card-easier-1785353532862">Are you an Indian on an H-1B visa? New US bill could make getting Green Card easier</a><h2>Africa accounts for the largest share of visa bond programme</h2>Africa is by far the most affected continent under the permanent visa bond programme, with 30 countries included.The affected African nations are: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Côte d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Seychelles, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-caps-foreign-students-stay-at-4-years-under-new-visa-rule-over-3-31l-indian-students-could-be-affected-1784219003143">US caps foreign students' stay at 4 years under new visa rule; Over 3.31L Indian students could be affected</a><h2>Other countries covered by the programme</h2>The broader Asia and Eurasia list also includes Cambodia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Outside Asia and Africa, the programme covers some countries across the Pacific, the Caribbean and the Americas.In Oceania and the Pacific, the affected countries are Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. In the Americas and the Caribbean, the list includes Antigua and Barbuda, Cuba, Dominica, Nicaragua and Venezuela.<h2>How the US visa bond programme works</h2>Under the permanent visa bond programme, US consular officers have sole discretion to decide whether an applicant must post a financial bond. A previous pilot programme had set the minimum bond amount at $5,000. That has now been replaced with two possible tiers: $10,000 or $20,000.The bond is intended as a financial guarantee that the traveller will comply with the conditions of their temporary stay in the US. It is not a visa fee and should not be confused with one.<h2>When will the US visa bond money be refunded?</h2>The bond is automatically refunded if the traveller leaves the US within the authorised period of stay as per the visa. Those whose visa applications are ultimately denied are also entitled to a full refund of the deposited amount. Because the bond is refundable, it is not intended to generate revenue for the US government. The deposit is more of a compliance mechanism to encourage visitors to abide by the terms of their visas.<h2>When can visa bond be forfeited?</h2>The bond will be forfeited if travellers violate the terms of their stay. This includes overstaying their authorised period, working in the US without authorisation, or applying to change their non-immigrant status—such as filing for asylum—while in the country.Travellers covered by the visa bond programme must enter and leave the US only through commercial airports equipped with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facilities. Entry or exit through land border crossings or sea ports is not permitted under the scheme.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The US has made its visa bond programme permanent from August 3, covering 50 countries, including three in South Asia. Here are the details

The US has made its pilot visa bond programme a permanent feature, applicable to those applying for certain temporary visitor visas. The rule, affecting 50 countries, comes into effect on Monday (Aug 3). The bulk of the policy affects the African continent. There are three South Asian nations in the list published by the US Department of State in the Federal Register. The bond amount could be between $10,000 or $20,000, and is refundable under some conditions. Here is what you should know. Which South Asian countries will be affected by US visa bond programme? Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal are the South Asian nations included in a list of 50 countries whose citizens applying for B1/B2 business and tourist visas may be required to post a refundable financial bond of up to $20,000 before being issued a US visa. https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-us-business-ties-get-visa-boost-rubio-pushes-new-visa-scheduling-system-1779593469758/embed Are all visitor visa applicants supposed to pay bond fee? The permanent visa bond programme has been published by the US Department of State through the Federal Register under the final rule titled "Visas: Visa Bond Program." The complete list of countries has been published on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website. The State Department clarified that not every applicant from these countries will be required to pay a bond. Consular officers will determine whether a bond is necessary and, if so, set the amount at either $10,000 or $20,000. Also read: Are you an Indian on an H-1B visa? New US bill could make getting Green Card easier Africa accounts for the largest share of visa bond programme Africa is by far the most affected continent under the permanent visa bond programme, with 30 countries included. The affected African nations are: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Côte d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Seychelles, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Also read: US caps foreign students' stay at 4 years under new visa rule; Over 3.31L Indian students could be affected Other countries covered by the programme The broader Asia and Eurasia list also includes Cambodia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Outside Asia and Africa, the programme covers some countries across the Pacific, the Caribbean and the Americas. In Oceania and the Pacific, the affected countries are Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. In the Americas and the Caribbean, the list includes Antigua and Barbuda, Cuba, Dominica, Nicaragua and Venezuela. How the US visa bond programme works Under the permanent visa bond programme, US consular officers have sole discretion to decide whether an applicant must post a financial bond. A previous pilot programme had set the minimum bond amount at $5,000. That has now been replaced with two possible tiers: $10,000 or $20,000. The bond is intended as a financial guarantee that the traveller will comply with the conditions of their temporary stay in the US. It is not a visa fee and should not be confused with one. When will the US visa bond money be refunded? The bond is automatically refunded if the traveller leaves the US within the authorised period of stay as per the visa. Those whose visa applications are ultimately denied are also entitled to a full refund of the deposited amount. Because the bond is refundable, it is not intended to generate revenue for the US government. The deposit is more of a compliance mechanism to encourage visitors to abide by the terms of their visas. When can visa bond be forfeited? The bond will be forfeited if travellers violate the terms of their stay. This includes overstaying their authorised period, working in the US without authorisation, or applying to change their non-immigrant status—such as filing for asylum—while in the country. Travellers covered by the visa bond programme must enter and leave the US only through commercial airports equipped with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facilities. Entry or exit through land border crossings or sea ports is not permitted under the scheme.

The US has made its visa bond programme permanent from August 3, covering 50 countries, including three in South Asia. Here are the details

Three South Asian nations are in the US visa bond programme, which has become permanent. Is your country among them?

The US State Department on Monday (Jan 12) announced that it has revoked more than 100,000 visas since President Donald Trump took office last year, setting a new record as his administration continues its crackdown against immigration. An unprecedented number of migrants, including some who held valid visas, have been deported by the Trump administration, which has adopted a stricter policy for granting visas with tightened social media vetting and expanded screening.“The State Department has now revoked over 100,000 visas, including some 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialised visas for individuals who had encounters with U.S. law enforcement for criminal activity,” the State Department said in a post on X, while posting a picture of Trump. “We will continue to deport these thugs to keep America safe.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨BREAKING: The State Department has now revoked over 100,000 visas, including some 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialized visas for individuals who had encounters with U.S. law enforcement for criminal activity. We will continue to deport these thugs to keep America safe. <a href="https://t.co/wuHVltw1bV">pic.twitter.com/wuHVltw1bV</a>&mdash; Department of State (@StateDept) <a href="https://twitter.com/StateDept/status/2010740549469557010?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

State Department deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott said that the four leading causes for the revocations were overstays, driving under the influence, assault and theft. He added that the revocations marked a 150 per cent increase from 2024.Pigott added that the State Department has also launched a Continuous Vetting Center focused on ensuring “all foreign nationals on American soil comply with our laws — and that the visas of those who pose a threat to American citizens are swiftly revoked.”The State Department said earlier in November that it had revoked around 80,000 non-immigrant visas for offences ranging from drunk driving to assault and theft since Trump took office on January 20 last year.In December, the US authorities also started enhanced screening of H-1B and dependent H-4 visa applicants, including vetting social media profiles. Since then, several H-1B visa interviews have been postponed across India, leaving applicants who travelled for a visa stamping stranded for months.Trump administration officials have said that student visa holders and legal permanent residents with “green cards” could also be deported if they show support for Palestinians and criticised Israel’s conduct in the Gaza war, calling their actions a threat to US foreign policy and accusing them of being pro-Hamas.

The US State Department says over 100,000 visas have been revoked since Donald Trump took office, including student and specialised visas, as his administration tightens immigration rules and ramps up deportations to crack down on crime.

The US State Department on Monday (Jan 12) announced that it has revoked more than 100,000 visas since President Donald Trump took office last year, setting a new record as his administration continues its crackdown against immigration. An unprecedented number of migrants, including some who held valid visas, have been deported by the Trump administration, which has adopted a stricter policy for granting visas with tightened social media vetting and expanded screening. “The State Department has now revoked over 100,000 visas, including some 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialised visas for individuals who had encounters with U.S. law enforcement for criminal activity,” the State Department said in a post on X, while posting a picture of Trump. “We will continue to deport these thugs to keep America safe.”

The US State Department says over 100,000 visas have been revoked since Donald Trump took office, including student and specialised visas, as his administration tightens immigration rules and ramps up deportations to crack down on crime.

‘Will continue to deport these thugs’: Over 100,000 US visas revoked since Trump took office

The Trump administration has expanded a policy requiring visa applicants from certain countries to post security bonds of up to $15,000 to enter the United States, adding seven more nations, five of them in Africa, to the list. With this development, a total of 13 countries, most of them African, are now subject to the requirement, making US visas prohibitively expensive for many applicants.&nbsp;Last week, the State Department silently included Turkmenistan, Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Namibia to the list. Those designations come into effect on Jan. 1, as per the notice posted on the travel.state.gov website.&nbsp;The step is part of a broader tightening of US entry rules under the Trump administration, which also includes mandatory in-person visa interviews for applicants from all countries, disclosure of social media histories spanning several years, and detailed information on applicants’ and their families’ past travel and residence.<h3>The bond requirement helps deter visa overstays</h3>US officials argue that the bond requirement, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, helps deter visa overstays by citizens from the targeted countries. However, a bond's payment does not guarantee that a visa will be given, but the amount will be returned if the visa is refused or when a visa holder shows they have complied with the terms of the visa.&nbsp;The newly added nations have been grouped with Mauritania, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, Gambia, Malawi and Zambia, all of which were included in the list in August and October last year.

Last week, the State Department silently included Turkmenistan, Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Namibia to the list. Those designations take effect on January 1, as per the notice posted on the travel.state.gov website.

The Trump administration has expanded a policy requiring visa applicants from certain countries to post security bonds of up to $15,000 to enter the United States, adding seven more nations, five of them in Africa, to the list. With this development, a total of 13 countries, most of them African, are now subject to the requirement, making US visas prohibitively expensive for many applicants. Last week, the State Department silently included Turkmenistan, Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Namibia to the list. Those designations come into effect on Jan. 1, as per the notice posted on the travel.state.gov website. The step is part of a broader tightening of US entry rules under the Trump administration, which also includes mandatory in-person visa interviews for applicants from all countries, disclosure of social media histories spanning several years, and detailed information on applicants’ and their families’ past travel and residence. The bond requirement helps deter visa overstays US officials argue that the bond requirement, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, helps deter visa overstays by citizens from the targeted countries. However, a bond's payment does not guarantee that a visa will be given, but the amount will be returned if the visa is refused or when a visa holder shows they have complied with the terms of the visa. The newly added nations have been grouped with Mauritania, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, Gambia, Malawi and Zambia, all of which were included in the list in August and October last year.

Last week, the State Department silently included Turkmenistan, Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Namibia to the list. Those designations take effect on January 1, as per the notice posted on the travel.state.gov website.

US expands $15,000 visa bond rule to 7 more countries, list now stands at 13: Here's what it means

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that new EB-5 visas are once again available from October 1, after the annual quota was exhausted by September 30. Introduced in 1990, the EB-5 programme allows foreign investors to obtain permanent residency in exchange for investment and job creation in the US.<h3>What are eligibility for EB-5 visas?</h3>• Invest at least a minimum of $1.05 million in a new commercial venture, or $800,000 in targeted areas• Generate or maintain at least 10 full-time jobs for American workers within two years&nbsp;Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, the EB-5 visa allocation is capped annually at 7.1 per cent of all employment-based visas.<h3>What is the new $250 ‘visa integrity fee’ for US visitors?</h3>Under the Trump administration’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’, all travellers requiring a non-immigrant visa to enter the US will now be subjected to a mandatory “visa integrity fee” of at least $250.&nbsp;The charge, which cannot be waived, applies to categories including tourists, business visitors, and students. However, it excludes nationals from countries under the Visa Waiver Program, such as Japan, Australia, and many in Europe.&nbsp;The law allows the Secretary of Homeland Security to set a higher amount, and the fee will be adjusted for inflation each year. Visitors may be eligible for reimbursement, though details remain limited.<h3>EU to phase in its entry/exit system from October 12</h3>Meanwhile, from October 12, 2025, the European Union is set to phase in its Entry/Exit System (EES). All the non-EU travellers, whether visa-exempt or visa-required, will be required to register their facial images and fingerprints while crossing external borders. The new system replaces manual passport stamps and stores data, which includes names, travel document details, and dates of entry or exit.&nbsp;Authorities stated that the EES will, improve border security, detect overstays and speed up checks using self-service kiosks and automated gates. First-time entrants after launch will provide biometric data; returning visitors will only be verified. Full implementation across all EU border points is expected by April 2026.

 The EB-5 programme was introduced in 1990, which allows foreign investors to obtain permanent residency in exchange for investment and job creation in the US. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, the EB-5 visa allocation is capped annually at 7.1% of all employment-based visas.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that new EB-5 visas are once again available from October 1, after the annual quota was exhausted by September 30. Introduced in 1990, the EB-5 programme allows foreign investors to obtain permanent residency in exchange for investment and job creation in the US. What are eligibility for EB-5 visas? • Invest at least a minimum of $1.05 million in a new commercial venture, or $800,000 in targeted areas • Generate or maintain at least 10 full-time jobs for American workers within two years Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, the EB-5 visa allocation is capped annually at 7.1 per cent of all employment-based visas. What is the new $250 ‘visa integrity fee’ for US visitors? Under the Trump administration’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’, all travellers requiring a non-immigrant visa to enter the US will now be subjected to a mandatory “visa integrity fee” of at least $250. The charge, which cannot be waived, applies to categories including tourists, business visitors, and students. However, it excludes nationals from countries under the Visa Waiver Program, such as Japan, Australia, and many in Europe. The law allows the Secretary of Homeland Security to set a higher amount, and the fee will be adjusted for inflation each year. Visitors may be eligible for reimbursement, though details remain limited. EU to phase in its entry/exit system from October 12 Meanwhile, from October 12, 2025, the European Union is set to phase in its Entry/Exit System (EES). All the non-EU travellers, whether visa-exempt or visa-required, will be required to register their facial images and fingerprints while crossing external borders. The new system replaces manual passport stamps and stores data, which includes names, travel document details, and dates of entry or exit. Authorities stated that the EES will, improve border security, detect overstays and speed up checks using self-service kiosks and automated gates. First-time entrants after launch will provide biometric data; returning visitors will only be verified. Full implementation across all EU border points is expected by April 2026.

&nbsp;The EB-5 programme was introduced in 1990, which allows foreign investors to obtain permanent residency in exchange for investment and job creation in the US. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, the EB-5 visa allocation is capped annually at 7.1% of all employment-based visas.

Travelling to USA? New visa fee kicks in from October 2025 — Check all eligibility and fees

After US President Donald Trump announced a major overhaul in the country’s immigration policy, imposing a fee of $100,000 on H-1B visas, a series of contradictory statements made by his former ally, Elon Musk, has resurfaced on social media. The Tesla CEO’s flip-flop on the issue from defending the H-1B visa system to calling it a “broken” programme that needs “major reform” has drawn attention on the internet.Last year in December, before Trump was elected as the president, the billionaire said that the H-1B system needs to be overhauled. “No question that the H1B system needs to be overhauled,” Musk said in a post on X on December 28.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">No question that the H1B system needs to be overhauled&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1872838997472661861?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

However, hours later, he said that H-1B system a role in the success of his companies, Tesla and SpaceX. Musk, who immigrated from South Africa, added that he is able to reside in the US because of the H-1B visa programme.“The reason I’m in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla and hundreds of other companies that made America strong is because of H1B,” he said. “Take a big step back and F**K YOURSELF in the face. I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The reason I’m in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla and hundreds of other companies that made America strong is because of H1B. Take a big step back and FUCK YOURSELF in the face. I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot…&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1872860577057448306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A day later, he again changed his opinion on the matter and called the programme “broken” while seeking “major reform”. He suggested increasing the minimum salary and imposing an annual fee for maintenance.“Easily fixed by raising the minimum salary significantly and adding a yearly cost for maintaining the H1B, making it materially more expensive to hire from overseas than domestically. I’ve been very clear that the program is broken and needs major reform,” he wrote on X.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Easily fixed by raising the minimum salary significantly and adding a yearly cost for maintaining the H1B, making it materially more expensive to hire from overseas than domestically. I’ve been very clear that the program is broken and needs major reform.&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1873191959441084531?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

On Friday (Sep 21), Trump announced raising the annual fee for H-1B visas to $100,000 for high-skilled foreign workers. The move is likely to impact Indian professionals who account for about three-quarters of the total visa holders and work in the US tech sector.The H-1B visas allow companies to sponsor workers from abroad with specialised skills, including scientists, engineers, and computer programmers, to work in the United States. The visa permits workers to be in the US for three years initially, although it can be extended to six.

Last year in December, before Trump was elected as the president, the billionaire said that the H-1B system needs to be overhauled. However, hours later, he said that H-1B system a role in the success of his companies, Tesla and SpaceX.

After US President Donald Trump announced a major overhaul in the country’s immigration policy, imposing a fee of $100,000 on H-1B visas, a series of contradictory statements made by his former ally, Elon Musk, has resurfaced on social media. The Tesla CEO’s flip-flop on the issue from defending the H-1B visa system to calling it a “broken” programme that needs “major reform” has drawn attention on the internet. Last year in December, before Trump was elected as the president, the billionaire said that the H-1B system needs to be overhauled. “No question that the H1B system needs to be overhauled,” Musk said in a post on X on December 28.

Last year in December, before Trump was elected as the president, the billionaire said that the H-1B system needs to be overhauled. However, hours later, he said that H-1B system a role in the success of his companies, Tesla and SpaceX.

From ‘America strong because of H1B’ to ‘broken program’: Musk’s flip-flop on US visas resurfaces

The United States has tightened visa rules, ending the option for quick appointments abroad for Indian travellers. The move signals stricter immigration enforcement under the current administration. Now, individuals applying for US non-immigrant visas (NIV) must schedule their interview appointments in their country of citizenship or legal residence, except for some locations where the US is not currently offering regular NIV services. The new regulation implies that Indians who need to travel to the US on short notice will no longer be able to book a quick B1 (business)/B2 (tourist) appointment date abroad—something they used to do during Covid-19 when the waiting time back home was as high as three years due to a massive backlog of applications—if a similar situation emerges here again.&nbsp;Non-immigrant visas include the ones issued for tourism, business, to students, temporary workers, and those engaged to marry US citizens. This is the latest change in visa rules by the Trump administration.&nbsp;“Effective immediately, the Department of State has updated instructions for non-immigrant visa applicants... (they) should schedule visa interview appointments at the US embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or residence,” said the US State Department on Saturday.&nbsp;As of now, the wait time for B1/B2 interview in India is three and a half months in Hyderabad and Mumbai; four and a half months in Delhi; five months in Kolkata; and nine months in Chennai, as per the US State Department.&nbsp;WATCH: Festive Demand Surges in India | Urban Consumers Take Center Stage<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/festive-demand-surges-in-india-urban-consumers-take-center-stage-1757335812820/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/festive-demand-surges-in-india-urban-consumers-take-center-stage-1757335812820/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>Indians even travelled to Germany for early B1/B2 interviews</h2>&nbsp;Top travel agents recalled that after travel resumed post-COVID-19 in 2021, Indians used to travel to nearby countries and at times even distant ones like Germany for B1/B2 interviews. Around two years ago, the US consulate in Frankfurt had reserved non-immigrant visa (NIV) interview slots specifically for Indian applicants, as the wait time for B1/B2 visa interviews in India at the time was 15 to 20 months.&nbsp;“Indians travelled to Bangkok, Singapore, and even Frankfurt for B1/B2 interviews. They would stay there for a week to 10 days, get their passport back from the US consulates there and return to India. We have seen H-1B applicants go to places such as Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) as well as Chiang Mai (Thailand)," said a travel agent who did not wish to be named.&nbsp;Now, the NIV interview location rule has been changed with immediate effect. The exception is for “nationals of countries where the US government is not conducting routine NIV operations must apply at the designated embassy or consulate, unless their residence is elsewhere”, said the State Department. For example, the designated interview locations for Russia are Astana and Warsaw, Islamabad for Afghanistan, and Dubai for Iran.&nbsp;President Donald Trump has been tightening visa rules in his second term in the White House.&nbsp;From last Tuesday (Sept 2), all non-immigrant visa applicants, including applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 79, “will generally require an in-person interview with a consular officer,” barring a few exceptions, the US State Department shared in a July 25 update.&nbsp;This exception includes “applicants renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa... within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration and who were at least 18 years old at the time of the prior visa’s issuance.”

When travel resumed post-COVID-19 in 2021, Indians used to travel to nearby countries and at times even distant ones like Germany for B1/B2 interviews since the waiting time back home was as high as three years due to a massive backlog of applications.

The United States has tightened visa rules, ending the option for quick appointments abroad for Indian travellers. The move signals stricter immigration enforcement under the current administration. Now, individuals applying for US non-immigrant visas (NIV) must schedule their interview appointments in their country of citizenship or legal residence, except for some locations where the US is not currently offering regular NIV services. The new regulation implies that Indians who need to travel to the US on short notice will no longer be able to book a quick B1 (business)/B2 (tourist) appointment date abroad—something they used to do during Covid-19 when the waiting time back home was as high as three years due to a massive backlog of applications—if a similar situation emerges here again. Non-immigrant visas include the ones issued for tourism, business, to students, temporary workers, and those engaged to marry US citizens. This is the latest change in visa rules by the Trump administration. “Effective immediately, the Department of State has updated instructions for non-immigrant visa applicants... (they) should schedule visa interview appointments at the US embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or residence,” said the US State Department on Saturday. As of now, the wait time for B1/B2 interview in India is three and a half months in Hyderabad and Mumbai; four and a half months in Delhi; five months in Kolkata; and nine months in Chennai, as per the US State Department. WATCH: Festive Demand Surges in India | Urban Consumers Take Center Stage https://www.wionews.com/videos/festive-demand-surges-in-india-urban-consumers-take-center-stage-1757335812820/embed Indians even travelled to Germany for early B1/B2 interviews Top travel agents recalled that after travel resumed post-COVID-19 in 2021, Indians used to travel to nearby countries and at times even distant ones like Germany for B1/B2 interviews. Around two years ago, the US consulate in Frankfurt had reserved non-immigrant visa (NIV) interview slots specifically for Indian applicants, as the wait time for B1/B2 visa interviews in India at the time was 15 to 20 months. “Indians travelled to Bangkok, Singapore, and even Frankfurt for B1/B2 interviews. They would stay there for a week to 10 days, get their passport back from the US consulates there and return to India. We have seen H-1B applicants go to places such as Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) as well as Chiang Mai (Thailand)," said a travel agent who did not wish to be named. Now, the NIV interview location rule has been changed with immediate effect. The exception is for “nationals of countries where the US government is not conducting routine NIV operations must apply at the designated embassy or consulate, unless their residence is elsewhere”, said the State Department. For example, the designated interview locations for Russia are Astana and Warsaw, Islamabad for Afghanistan, and Dubai for Iran. President Donald Trump has been tightening visa rules in his second term in the White House. From last Tuesday (Sept 2), all non-immigrant visa applicants, including applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 79, “will generally require an in-person interview with a consular officer,” barring a few exceptions, the US State Department shared in a July 25 update. This exception includes “applicants renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa... within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration and who were at least 18 years old at the time of the prior visa’s issuance.”

When travel resumed post-COVID-19 in 2021, Indians used to travel to nearby countries and at times even distant ones like Germany for B1/B2 interviews since the waiting time back home was as high as three years due to a massive backlog of applications.

US tightens rules for non-immigrant visas, no more interview appointments abroad

The Trump administration has decided to tighten the duration of visas for students, cultural exchange visitors, and members of the media. A government regulation was proposed on Wednesday (August 27) as &nbsp;part of a broader crackdown on legal immigration. This will likely create more problems for the international students, exchange workers, and foreign journalists who would have to apply to extend their stay in the US rather than maintain a more flexible legal status.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-olha-stefanishyna-the-new-ukrainian-ambassador-to-us-1756324492343">Who is Olha Stefanishyna, the new Ukrainian ambassador to US?</a>&nbsp;If passed, the regulation would &nbsp;create a fixed time period for F visas for international students, J visas that allow visitors on cultural exchange programs to work in the US, and I visas for members of the media.&nbsp;&nbsp;“There were about 1.6 million international students on F visas in the US in 2024, along with roughly 355,000 exchange visitors and 13,000 members of the media,” Reuters reported, citing US government data.&nbsp;The proposal said that &nbsp;student and exchange visas would be capped at four years. For journalists, the limit would be 240 days - or just 90 days for Chinese nationals - with the option to apply for extension.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/are-you-an-indian-with-us-visa-argentina-has-a-gift-for-you-know-here-1756319032608">Are you an Indian with US visa? Argentina has a gift for you. Know here</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, The Argentine government announced on Wednesday (August 27) that it has eased entry into the country for Indian citizens with US visas. Ambassador of Argentina to India, Mariano Caucino, wrote on X, "The resolution published in the Official Gazette allows Indian citizens with tourist visas to enter the United States without needing to apply for an Argentine visa."&nbsp;"This is a wonderful news for both Argentina and India. We're ready to welcome more Indian tourists into our wonderful country," he added.

This will likely create more problems for the international students, exchange workers, and foreign journalists who would have to apply to extend their stay in the US rather than maintain a more flexible legal status.

The Trump administration has decided to tighten the duration of visas for students, cultural exchange visitors, and members of the media. A government regulation was proposed on Wednesday (August 27) as part of a broader crackdown on legal immigration. This will likely create more problems for the international students, exchange workers, and foreign journalists who would have to apply to extend their stay in the US rather than maintain a more flexible legal status. Also read: Who is Olha Stefanishyna, the new Ukrainian ambassador to US? If passed, the regulation would create a fixed time period for F visas for international students, J visas that allow visitors on cultural exchange programs to work in the US, and I visas for members of the media. “There were about 1.6 million international students on F visas in the US in 2024, along with roughly 355,000 exchange visitors and 13,000 members of the media,” Reuters reported, citing US government data. The proposal said that student and exchange visas would be capped at four years. For journalists, the limit would be 240 days - or just 90 days for Chinese nationals - with the option to apply for extension. Also read: Are you an Indian with US visa? Argentina has a gift for you. Know here Meanwhile, The Argentine government announced on Wednesday (August 27) that it has eased entry into the country for Indian citizens with US visas. Ambassador of Argentina to India, Mariano Caucino, wrote on X, "The resolution published in the Official Gazette allows Indian citizens with tourist visas to enter the United States without needing to apply for an Argentine visa." "This is a wonderful news for both Argentina and India. We're ready to welcome more Indian tourists into our wonderful country," he added.

This will likely create more problems for the international students, exchange workers, and foreign journalists who would have to apply to extend their stay in the US rather than maintain a more flexible legal status.

Trump moves to tighten duration of visas for students and media. THESE will be new rules

The United States embassy in India has issued a fresh warning to all American visa holders, making it clear that immigration checks continue even after a visa is granted, and that violations could lead to deportation.<h2>Visa screening continues after approval, says US embassy</h2>In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the embassy said, “U.S. visa screening does not stop after a visa is issued. We continuously check visa holders to ensure they follow all U.S. laws and immigration rules, and we will revoke their visas and deport them if they don’t.”Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-imagine-if-it-was-biden-trump-ridiculed-for-imagining-he-saw-hegseth-live-on-tv-1752332200465">'Imagine. If. It. Was. Biden': Trump ridiculed for 'imagining' he saw Hegseth live on TV</a>The advisory comes as part of the Trump administration’s broader crackdown on illegal immigration and visa fraud. Officials have said repeatedly that even minor violations can result in harsh consequences.<h2>Social media now part of the visa check process</h2>The embassy also reminded applicants that they must now provide a list of all social media usernames they’ve used over the past five years. “Visa applicants are required to list all social media usernames or handles of every platform they have used from the last 5 years on the DS-160 visa application form,” it said. The embassy warned that omitting any of this information may result in a visa denial and could make the applicant ineligible for future visas.<h2>US cracking down on illegal stay and visa fraud</h2>In a post dated 28 June, the embassy said anyone living in the US illegally or committing visa fraud would face serious consequences. “Those who are in the United States illegally or commit visa fraud will be held responsible. If you break U.S. law, you will be punished with significant criminal penalties,” the post said. This follows a string of enforcement actions, including a recent immigration raid in Los Angeles, which targeted undocumented migrants.<h2>‘A privilege, not a right’</h2>The embassy has also stressed that holding a US visa is “a privilege, not a right”, and that authorities retain the power to cancel a visa even after it has been issued, especially if the visa holder breaks US laws.The series of warnings issued in June and July appear aimed at Indian nationals, who make up one of the largest groups of US visa holders worldwide. The embassy has been increasingly active on social media, issuing alerts and reminders to help visa applicants and holders stay informed, and compliant.

The embassy has also stressed that holding a US visa is “a privilege, not a right”, and that authorities retain the power to cancel a visa even after it has been issued, especially if the visa holder breaks US laws.

The United States embassy in India has issued a fresh warning to all American visa holders, making it clear that immigration checks continue even after a visa is granted, and that violations could lead to deportation. Visa screening continues after approval, says US embassy In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the embassy said, “U.S. visa screening does not stop after a visa is issued. We continuously check visa holders to ensure they follow all U.S. laws and immigration rules, and we will revoke their visas and deport them if they don’t.” Also read: 'Imagine. If. It. Was. Biden': Trump ridiculed for 'imagining' he saw Hegseth live on TV The advisory comes as part of the Trump administration’s broader crackdown on illegal immigration and visa fraud. Officials have said repeatedly that even minor violations can result in harsh consequences. Social media now part of the visa check process The embassy also reminded applicants that they must now provide a list of all social media usernames they’ve used over the past five years. “Visa applicants are required to list all social media usernames or handles of every platform they have used from the last 5 years on the DS-160 visa application form,” it said. The embassy warned that omitting any of this information may result in a visa denial and could make the applicant ineligible for future visas. US cracking down on illegal stay and visa fraud In a post dated 28 June, the embassy said anyone living in the US illegally or committing visa fraud would face serious consequences. “Those who are in the United States illegally or commit visa fraud will be held responsible. If you break U.S. law, you will be punished with significant criminal penalties,” the post said. This follows a string of enforcement actions, including a recent immigration raid in Los Angeles, which targeted undocumented migrants. ‘A privilege, not a right’ The embassy has also stressed that holding a US visa is “a privilege, not a right”, and that authorities retain the power to cancel a visa even after it has been issued, especially if the visa holder breaks US laws. The series of warnings issued in June and July appear aimed at Indian nationals, who make up one of the largest groups of US visa holders worldwide. The embassy has been increasingly active on social media, issuing alerts and reminders to help visa applicants and holders stay informed, and compliant.

The embassy has also stressed that holding a US visa is “a privilege, not a right”, and that authorities retain the power to cancel a visa even after it has been issued, especially if the visa holder breaks US laws.

US visa is ‘a privilege, not a right’: US Embassy in India warns screening continues after approval

The United States came up with a new $250 (approximately Rs 40,456) Visa Integrity Fee as part of the sweeping immigration overhaul of President Donald Trump. The development is a part of the initiative, which was signed recently following the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act', enacted on July 4. However, this fee will be refunded if all those visa holders meet specific compliance criteria.The Visa Integrity Fee, which is set to apply from 2026, will be applicable to nearly all non-immigrant visa categories, including tourist and business visas (B-1/B-2), work visas (H-1B), student visas (F and M), and exchange visas (J). Only diplomatic categories (A and G) are exempt, according to a report in the Indian Express.The visa reform is part of the Trump administration’s wider effort to strengthen immigration control and reduce instances of visa overstays."The recently announced "Visa Integrity Fee" will act as a deterrent for new classes of Indian students, travellers etc applying for the US visa since the revised visa processing cost would be 2.5 times more than the existing fees," an ET quoted Keshav Singhania, Head – Private Client, Singhania &amp; Co. as saying.<h3>How much more need to pay?</h3>Starting in 2026, US visa applicants will need to pay a total fee of $472 (approximately Rs 40,456) by nearly 2.5 times, according to US immigration services firm Fragomen, as reported by The Economic Times. This amount includes a newly introduced Integrity Fee of $250, an I-94 fee of $24, and an ESTA fee of $13.The revised charges will apply across several visa categories, including tourist/business (B-1/B-2), student (F/M), work (H-1B), and exchange (J) visas.<h3>How 'US Visa Integrity Fee' be refunded?</h3>Visa holders may request a refund of the Integrity Fee under specific conditions: If they leave the US within five days after their visa expires without seeking an extension or change in immigration status, or if they successfully adjust to permanent residency before their I-94 record (the official US arrival/departure record) expires.Even if eligible, applicants need to provide required documentation, which must include proof of timely departure or approved status adjustment. Without this, the $250 fee will not be refunded, and it will go to the US Treasury’s general fund.Meanwhile, the US State Department is likely to release further guidelines mentioning the refund process that will work in practice. And, the US government reserves the right to modify this fee through future regulatory changes. Beginning in 2026, the Visa Integrity Fee will be updated each year in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI), effectively making it a recurring cost that adjusts with inflation for all applicants.<h3>FAQ</h3>&nbsp;Who Will Be Affected by the US Visa Fee Hike?Tourist, businessperson, workers, and students.Why Is the US Increasing Visa Fees for Indian Citizens?The fee is meant to discourage overstays of the immigrants and ensure good compliance with visa terms.&nbsp;What is the US Visa Integrity Fee? It’s a new $250 fee introduced by the Trump government as part of immigration reforms under the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' in USA.When will the Visa Integrity Fee take effect? The fee will apply starting in 2026.How much will Indian applicants have to pay in total? Around ₹40,456 (or $472), including the $250 Integrity Fee, $24 I-94 fee, and $13 ESTA fee.Which visa categories will this fee apply to? Most non-immigrant visas, including B-1/B-2 (tourist/business), F/M (student), H-1B (work), and J (exchange) visas.Can the Visa Integrity Fee be refunded?** Yes, if the visa holder leaves the US within 5 days of visa expiry without seeking an extension, or if they gain permanent residency before their I-94 expires.What documents are needed to claim a refund? Proof of timely departure or approved status adjustment is required.What happens if I don’t meet the refund conditions? The fee will not be refunded and will go to the US Treasury's general fund.Will this fee amount change in the future? Yes, from 2026 onwards, it will be adjusted yearly based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

The Visa Integrity Fee, which is set to apply from 2026, will be applicable to nearly all non-immigrant visa categories, including tourist and business visas (B-1/B-2), work visas (H-1B), student visas (F and M), and exchange visas (J). Only diplomatic categories (A and G) are exempt.

The United States came up with a new $250 (approximately Rs 40,456) Visa Integrity Fee as part of the sweeping immigration overhaul of President Donald Trump. The development is a part of the initiative, which was signed recently following the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act', enacted on July 4. However, this fee will be refunded if all those visa holders meet specific compliance criteria. The Visa Integrity Fee, which is set to apply from 2026, will be applicable to nearly all non-immigrant visa categories, including tourist and business visas (B-1/B-2), work visas (H-1B), student visas (F and M), and exchange visas (J). Only diplomatic categories (A and G) are exempt, according to a report in the Indian Express. The visa reform is part of the Trump administration’s wider effort to strengthen immigration control and reduce instances of visa overstays. "The recently announced "Visa Integrity Fee" will act as a deterrent for new classes of Indian students, travellers etc applying for the US visa since the revised visa processing cost would be 2.5 times more than the existing fees," an ET quoted Keshav Singhania, Head – Private Client, Singhania & Co. as saying. How much more need to pay? Starting in 2026, US visa applicants will need to pay a total fee of $472 (approximately Rs 40,456) by nearly 2.5 times, according to US immigration services firm Fragomen, as reported by The Economic Times. This amount includes a newly introduced Integrity Fee of $250, an I-94 fee of $24, and an ESTA fee of $13. The revised charges will apply across several visa categories, including tourist/business (B-1/B-2), student (F/M), work (H-1B), and exchange (J) visas. How 'US Visa Integrity Fee' be refunded? Visa holders may request a refund of the Integrity Fee under specific conditions: If they leave the US within five days after their visa expires without seeking an extension or change in immigration status, or if they successfully adjust to permanent residency before their I-94 record (the official US arrival/departure record) expires. Even if eligible, applicants need to provide required documentation, which must include proof of timely departure or approved status adjustment. Without this, the $250 fee will not be refunded, and it will go to the US Treasury’s general fund. Meanwhile, the US State Department is likely to release further guidelines mentioning the refund process that will work in practice. And, the US government reserves the right to modify this fee through future regulatory changes. Beginning in 2026, the Visa Integrity Fee will be updated each year in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI), effectively making it a recurring cost that adjusts with inflation for all applicants. FAQ Who Will Be Affected by the US Visa Fee Hike? Tourist, businessperson, workers, and students. Why Is the US Increasing Visa Fees for Indian Citizens? The fee is meant to discourage overstays of the immigrants and ensure good compliance with visa terms. What is the US Visa Integrity Fee? It’s a new $250 fee introduced by the Trump government as part of immigration reforms under the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' in USA. When will the Visa Integrity Fee take effect? The fee will apply starting in 2026. How much will Indian applicants have to pay in total? Around ₹40,456 (or $472), including the $250 Integrity Fee, $24 I-94 fee, and $13 ESTA fee. Which visa categories will this fee apply to? Most non-immigrant visas, including B-1/B-2 (tourist/business), F/M (student), H-1B (work), and J (exchange) visas. Can the Visa Integrity Fee be refunded?** Yes, if the visa holder leaves the US within 5 days of visa expiry without seeking an extension, or if they gain permanent residency before their I-94 expires. What documents are needed to claim a refund? Proof of timely departure or approved status adjustment is required. What happens if I don’t meet the refund conditions? The fee will not be refunded and will go to the US Treasury's general fund. Will this fee amount change in the future? Yes, from 2026 onwards, it will be adjusted yearly based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

The Visa Integrity Fee, which is set to apply from 2026, will be applicable to nearly all non-immigrant visa categories, including tourist and business visas (B-1/B-2), work visas (H-1B), student visas (F and M), and exchange visas (J). Only diplomatic categories (A and G) are exempt.

Planning a US Visa? It’s about to get 2.5 times expensive for Indians from 2026—Details inside

The United States has significantly reduced the number of family-based immigrant visas issued to Indian nationals in early 2025, compared to the same period last year. According to a fresh analysis of data from the US Department of State, there has been a notable decline in key visa categories, impacting Indian families hoping to reunite in America.<h2>US family visas to Indians see a dip</h2>

Graphic showcasing drop in US visas to Indians

The IR5 visa—granted to parents of US citizens—dropped by 11 per cent between February and April this year. Even more striking was the fall in F3 visas, meant for married sons and daughters of US citizens and their dependents, which plunged by a staggering 41 per cent.<h2>Visa cuts hit Indian families</h2>These visas fall under the broader umbrella of “family-sponsored immigration,” a system designed to allow US citizens and green card holders to bring close relatives to the country. But the recent data points to a shift in that promise, at least for Indian applicants. In total, the US approved 5,840 family-based immigrant visas for Indians during the February window this year, down from nearly 7,000 in 2024.

Graphic showcasing sharp drop in key family visacate3gories

The decline comes at a time when broader immigration policy in the US remains a hot-button issue, and as visa backlogs and wait times continue to plague the system. For Indian families waiting years—sometimes decades—for these opportunities, the drop could mean yet another delay in long-anticipated reunions.&nbsp;While the reasons for the reduced approvals haven’t been officially detailed, the sharp cuts in traditionally stable visa categories are raising concern among immigrant communities. Whether this is a temporary blip or a sign of deeper systemic tightening remains to be seen, but for now, thousands of Indian families find the American dream just a bit farther out of reach. &nbsp;

Family based US immigrant visas for Indians have fallen sharply in early 2025, with categories like IR5 and F3 seeing double digit declines, delaying reunification hopes.

The United States has significantly reduced the number of family-based immigrant visas issued to Indian nationals in early 2025, compared to the same period last year. According to a fresh analysis of data from the US Department of State, there has been a notable decline in key visa categories, impacting Indian families hoping to reunite in America. US family visas to Indians see a dip

US family visa approvals for Indian nationals dropped significantly in 2025—down 11% for IR5 and 41% for F3—raising concerns over immigration slowdowns and prolonged family separations.

US visas to Indian kin on the slide: Details here

US President Donald Trump is considering suspending a number of employment visas including the H-1B, most sought-after among Indian IT professionals, in view of the massive unemployment in America due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a media report.

The proposed suspension could extend into the government's new fiscal year beginning October 1, when many new visas are issued, The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, quoting unnamed administration officials.

"That could bar any new H-1B holder outside the country from coming to work until the suspension is lifted, though visa holders already in the country are unlikely to be affected,"&nbsp;the daily reported.

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

Such a decision by the Trump administration is likely to have an adverse impact on thousands of Indian IT professionals. Already a large number of Indians on the H-1B visas have lost their jobs and are headed back home during the coronavirus pandemic.

The White House, however, said that no final decision has been made and the administration is considering various proposals.

"The administration is currently evaluating a wide range of options, formulated by career experts, to protect American workers and job seekers especially disadvantaged and underserved citizens but no decisions of any kind have been made,"&nbsp;White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said in a statement.

In addition to the H-1B visas, the suspension could apply to the H-2B visa for short-term seasonal workers, the J-1 visa for short-term workers including camp counselors and au pairs and the L-1 visa for internal company transfers, the financial daily reported.

Meanwhile, the US Chambers of Commerce CEO Thomas Donohue on Thursday wrote a letter to Trump, expressing concern over his reported move on temporary work visas.

"As the economy rebounds, American businesses will need assurances that they can meet all their workforce needs. To that end, it is crucial that they have access to talent both domestically and from around the world," Donohue wrote in a letter to Trump.

According to The Hill newspaper, Donohue said that American businesses need L-1 visa holders, who have a work visa valid for a relatively short amount of time, for necessary expertise.

He noted the importance of H-1B visa holders, who have a work visa valid for multiple years, for various industries, including technology, accounting and manufacturers, the newspaper said.

"Policies that would, for example, impose wide-ranging bans on the entry of nonimmigrant workers or impose burdensome new regulatory requirements on businesses that employ foreign nationals would undermine that access to talent and in the process, undercut our economy's ability to grow and create jobs,"&nbsp;Donohue added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump is considering suspending a number of employment visas including the H-1B, most sought-after among Indian IT professionals, in view of the massive unemployment in America due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a media report.

US President Donald Trump is considering suspending a number of employment visas including the H-1B, most sought-after among Indian IT professionals, in view of the massive unemployment in America due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a media report. The proposed suspension could extend into the government's new fiscal year beginning October 1, when many new visas are issued, The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, quoting unnamed administration officials. "That could bar any new H-1B holder outside the country from coming to work until the suspension is lifted, though visa holders already in the country are unlikely to be affected," the daily reported. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. Such a decision by the Trump administration is likely to have an adverse impact on thousands of Indian IT professionals. Already a large number of Indians on the H-1B visas have lost their jobs and are headed back home during the coronavirus pandemic. The White House, however, said that no final decision has been made and the administration is considering various proposals. "The administration is currently evaluating a wide range of options, formulated by career experts, to protect American workers and job seekers especially disadvantaged and underserved citizens but no decisions of any kind have been made," White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said in a statement. In addition to the H-1B visas, the suspension could apply to the H-2B visa for short-term seasonal workers, the J-1 visa for short-term workers including camp counselors and au pairs and the L-1 visa for internal company transfers, the financial daily reported. Meanwhile, the US Chambers of Commerce CEO Thomas Donohue on Thursday wrote a letter to Trump, expressing concern over his reported move on temporary work visas. "As the economy rebounds, American businesses will need assurances that they can meet all their workforce needs. To that end, it is crucial that they have access to talent both domestically and from around the world," Donohue wrote in a letter to Trump. According to The Hill newspaper, Donohue said that American businesses need L-1 visa holders, who have a work visa valid for a relatively short amount of time, for necessary expertise. He noted the importance of H-1B visa holders, who have a work visa valid for multiple years, for various industries, including technology, accounting and manufacturers, the newspaper said. "Policies that would, for example, impose wide-ranging bans on the entry of nonimmigrant workers or impose burdensome new regulatory requirements on businesses that employ foreign nationals would undermine that access to talent and in the process, undercut our economy's ability to grow and create jobs," Donohue added.

Fresh worry for Indian professionals as US considering suspending H-1B, other visas to tackle US unemployment

Some weeks ago, it was dismaying to hear the story of a young man from South India, who experienced first hand the sorrow that “Buy American Hire American” is causing in Trump’s not so united - United States of America.&nbsp;

After finishing his engineering in this country, he secured admission to a well-known business school in Texas, finished his MBA and got a job in a good oil company. His H-1B visa came through, his job was secure and he came back to India to get married and returned to the US to pursue the great American dream.&nbsp;

And then his luck turned. He got a query from the authorities that his qualification was not unique enough for him to be hired over a local American and in spite of supporting documents from his employers, his visa was overturned and he was asked to return to India.

This happened a year ago and in the ensuing 12 months, the visa situation has turned gloomier with every passing month. Readers would recall that in November the Trump Administration announced an amendment to the Labor Condition Application (LCA) that requires prospective employers of people entering the US on H-1B visas to disclose all intended places of employment, including any proposed short-term assignments and a large amount of information on the company status.

These comprised identification of secondary entities and locations and the number of H-1B visa workers currently employed in the firm and at third-party work sites of the firm.&nbsp;

There has also been an introduction of legislation by two US lawmakers that seeks to revoke the work authorisation given by the Obama Administration to spouses of H-1B visa holders, making it difficult for career-minded spouses to stay in the US, causing rifts in families seeking to settle in the US.

Amidst these dark clouds over the prospects of tens of thousands of Indian tech aspirants, a sudden ray of hope has come through in the form of a surprising proposal of a merit-based method of awarding visas in future.&nbsp;

Companies are required to register their manpower demand petitions in advance and while the numerical limit of H1-Bs in a year would continue to be capped at 65,000, the first 20,000 petitions filed on behalf of applicants with a US Masters’ degree or higher qualification would be considered after that and exempt from the cap.

The significant benefit of the proposed changes by the Department of Homeland Security are that the selection order would count all normal petitions as needed till the cap is reached and then separately consider registrations or petitions for the advanced degree exemption.&nbsp;

The implication of this is that while advanced degree holders will have a very high chance of qualifying, it would not limit the selection of people under the normal petition scheme.&nbsp;

This may result in an overall increase of persons admitted with advanced degrees and also reduce overall costs for petitioners and improve process efficiency for the immigration agencies, all excellent developments for the growing IT companies and the industry as a whole.

What do all these policy flip-flops and frequent announcements on the visa process imply for the prospects of four million people who are already work in the Indian tech sector and the ten million and more youngsters in engineering and other degree programmes around the country, who have shunned manufacturing and other services jobs in the past couple of decades in favour of the granite and glass, air-conditioned environments and global opportunities available in the IT and IT-enabled services industry.&nbsp;

One is sorry to sound cautious and maybe even alarmist but neither the US nor Europe is ever going to provide an easy passage to mediocre candidates who want to run away from the intensely competitive environment that prevails in academics and jobs in our country and seek easier job options in greener pastures.&nbsp;

The new visa regime will certainly make it easier for exceptional candidates who study in America’s best graduate schools to work and stay there. We have seen in our own family that kids going through Stanford, Yale and Harvard have been welcomed with open arms through the visa, green card and citizenship process in the US.&nbsp;

But for every dozen of these bright sparks, there are hundreds who spend hard earned family money on average engineering colleges in India and mediocre tech and business programmes in the US only to meet closed visa doors at the end.&nbsp;

These are the folks who need to think twice before they throw large rupee chunks towards the chase for dollars.

A word of advice after this note of caution. For many young folks who have not been able to make it to the best institutions in India for their graduate degree, if the money is there it may be best to do a short course in the US and use that as a stepping stone to get into an excellent institution for formal graduate school qualifications.&nbsp;

And that is only if the American dream is still irresistible! Many of us who have built successful careers in India and still travelled all over the world, may inspire you to just work in India and succeed as well! Choose wisely and be happy.

 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-good-news-for-indian-techies-light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel-2707574">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Some weeks ago, it was dismaying to hear the story of a young man from South India, who experienced first hand the sorrow that “Buy American Hire American” is causing in Trump’s not so united - United States of America.

Some weeks ago, it was dismaying to hear the story of a young man from South India, who experienced first hand the sorrow that “Buy American Hire American” is causing in Trump’s not so united - United States of America. After finishing his engineering in this country, he secured admission to a well-known business school in Texas, finished his MBA and got a job in a good oil company. His H-1B visa came through, his job was secure and he came back to India to get married and returned to the US to pursue the great American dream. And then his luck turned. He got a query from the authorities that his qualification was not unique enough for him to be hired over a local American and in spite of supporting documents from his employers, his visa was overturned and he was asked to return to India. This happened a year ago and in the ensuing 12 months, the visa situation has turned gloomier with every passing month. Readers would recall that in November the Trump Administration announced an amendment to the Labor Condition Application (LCA) that requires prospective employers of people entering the US on H-1B visas to disclose all intended places of employment, including any proposed short-term assignments and a large amount of information on the company status. These comprised identification of secondary entities and locations and the number of H-1B visa workers currently employed in the firm and at third-party work sites of the firm. There has also been an introduction of legislation by two US lawmakers that seeks to revoke the work authorisation given by the Obama Administration to spouses of H-1B visa holders, making it difficult for career-minded spouses to stay in the US, causing rifts in families seeking to settle in the US. Amidst these dark clouds over the prospects of tens of thousands of Indian tech aspirants, a sudden ray of hope has come through in the form of a surprising proposal of a merit-based method of awarding visas in future. Companies are required to register their manpower demand petitions in advance and while the numerical limit of H1-Bs in a year would continue to be capped at 65,000, the first 20,000 petitions filed on behalf of applicants with a US Masters’ degree or higher qualification would be considered after that and exempt from the cap. The significant benefit of the proposed changes by the Department of Homeland Security are that the selection order would count all normal petitions as needed till the cap is reached and then separately consider registrations or petitions for the advanced degree exemption. The implication of this is that while advanced degree holders will have a very high chance of qualifying, it would not limit the selection of people under the normal petition scheme. This may result in an overall increase of persons admitted with advanced degrees and also reduce overall costs for petitioners and improve process efficiency for the immigration agencies, all excellent developments for the growing IT companies and the industry as a whole. What do all these policy flip-flops and frequent announcements on the visa process imply for the prospects of four million people who are already work in the Indian tech sector and the ten million and more youngsters in engineering and other degree programmes around the country, who have shunned manufacturing and other services jobs in the past couple of decades in favour of the granite and glass, air-conditioned environments and global opportunities available in the IT and IT-enabled services industry. One is sorry to sound cautious and maybe even alarmist but neither the US nor Europe is ever going to provide an easy passage to mediocre candidates who want to run away from the intensely competitive environment that prevails in academics and jobs in our country and seek easier job options in greener pastures. The new visa regime will certainly make it easier for exceptional candidates who study in America’s best graduate schools to work and stay there. We have seen in our own family that kids going through Stanford, Yale and Harvard have been welcomed with open arms through the visa, green card and citizenship process in the US. But for every dozen of these bright sparks, there are hundreds who spend hard earned family money on average engineering colleges in India and mediocre tech and business programmes in the US only to meet closed visa doors at the end. These are the folks who need to think twice before they throw large rupee chunks towards the chase for dollars. A word of advice after this note of caution. For many young folks who have not been able to make it to the best institutions in India for their graduate degree, if the money is there it may be best to do a short course in the US and use that as a stepping stone to get into an excellent institution for formal graduate school qualifications. And that is only if the American dream is still irresistible! Many of us who have built successful careers in India and still travelled all over the world, may inspire you to just work in India and succeed as well! Choose wisely and be happy. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Good news for Indian techies: Light at the end of the tunnel

The Trump administration may nip the length of visas issued to some Chinese citizens under a new policy. The move is seen as US President Donald Trump's attempt to crack down on 'theft of US intellectual property' by China.

The policy will come in to effect on June 11 under which US consular officers may limit the time visas are valid, rather than the usual practice of issuing them for the maximum possible period.

According to reports, Chinese graduate students would be limited to one-year visas if they are studying disciplines like robotics, aviation and high-tech manufacturing, areas Beijing has said are high-priority goals for its manufacturing sector.

Now, some Chinese citizens, working as researchers or managers for companies on a US Commerce Department list of entities, would need a special clearance from multiple US agencies in order to get a visa.

(With inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

The policy will come in to effect on June 11 under which US consular officers may limit the time visas are valid

The Trump administration may nip the length of visas issued to some Chinese citizens under a new policy. The move is seen as US President Donald Trump's attempt to crack down on 'theft of US intellectual property' by China. The policy will come in to effect on June 11 under which US consular officers may limit the time visas are valid, rather than the usual practice of issuing them for the maximum possible period. According to reports, Chinese graduate students would be limited to one-year visas if they are studying disciplines like robotics, aviation and high-tech manufacturing, areas Beijing has said are high-priority goals for its manufacturing sector. Now, some Chinese citizens, working as researchers or managers for companies on a US Commerce Department list of entities, would need a special clearance from multiple US agencies in order to get a visa. (With inputs from agencies)

US to limit Chinese graduate students to one-year visas

Congress President Rahul Gandhi today described the proposed US visa rules as a "huge setback" for India, and in a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi said there were "some things a hug can buy", but for visas "you're on your own".

Gandhi's remarks come amid Trump administration's plan to propose ending work permits for the spouses of H1-B visa holders to work in the US, a move that could have a devastating impact on tens of thousands of Indians.

"New US Visa Rules, huge setback for India...," the Congress president said on Twitter.

"There are some things a hug can buy. For visas, you're on your own," he said in a wordplay on the MasterCard ad campaign which says, "There are some things money can't buy. For everything else, there's MasterCard".

"Foreign Policy by Narendra Modi, Foreword by Donald Trump," Gandhi said mocking the government's diplomacy.

Gandhi has earlier also attacked the prime minister over what he termed 'hugplomacy' after Pakistan released 2008 Mumbai attacks mastermind and Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed from house arrest.

The Trump administration's move to end the Obama-era rule could have an impact on more than 70,000 H-4 visas holders, who have work permits.

H-4 is issued to the spouse of H-1B visa holders, a significantly large number of whom are high-skilled professionals from India. They had obtained work permits under a special order issued by the previous Obama administration.

The Trump administration's move to end the Obama-era rule could have an impact on more than 70,000 H-4 visas holders, who have work permits.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi today described the proposed US visa rules as a "huge setback" for India, and in a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi said there were "some things a hug can buy", but for visas "you're on your own". Gandhi's remarks come amid Trump administration's plan to propose ending work permits for the spouses of H1-B visa holders to work in the US, a move that could have a devastating impact on tens of thousands of Indians. "New US Visa Rules, huge setback for India...," the Congress president said on Twitter. "There are some things a hug can buy. For visas, you're on your own," he said in a wordplay on the MasterCard ad campaign which says, "There are some things money can't buy. For everything else, there's MasterCard". "Foreign Policy by Narendra Modi, Foreword by Donald Trump," Gandhi said mocking the government's diplomacy. Gandhi has earlier also attacked the prime minister over what he termed 'hugplomacy' after Pakistan released 2008 Mumbai attacks mastermind and Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed from house arrest. The Trump administration's move to end the Obama-era rule could have an impact on more than 70,000 H-4 visas holders, who have work permits. H-4 is issued to the spouse of H-1B visa holders, a significantly large number of whom are high-skilled professionals from India. They had obtained work permits under a special order issued by the previous Obama administration.

Hugs not good enough for US visas, tweets Rahul in jibe at Modi

In a broad expansion of the information gathered from applicants for U.S. visas, the federal government is proposing to collect social media identities from nearly everyone who seeks entry into the United States, according to a State Department filing on Friday.

The proposal, which must be approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), would require most immigrant and non-immigrant visa applicants to list on a federal application form all of the social media identities they have used in the past five years.

The information will be used to vet and identify them, according to the proposals, which would affect about 14.7 million people annually.

Previously, under rules instituted in May of 2017, consular officials were instructed to collect social media identifiers only when they determined “that such information is required to confirm identity or conduct more rigorous national security vetting,” a State Department official said at the time.

The State Department said then that the tighter vetting would apply only to those “who have been determined to warrant additional scrutiny in connection with terrorism or other national security-related visa ineligibilities.”

The new proposal was published in the Federal Register on Friday. The public has 60 days to comment on the revised procedures before the OMB approves or rejects them.

The proposals support President Donald Trump's promise to institute "extreme vetting" of foreigners entering the United states in order to prevent terrorism.

If approved, the measures also will require applicants to submit five years of previously used telephone numbers, email addresses and their international travel history. They will be asked if they have been deported or removed from any country and whether family members have been involved in terrorist activities, the department said.

The department said it intends not to routinely ask most diplomatic and official visa applicants for the additional information.

The proposal, which must be approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), would require most immigrant and non-immigrant visa applicants to list on a federal application form all of the social media identities they have used in the past five years.

In a broad expansion of the information gathered from applicants for U.S. visas, the federal government is proposing to collect social media identities from nearly everyone who seeks entry into the United States, according to a State Department filing on Friday. The proposal, which must be approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), would require most immigrant and non-immigrant visa applicants to list on a federal application form all of the social media identities they have used in the past five years. The information will be used to vet and identify them, according to the proposals, which would affect about 14.7 million people annually. Previously, under rules instituted in May of 2017, consular officials were instructed to collect social media identifiers only when they determined “that such information is required to confirm identity or conduct more rigorous national security vetting,” a State Department official said at the time. The State Department said then that the tighter vetting would apply only to those “who have been determined to warrant additional scrutiny in connection with terrorism or other national security-related visa ineligibilities.” The new proposal was published in the Federal Register on Friday. The public has 60 days to comment on the revised procedures before the OMB approves or rejects them. The proposals support President Donald Trump's promise to institute "extreme vetting" of foreigners entering the United states in order to prevent terrorism. If approved, the measures also will require applicants to submit five years of previously used telephone numbers, email addresses and their international travel history. They will be asked if they have been deported or removed from any country and whether family members have been involved in terrorist activities, the department said. The department said it intends not to routinely ask most diplomatic and official visa applicants for the additional information.

US visa applicants to be asked for social media history: State Department

Some US lawmakers and advocacy groups have criticised the Trump administration&#39;s reported plan to curb H-1B visa extensions that could result in self- deportation of an estimated 500,000-750,000 Indian Americans, saying the move would drain America of talent.

The proposal, which was part of President Donald Trump&#39;s &quot;Buy American, Hire American&quot; initiative that he vowed to launch on the campaign trail, is being drafted by Department of Homeland Security leaders, according to reports.

The H-1B program offers temporary US visas that allow companies to hire highly skilled foreign professionals working in areas with shortages of qualified American workers. But since taking office last January, the Trump administration has been cracking down on the scheme.

Influential Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard said: &quot;Imposing these draconian restrictions on H-1B visa holders will tear families apart, drain our society of talent and expertise, and damage our relationship with an important partner, India.

&quot;This proposal could lead to the deportation of an estimated 500,000 to 750,000 Indian H-1B visa holders, many of whom are small business owners and job creators who are helping to build and strengthen our US economy. This brain drain will stifle innovation and decrease our ability to compete in the global 21st-century economy,&quot; Gabbard said.

In a statement, the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) sounded alarm over the Trump administrations proposal to deny extensions of H-1B visas to green card applicants and leaving them with no choice but to return to the country of origin or be deported.

&quot;It&#39;s a baffling calculation. How would deporting hundreds of thousands of skilled workers, the very backbone of our STEM industries, in any way advance an &#39;America First&#39; agenda?&quot; Shukla asked.

Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said while priority must continue to be improving advanced training for the domestic workforce, ending H-1B visa extensions would kneecap American economy and encourage companies to further offshore jobs, instead of making those investments here.&#39;

&quot;I hope the administration immediately rejects this proposal,&quot; he said.

Congressman Ro Khanna said the proposal was &quot;anti-immigrant&quot;.

&quot;My parents came here on green cards. So did @sundarpichai, @elonmusk, @satyanadella. Trump is saying to immigrants and their kids we don&#39;t have a place in America. It&#39;s not just wrong. It&#39;s dumb. Mr President, would America really be greater without us?&quot; he asked in a tweet.

According to Aman Kapoor of Immigration Voice, H-1B extension change would be just wrong at every level.

&quot;It will be a catastrophe of epic proportion for Indian- American community leading to mass exodus of close to 1.5 million people (around 750,000 primary applicants on H-1B visa and another 750,000+ spouses and children),&quot; he said.

Tsion Chudnovsky, an immigration and business lawyer in California said: &quot;Given the dramatic effect this proposal could have on the Technology industry, it doesn&#39;t seem likely it could garner enough support to be enacted as stated.&quot;

Congressman Ro Khanna said the proposal was "anti-immigrant".

Some US lawmakers and advocacy groups have criticised the Trump administration's reported plan to curb H-1B visa extensions that could result in self- deportation of an estimated 500,000-750,000 Indian Americans, saying the move would drain America of talent. The proposal, which was part of President Donald Trump's "Buy American, Hire American" initiative that he vowed to launch on the campaign trail, is being drafted by Department of Homeland Security leaders, according to reports. The H-1B program offers temporary US visas that allow companies to hire highly skilled foreign professionals working in areas with shortages of qualified American workers. But since taking office last January, the Trump administration has been cracking down on the scheme. Influential Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard said: "Imposing these draconian restrictions on H-1B visa holders will tear families apart, drain our society of talent and expertise, and damage our relationship with an important partner, India. "This proposal could lead to the deportation of an estimated 500,000 to 750,000 Indian H-1B visa holders, many of whom are small business owners and job creators who are helping to build and strengthen our US economy. This brain drain will stifle innovation and decrease our ability to compete in the global 21st-century economy," Gabbard said. In a statement, the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) sounded alarm over the Trump administrations proposal to deny extensions of H-1B visas to green card applicants and leaving them with no choice but to return to the country of origin or be deported. "It's a baffling calculation. How would deporting hundreds of thousands of skilled workers, the very backbone of our STEM industries, in any way advance an 'America First' agenda?" Shukla asked. Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said while priority must continue to be improving advanced training for the domestic workforce, ending H-1B visa extensions would kneecap American economy and encourage companies to further offshore jobs, instead of making those investments here.' "I hope the administration immediately rejects this proposal," he said. Congressman Ro Khanna said the proposal was "anti-immigrant". "My parents came here on green cards. So did @sundarpichai, @elonmusk, @satyanadella. Trump is saying to immigrants and their kids we don't have a place in America. It's not just wrong. It's dumb. Mr President, would America really be greater without us?" he asked in a tweet. According to Aman Kapoor of Immigration Voice, H-1B extension change would be just wrong at every level. "It will be a catastrophe of epic proportion for Indian- American community leading to mass exodus of close to 1.5 million people (around 750,000 primary applicants on H-1B visa and another 750,000+ spouses and children)," he said. Tsion Chudnovsky, an immigration and business lawyer in California said: "Given the dramatic effect this proposal could have on the Technology industry, it doesn't seem likely it could garner enough support to be enacted as stated."

Hope proposal to change H-1B rules is rejected: US Congressmen

The United States said on Monday it was sharply scaling back its visa services in Russia after Moscow cut the number of its diplomatic staff in retaliation over new US sanctions.

The US embassy in Russia said in a statement it was suspending all nonimmigrant visa operations across Russia on Aug. 23 and that they would resume on Sept. 1 &quot;on a greatly reduced scale.&quot;

The move means Russian citizens wanting to visit the United States for tourism will have to travel to Moscow and will no longer be able to&nbsp;use local US consulates outside the Russian capital.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, reacting to new sanctions imposed by the US Congress, has ordered Washington to cut its diplomatic and technical staff in Russia by 755 people by Sept. 1.

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday that a US decision to sharply scale back its visa services in Russia was an attempt to stir up ill-feeling among ordinary Russians against the authorities.

He added that Russia would carefully study the US decision and promised that Moscow would not take out its anger on ordinary US citizens.

US took the move after Moscow cut the number of its diplomatic staff in retaliation over new US sanctions

The United States said on Monday it was sharply scaling back its visa services in Russia after Moscow cut the number of its diplomatic staff in retaliation over new US sanctions. The US embassy in Russia said in a statement it was suspending all nonimmigrant visa operations across Russia on Aug. 23 and that they would resume on Sept. 1 "on a greatly reduced scale." The move means Russian citizens wanting to visit the United States for tourism will have to travel to Moscow and will no longer be able to use local US consulates outside the Russian capital. Russian President Vladimir Putin, reacting to new sanctions imposed by the US Congress, has ordered Washington to cut its diplomatic and technical staff in Russia by 755 people by Sept. 1. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday that a US decision to sharply scale back its visa services in Russia was an attempt to stir up ill-feeling among ordinary Russians against the authorities. He added that Russia would carefully study the US decision and promised that Moscow would not take out its anger on ordinary US citizens.

US scales back visa services in Russia after diplomatic row

The US government cleared the way on Monday for thousands more foreign workers to enter the country under temporary seasonal visas,&nbsp;just as President Donald Trump declared this &quot;Made In America&quot; week and pledged to stand up for US workers.

Advocates of stricter limits on immigration criticised the additional visas,&nbsp;saying American workers should get job openings.

Trump,&nbsp;a former New York real estate magnate who has relied on seasonal workers at his hotels and resorts, campaigned on promises to restore American jobs. On Monday, he showcased &quot;Made in America&quot; products at the White House and made an impassioned defence of America First policies.

&quot;We&#39;re going to stand up for our companies and maybe most importantly for our workers,&quot; the Republican president said. &quot;Clearly it&#39;s time for a new policy, one defined by two simple rules: We will buy American. And we will hire American.&quot;

Federal officials said there were not enough qualified and willing American workers available to perform certain types of temporary nonagricultural work.

As a result, the government will allow 15,000 additional visas for temporary seasonal workers, meant to help American businesses in danger of suffering irreparable harm because of a shortage of such labour, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement.

&quot;As a demonstration of the administration&#39;s commitment to supporting American businesses, DHS is providing this one-time increase to the congressionally set annual cap,&quot; Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly said in a statement.

Many seasonal businesses such as resorts, landscaping companies and seafood harvesters and processors had sought permission to temporarily hire more immigrants.&nbsp;

Congress originally set the cap at 66,000 workers for the fiscal year ending September 30. In May, lawmakers gave Kelly authority to approve up to an additional 70,000 temporary visas and pleaded with him to use his authority to issue as many of them as he thought appropriate.

Roy Beck, president of Numbers USA, a group that supports immigration controls, said in a statement the decision &quot;threatens to reverse the trend of reports emerging around the country of employers working harder and raising pay to successfully recruit more unemployed Americans for lower-skilled jobs.&quot;

Beck said it was &quot;yet another example of the administration and Congress failing to keep the Trump campaign promise of putting American workers first.&quot;

Minimal relief granted

Trump campaigned on an &quot;America First&quot; platform of favouring Americans for hiring. Trump&#39;s golf resorts in Florida have used the visas, however, to hire temporary guest workers.

The clothing line of the president&#39;s older daughter and adviser, Ivanka Trump, uses foreign factories employing low-wage workers in countries such as Bangladesh, Indonesia and China, a recent Washington Post report showed.

A group of US companies that use the visas, called the &quot;the H-2B Workforce Coalition,&quot; praised the &quot;minimal relief granted.&quot;

It said: &quot;From landscapers in Colorado to innkeepers in Maine to seafood processors along the Gulf Coast to carnivals nationwide, we hope the visa expansion will help some businesses avoid substantial financial loss, and in some cases, prevent early business closures during their peak season.&quot;

A report on Monday by the Economic Policy Institute, a liberal think tank, found, however, there was little evidence of worker shortages in H-2B jobs at the national level.

&ldquo;Expanding the H-2B programme without reforming it to improve protections and increase wages for migrant workers will essentially allow unscrupulous employers to carve out an even larger rights-free zone in the low-wage labour market,&rdquo; said Daniel Costa, director of immigration law and policy research at the institute.

Kelly has acknowledged that many temporary workers &quot;are victimised when they come up here, in terms of what they&rsquo;re paid.&quot;

DHS said the government had created a tip line to report any abuse of the visas or employer violations.

Advocates of stricter limits on immigration criticised the additional visas,?saying American workers should get job openings

The US government cleared the way on Monday for thousands more foreign workers to enter the country under temporary seasonal visas, just as President Donald Trump declared this "Made In America" week and pledged to stand up for US workers. Advocates of stricter limits on immigration criticised the additional visas, saying American workers should get job openings. Trump, a former New York real estate magnate who has relied on seasonal workers at his hotels and resorts, campaigned on promises to restore American jobs. On Monday, he showcased "Made in America" products at the White House and made an impassioned defence of America First policies. "We're going to stand up for our companies and maybe most importantly for our workers," the Republican president said. "Clearly it's time for a new policy, one defined by two simple rules: We will buy American. And we will hire American." Federal officials said there were not enough qualified and willing American workers available to perform certain types of temporary nonagricultural work. As a result, the government will allow 15,000 additional visas for temporary seasonal workers, meant to help American businesses in danger of suffering irreparable harm because of a shortage of such labour, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement. "As a demonstration of the administration's commitment to supporting American businesses, DHS is providing this one-time increase to the congressionally set annual cap," Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly said in a statement. Many seasonal businesses such as resorts, landscaping companies and seafood harvesters and processors had sought permission to temporarily hire more immigrants. Congress originally set the cap at 66,000 workers for the fiscal year ending September 30. In May, lawmakers gave Kelly authority to approve up to an additional 70,000 temporary visas and pleaded with him to use his authority to issue as many of them as he thought appropriate. Roy Beck, president of Numbers USA, a group that supports immigration controls, said in a statement the decision "threatens to reverse the trend of reports emerging around the country of employers working harder and raising pay to successfully recruit more unemployed Americans for lower-skilled jobs." Beck said it was "yet another example of the administration and Congress failing to keep the Trump campaign promise of putting American workers first." Minimal relief granted Trump campaigned on an "America First" platform of favouring Americans for hiring. Trump's golf resorts in Florida have used the visas, however, to hire temporary guest workers. The clothing line of the president's older daughter and adviser, Ivanka Trump, uses foreign factories employing low-wage workers in countries such as Bangladesh, Indonesia and China, a recent Washington Post report showed. A group of US companies that use the visas, called the "the H-2B Workforce Coalition," praised the "minimal relief granted." It said: "From landscapers in Colorado to innkeepers in Maine to seafood processors along the Gulf Coast to carnivals nationwide, we hope the visa expansion will help some businesses avoid substantial financial loss, and in some cases, prevent early business closures during their peak season." A report on Monday by the Economic Policy Institute, a liberal think tank, found, however, there was little evidence of worker shortages in H-2B jobs at the national level. “Expanding the H-2B programme without reforming it to improve protections and increase wages for migrant workers will essentially allow unscrupulous employers to carve out an even larger rights-free zone in the low-wage labour market,” said Daniel Costa, director of immigration law and policy research at the institute. Kelly has acknowledged that many temporary workers "are victimised when they come up here, in terms of what they’re paid." DHS said the government had created a tip line to report any abuse of the visas or employer violations.

US allows more seasonal low-wage foreign workers as Trump pushes 'hire American'

The United States has begun asking some would-be visitors applying for visas to provide their identities on social media, among other more vigorous screening methods.

A State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP new security procedures had gone into effect on May 25 for travellers deemed to present a risk.

The plan has already raised the concerns of civil liberties advocates, who fear travellers who pose no terrorist threat may be stigmatized for their political or religious views.

It also comes at a time of controversy over another new measure, President Donald Trump&#39;s attempt to ban all travellers from six mainly-Muslim countries.

But in a March 6 memorandum, Trump vowed to tighten controls on who can enter the United States, including by studying their online behavior.

According to the US official, consular officers can now demand extra information from applicants they deem to require &quot;more rigorous national security vetting.&quot;

&quot;Such visa applicants will be asked to provide additional information, including their social media handles, prior passport numbers, additional information about family members, and a longer history of past travel, employment, and contact information,&quot; she said.

Nevertheless, she added, these changes will &quot;affect only a fraction of one percent of the more than 13 million annual visa applicants worldwide.&quot;

There is no suggestion that travellers will have to surrender passwords to their accounts.

But if they have, for example, posted suspect material on Facebook or &quot;followed&quot; an extremist account on Twitter or Instagram they may face additional questions.&nbsp;

The tougher visa rules also come after the US administration banned travellers from several airports in the Muslim world from using laptops on passenger flights.

This came after intelligence agencies reportedly found evidence that Islamic extremists have perfected the technology to hide a viable bomb in a working computer.

Extremist threat&nbsp; 
 
The White House, meanwhile, asked the US Supreme Court on Thursday to reinstate its temporary ban on travelers from six nations despite repeated setbacks in the lower courts.

It called on the court to rule on the legal standing of Trump&#39;s order, appealing a ruling by the federal Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals that blocked the ban.

It also asked the Supreme Court to lift another US-wide injunction issued by a federal judge based in Hawaii.&nbsp;

Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said the White House believes the order is lawful, despite charges that it targets Muslims in breach of US freedoms.

&quot;The president is not required to admit people from countries that sponsor or shelter terrorism,&quot; she insisted.

Trump issued his initial travel ban, which banned entry to nationals from seven countries for 90 days and suspended the nation&#39;s refugee program for 120 days, in January.

After a weekend of chaos at airports and consulates as travellers and officials struggled to adapt to the new rules, the US courts stepped in and halted the measure.

Trump, who boasted during his campaign that he would impose a &quot;total ban&quot; on Muslim travellers, has insisted that the measure is based on legitimate security concerns.

A revised executive order in March meant to address concerns raised by the federal judges. It deleted Iraq from the list and removed an indefinite ban on Syrian refugees.

But the new order was also widely criticized by immigrant rights activists and constitutional scholars.

 
(AFP)

The US has begun asking some would-be visitors applying for visas to provide their identities on social media, among other more vigorous screening methods

The United States has begun asking some would-be visitors applying for visas to provide their identities on social media, among other more vigorous screening methods. A State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP new security procedures had gone into effect on May 25 for travellers deemed to present a risk. The plan has already raised the concerns of civil liberties advocates, who fear travellers who pose no terrorist threat may be stigmatized for their political or religious views. It also comes at a time of controversy over another new measure, President Donald Trump's attempt to ban all travellers from six mainly-Muslim countries. But in a March 6 memorandum, Trump vowed to tighten controls on who can enter the United States, including by studying their online behavior. According to the US official, consular officers can now demand extra information from applicants they deem to require "more rigorous national security vetting." "Such visa applicants will be asked to provide additional information, including their social media handles, prior passport numbers, additional information about family members, and a longer history of past travel, employment, and contact information," she said. Nevertheless, she added, these changes will "affect only a fraction of one percent of the more than 13 million annual visa applicants worldwide." There is no suggestion that travellers will have to surrender passwords to their accounts. But if they have, for example, posted suspect material on Facebook or "followed" an extremist account on Twitter or Instagram they may face additional questions. The tougher visa rules also come after the US administration banned travellers from several airports in the Muslim world from using laptops on passenger flights. This came after intelligence agencies reportedly found evidence that Islamic extremists have perfected the technology to hide a viable bomb in a working computer. Extremist threat The White House, meanwhile, asked the US Supreme Court on Thursday to reinstate its temporary ban on travelers from six nations despite repeated setbacks in the lower courts. It called on the court to rule on the legal standing of Trump's order, appealing a ruling by the federal Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals that blocked the ban. It also asked the Supreme Court to lift another US-wide injunction issued by a federal judge based in Hawaii. Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said the White House believes the order is lawful, despite charges that it targets Muslims in breach of US freedoms. "The president is not required to admit people from countries that sponsor or shelter terrorism," she insisted. Trump issued his initial travel ban, which banned entry to nationals from seven countries for 90 days and suspended the nation's refugee program for 120 days, in January. After a weekend of chaos at airports and consulates as travellers and officials struggled to adapt to the new rules, the US courts stepped in and halted the measure. Trump, who boasted during his campaign that he would impose a "total ban" on Muslim travellers, has insisted that the measure is based on legitimate security concerns. A revised executive order in March meant to address concerns raised by the federal judges. It deleted Iraq from the list and removed an indefinite ban on Syrian refugees. But the new order was also widely criticized by immigrant rights activists and constitutional scholars. (AFP)

US asks visa applicants for social media handles

Days after finance minister Arun Jaitley raised the issue of restrictions on H-1B visa with his American counterpart Steven Mnuchin, the US has said that it greatly values investments by Indian companies and wants strong economic ties between the two nations. 
 
&quot;We want to see US-India business-to-business ties remain strong,&quot; State Department acting spokesman Mark Toner told reporters at his daily news conference yesterday. 
 
He was responding to questions on the ongoing review of H-1B visas by the Trump Administration and its impact on the Indian IT companies, who are heavily dependent on it. 
 
&quot;We greatly value Indian companies&#39; continued investment in the US economy, which also, of course, supports thousands of US jobs,&quot; Toner said. 
 
&quot;With respect to any new requirements on visas, I&#39;d have to check and see if that&#39;s been updated,&quot; he said, adding that under the current government, the US has been looking at ways to strengthen the processes like visa interview and admission processes in new ways. 
 
Toner said that it&#39;s been from the beginnings of this administration and certainly with respect to immigration and with refugee flows as well. 
 
&quot;Those processes are ongoing,&quot; he added. 
 
On being asked about the visa review process, Toner said, &quot;It&#39;s important to remember that this is always a part of how our consular bureau works and our consular officers work overseas, and our embassies and missions work overseas, and that is we&#39;re always reviewing the processes that are in place to issue these visas and finding ways to strengthen them, because we want to ensure the security of the American people&quot;. 
 
During his US visit, Jaitley on Sunday raised the H-1B issue with Mnuchin as India fears the curb would impact the movement of Indian IT professionals to America and highlighted the contribution Indian companies and professionals are making to the US economy. 
 
The development came after President Donald Trump signed an executive order for tightening the rules of the H-1B visa programme to stop its &quot;abuse&quot;&nbsp;and ensure that the visas are given to the &quot;most-skilled or highest paid&quot; petitioners,&nbsp;a decision that would impact India&#39;s USD 150 billion IT industry. 
 
(PTI)

US says it has been looking at ways to strengthen processes like visa interview and admission processes in new ways

Days after finance minister Arun Jaitley raised the issue of restrictions on H-1B visa with his American counterpart Steven Mnuchin, the US has said that it greatly values investments by Indian companies and wants strong economic ties between the two nations. "We want to see US-India business-to-business ties remain strong," State Department acting spokesman Mark Toner told reporters at his daily news conference yesterday. He was responding to questions on the ongoing review of H-1B visas by the Trump Administration and its impact on the Indian IT companies, who are heavily dependent on it. "We greatly value Indian companies' continued investment in the US economy, which also, of course, supports thousands of US jobs," Toner said. "With respect to any new requirements on visas, I'd have to check and see if that's been updated," he said, adding that under the current government, the US has been looking at ways to strengthen the processes like visa interview and admission processes in new ways. Toner said that it's been from the beginnings of this administration and certainly with respect to immigration and with refugee flows as well. "Those processes are ongoing," he added. On being asked about the visa review process, Toner said, "It's important to remember that this is always a part of how our consular bureau works and our consular officers work overseas, and our embassies and missions work overseas, and that is we're always reviewing the processes that are in place to issue these visas and finding ways to strengthen them, because we want to ensure the security of the American people". During his US visit, Jaitley on Sunday raised the H-1B issue with Mnuchin as India fears the curb would impact the movement of Indian IT professionals to America and highlighted the contribution Indian companies and professionals are making to the US economy. The development came after President Donald Trump signed an executive order for tightening the rules of the H-1B visa programme to stop its "abuse" and ensure that the visas are given to the "most-skilled or highest paid" petitioners, a decision that would impact India's USD 150 billion IT industry. (PTI)

Strengthening processes to issue H1-B visas, want to ensure security of Americans: US

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the United States on Tuesday to keep an open mind on admitting skilled Indian workers, in comments that pushed back against Republican President Donald Trump&#39;s &quot;America First&quot; rhetoric on jobs.

Modi&#39;s comments reflected concern that India&#39;s $150 billion IT services industry would suffer if the United States curbs the visas, known as H-1B, it relies on to send its software experts to the United States on project work.

&quot;The prime minister referred to the role of skilled Indian talent in enriching the American economy and society,&quot; Modi&#39;s office said in a statement after he met a bipartisan delegation of 26 members of the US&nbsp;Congress.

&quot;He urged developing a reflective, balanced and far-sighted perspective on movement of skilled professionals.&quot;

Indian nationals are by far the largest group of recipients of the 65,000 H-1B visas issued each year to new applicants under a cap mandated by Congress. Exemptions on the H-1B cap are available to up to 20,000 further applicants who have obtained a US&nbsp;master&#39;s degree.

The actual number of Indian nationals working in the United States under the H-1B programme is significantly higher, however, because many visas are rolled over.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, who was born in India, also met Modi on Tuesday. He told the Economic Times earlier that his own career had been made possible by &quot;an enlightened immigration policy&quot;.

&nbsp;

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Microsoft&#39;s Chief Executive, Satya Nadella, calls on Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, in New Delhi. (WION)
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Initial confidence that Asia&#39;s third-largest economy would benefit from Trump&#39;s election victory has given way to concern that his isolationist rhetoric and hostility to free trade would hurt India&#39;s hi-tech and outsourcing industry.

The sector, led by Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys Ltd and Wipro Ltd, employs 3.5 million people and is lobbying against proposed US&nbsp;visa curbs - including increases on salaries that H-1B visa holders must earn.

Part of the delegation led by Congressman Bob Goodlatte, a Republican from Virginia who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, met Ravi Shankar Prasad, India&#39;s minister in charge of electronics and IT.

Goodlatte, speaking at the meeting with Prasad, declined to answer a question on visa restrictions, saying it was up to the president to reassess his policies on immigration.

A senior Indian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said India hoped to resolve the visa issue with the United States but declined to be drawn on the details.

The government supported a move by NASSCOM, India&#39;s high-tech industry association, to lobby US&nbsp;lawmakers and companies to urge the administration not to crack down on allowing its skilled workers into the United States, the source said.

(Reuters)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the United States to keep an open mind on admitting skilled Indian workers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the United States on Tuesday to keep an open mind on admitting skilled Indian workers, in comments that pushed back against Republican President Donald Trump's "America First" rhetoric on jobs. Modi's comments reflected concern that India's $150 billion IT services industry would suffer if the United States curbs the visas, known as H-1B, it relies on to send its software experts to the United States on project work. "The prime minister referred to the role of skilled Indian talent in enriching the American economy and society," Modi's office said in a statement after he met a bipartisan delegation of 26 members of the US Congress. "He urged developing a reflective, balanced and far-sighted perspective on movement of skilled professionals." Indian nationals are by far the largest group of recipients of the 65,000 H-1B visas issued each year to new applicants under a cap mandated by Congress. Exemptions on the H-1B cap are available to up to 20,000 further applicants who have obtained a US master's degree. The actual number of Indian nationals working in the United States under the H-1B programme is significantly higher, however, because many visas are rolled over. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, who was born in India, also met Modi on Tuesday. He told the Economic Times earlier that his own career had been made possible by "an enlightened immigration policy". Microsoft's Chief Executive, Satya Nadella, calls on Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, in New Delhi. (WION) × Initial confidence that Asia's third-largest economy would benefit from Trump's election victory has given way to concern that his isolationist rhetoric and hostility to free trade would hurt India's hi-tech and outsourcing industry. The sector, led by Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys Ltd and Wipro Ltd, employs 3.5 million people and is lobbying against proposed US visa curbs - including increases on salaries that H-1B visa holders must earn. Part of the delegation led by Congressman Bob Goodlatte, a Republican from Virginia who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, met Ravi Shankar Prasad, India's minister in charge of electronics and IT. Goodlatte, speaking at the meeting with Prasad, declined to answer a question on visa restrictions, saying it was up to the president to reassess his policies on immigration. A senior Indian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said India hoped to resolve the visa issue with the United States but declined to be drawn on the details. The government supported a move by NASSCOM, India's high-tech industry association, to lobby US lawmakers and companies to urge the administration not to crack down on allowing its skilled workers into the United States, the source said. (Reuters)

H1-B visa: US should adopt balanced approach, says PM Modi

US President Donald Trump is expected to issue an executive order to restrict work visas, H1B and L1 issued to professionals working in the US for a short period of time, as part of a larger immigration reform.&nbsp;

The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ skilled foreign workers and are mostly used by Indian Information-Technology (IT) professionals.&nbsp;

This comes in after Trump issued a sweeping&nbsp;executive order banning foreign nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the US.&nbsp;

The new order will not just block the visas but end employment permit cards to spouses on work visas, which was introduced by the previous Obama administration.&nbsp;

The move will also increase what some Indians informally&nbsp;call&nbsp;&quot;inspector raj&quot;, where&nbsp;Homeland Security will have to carry out &quot;site visits&quot; where workers with L-1 visas are employed.&nbsp;

During the daily news briefing, White House press secretary Sean Spicer told reporters,&quot;I think with respect to H1Bs and other visa is part of a larger immigration reform effort that the President will continue to talk about through executive order and through working with Congress&quot;.&nbsp;

&quot;You&#39;ve already seen a lot of action on immigration and I think whether it&#39;s that or the spousal visas or other types of visas, I think there&#39;s an overall need to look at all of these programmes. You&#39;ll see both through executive action and through comprehensive measures a way to address immigration as a whole and the visa programme,&quot; Spicer added.

The proposed order was leaked and then published by a few news websites on Monday.&nbsp;

According to the leaked document, Trump would reverse former president Obama&#39;s order of extending foreign students stay in the US for a period of time after completing their course.&nbsp;

The draft order seeks the administration to &quot;consider ways to make the process of allocating visas more efficient and ensure that beneficiaries of the programmes are the best and the brightest&quot;.

The order also proposes to set up a commission to analyse US&#39;s current immigration policies and their impact on the American society, economy, workforce, and the foreign policy and national security interest of the United States.

(WION with inputs from PTI)

&nbsp;

Employment permit cards to spouses on work visas, introduced by the Obama government, are also expected to end

US President Donald Trump is expected to issue an executive order to restrict work visas, H1B and L1 issued to professionals working in the US for a short period of time, as part of a larger immigration reform. The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ skilled foreign workers and are mostly used by Indian Information-Technology (IT) professionals. This comes in after Trump issued a sweeping executive order banning foreign nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the US. The new order will not just block the visas but end employment permit cards to spouses on work visas, which was introduced by the previous Obama administration. The move will also increase what some Indians informally call "inspector raj", where Homeland Security will have to carry out "site visits" where workers with L-1 visas are employed. During the daily news briefing, White House press secretary Sean Spicer told reporters,"I think with respect to H1Bs and other visa is part of a larger immigration reform effort that the President will continue to talk about through executive order and through working with Congress". "You've already seen a lot of action on immigration and I think whether it's that or the spousal visas or other types of visas, I think there's an overall need to look at all of these programmes. You'll see both through executive action and through comprehensive measures a way to address immigration as a whole and the visa programme," Spicer added. The proposed order was leaked and then published by a few news websites on Monday. According to the leaked document, Trump would reverse former president Obama's order of extending foreign students stay in the US for a period of time after completing their course. The draft order seeks the administration to "consider ways to make the process of allocating visas more efficient and ensure that beneficiaries of the programmes are the best and the brightest". The order also proposes to set up a commission to analyse US's current immigration policies and their impact on the American society, economy, workforce, and the foreign policy and national security interest of the United States. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Trump expected to order clamp down on H1B, L1 visas

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