F 1 VISA
17-year-old Indian chess player faces US visa delays, Rs 50 lakh debt and scholarship uncertainty despite two GM norms
Indian chess prodigy Md Imran is caught in a frustrating situation as US visa delays threaten his scholarship. Following the loss of his passport during a tournament in Slovakia, he has encountered numerous visa application challenges. Despite his remarkable achievements in chess, this predicament has heightened his stress and adversely impacted his gameplay.
US Midterm elections 2026: Who really controls H-1B visas, green cards and student visas for Indians?
As the US Midterm elections approach, their results may have profound implications for immigration regulations regarding visas. Congress's ability to enact changes can directly impact Indian professionals, potentially reducing the green card backlog. Additionally, new legislative dynamics could alter policies surrounding student visas. The electoral outcome may ultimately dictate shifting priorities in immigration enforcement, influencing many lives.
US Midterm elections 2026: Could the results change how long Indian students can stay in America?
The outcome of the US Midterm elections could significantly impact the future of the student visa framework, particularly for Indian learners. Changes suggested for the F-1 visa might enforce set admission periods rather than flexible durations, making the shift from education to real-world employment more complex for graduates opting for Optional Practical Training.
F1's India comeback is gathering speed, but the road to the starting grid is far from clear
Formula 1’s return to Africa has revived hopes of an Indian Grand Prix comeback, with talks involving Formula One Management, the Adani Group and the government gaining momentum. The bigger challenge is not convincing F1 of India’s market potential but fixing the tax, customs and policy problems that drove the race out in 2013, while finding space on an already crowded calendar.
November Visa Bulletin: Big movement for Indian family-sponsored green-card applicants
The November US Visa Bulletin brings significant progress for Indian family-sponsored green-card applicants, with F1, F2B and F3 dates advancing by one year. F2A moved ahead by one month. Employment-based categories saw limited movement, with only EB-3 and Other Workers advancing, while EB-1 and EB-2 remained unchanged.
US visa wait times: India faces 12-month wait for visitor visa slots, 6.5 months for work visas
Indian applicants seeking US business and tourist visas currently face long waiting periods for interview appointments. Mumbai has a wait time of up to 12 months, while Hyderabad follows closely with a 10.5-month wait. Other cities like New Delhi and Kolkata also have significant delays, affecting various visa categories. Student and exchange visitor visas have shorter waiting times compared to visitor visas.
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US midterm elections 2026: What could change for H-1B & green cards as US' immigration rules face a poll test
The looming US midterm elections are set to play a crucial role in shaping immigration policy, particularly concerning H-1B visas. Various proposals are under consideration that could reshape how employment-based green cards are processed and issued. With lawmakers from both sides offering contrasting changes, the outcome of these elections will be vital in influencing potential reforms, as current administrative policies and congressional actions will dictate future immigration frameworks.
J-1 probe deals another blow to Indian researchers’ American Dream
Researchers from India are increasingly deferring PhD admissions in the US due to uncertainty in funding. The J-1 visa probe creates concerns about the viability of staying long enough to complete doctoral studies. Many applicants are now shifting their focus towards Europe, where doctoral programs often offer salaried positions. This year has been particularly tough for potential PhD candidates as the US imposes a cap on stay duration.
US universities review CPT rules for international students as higher education groups seek court relief, hearing on November 6
Four US higher education organisations have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration’s stricter interpretation of Curricular Practical Training (CPT) rules for international students, with a hearing scheduled for November 6. The groups are seeking to pause the changes, arguing that they have disrupted internships and created uncertainty for universities.
Harvard Law School bars international students from externship clinics under new US rules
Indian and other international students pursuing a Juris Doctor (JD) degree at Harvard Law School will no longer be able to participate in its 13 externship clinics under revised US guidance on off-campus work authorisation. The change affects international students who previously used the programme to gain practical experience with government agencies, companies and non-profit organisations. Students may explore alternative clinical courses or apply for a separate work authorisation, but using the latter could reduce their post-study work period in the US.
PERM ban is not just an H-1B problem: Who else could lose their green card path?
The US Labor Department’s PERM suspension could affect foreign workers beyond H-1B holders, including some L-1, O-1, TN, E-3 and F-1 OPT workers whose employer-sponsored green card cases depend on labour certification. Their current visas are not automatically cancelled, but PERM delays could slow permanent residency and create greater uncertainty for workers nearing the limits of their temporary status.
MIT, Harvard, Yale among 9 US universities under J-1 visa fraud probe as US alleges wage undercutting
The US Labour Department has launched an investigation into alleged J-1 visa fraud at nine major universities, including Harvard, Yale, Stanford and MIT. Vice President JD Vance alleged the programme was being used to undercut American workers’ wages. The move follows a proposed $70,000 fee for initial F-1 student OPT.
Microsoft defends foreign hiring after US green card programme suspension
Microsoft has emphasized that a significant majority of its US employees are American amidst immigration crackdowns. It submitted H-1B visa applications primarily for current employees, not new hires, reflecting its workforce strategy. This statement coincides with CEO Satya Nadella receiving the National Medal of Technology and Innovation. The Trump administration is investigating multiple tech firms, including Microsoft, for immigration-related issues.
'Never-ending flow of cheap labour': JD Vance reiterates US stand on barring Microsoft, TCS Infosys & others from green card program
US Vice President JD Vance defended the Trump administration’s move to suspend major technology companies, including Microsoft and Adobe, from the employment-based green card programme, accusing corporations of relying on cheap foreign labour at the expense of American workers.
India slams JD Vance's H-1B remarks, defends Indian workers
India's external affairs ministry expressed strong disapproval of JD Vance's remarks about H-1B workers, labeling them as deeply offensive. They emphasized that current H-1B visas continue to be valid, notwithstanding modifications to the PERM program. Vance's allegations against firms like Microsoft for prioritizing foreign employees over Americans have reignited debates on immigration.
US green-card freeze hits TCS, Infosys, Wipro; GTRI warns of wider IT curbs
The US government has suspended eight technology companies, including TCS, Infosys, Wipro and HCLTech, from the PERM green-card sponsorship programme, raising concerns over potential restrictions on foreign tech workers. A Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) report warns that curbs could extend to H-1B hiring and skilled-worker mobility. The move may push Indian IT firms to diversify markets and expand domestic delivery.
Karnataka Minister warns of 'far-reaching consequences' on US suspension of Green Card program for IT majors
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge outlined potential challenges for India's IT sector due to the US suspension. This suspension may increase operational costs and reduce flexibility for Indian IT companies in the United States. Kharge suggested that more high-value work might remain in India due to difficulties in relocating engineers. He emphasized the need for India to be prepared for this shifting landscape in technology operations.
US universities challenge new CPT restrictions for international students
US universities have contested recent changes to Curricular Practical Training, which international students rely on for internships. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program narrowed CPT eligibility, prompting universities to adapt their programs accordingly. A lawsuit has been filed challenging the government's new interpretation of these regulations. Institutions like Yale are advising students to consult with international student advisers before pursuing CPT.
Trump administration proposes a $70,000 fee for international students to work in the US
The US Department of Homeland Security has proposed significant fees for foreign students participating in the OPT program. Schools would pay $70,000 for each initial OPT recommendation and $30,000 for subsequent recommendations. This move is part of efforts to manage international student employment and address concerns regarding possible fraud. If finalized, the fees could impact colleges and employers that rely on international talent.
US to double EB-5 visa fees from November 30: What it means for Indian investors seeking green card
New fees for the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program will be effective from November 30, 2026. Investors using the regional-centre route will see a significant fee increase of over 100%. Those who already submitted their EB-5 petitions will be exempt from the new fees until their cases are resolved. The fee changes apply to all applicants and are necessary for program administration.
US Visa Bulletin October 2026: Some Indians get green card relief as new US fiscal year begins, but many remain stuck
The October Visa Bulletin brings forward movement for Indian green card applicants as the US starts its new fiscal year. EB-1 and EB-4 final action dates advanced, while EB-2 and EB-3 remained unchanged. Filing dates moved sharply in EB-1 and EB-4, but family-sponsored categories recorded limited gains.
Moving from UAE to India? 6-step financial homecoming guidebook to manage tax residency, bank accounts, Dubai property, and gratuity
Tax residency, bank accounts, Dubai property and gratuity all need sorting before and after you fly home.
Indian executives are gaining clout in US corporate boardrooms
The landscape of S&P 500 boards has seen a noteworthy shift, with Indian men now occupying a record 16 seats. This development reflects the increasing preference for directors equipped with CEO-level expertise. In contrast, Indian women's representation on boards continues to stagnate. Compounding these dynamics, future entry for Indian executives into the US job market may face challenges due to prevailing immigration policies.
US visa wait times: Indians face up to 12-month wait for visitor slots; work visas up to 5.5 months
Indian applicants for US visitor visas are expected to experience long waiting times for interviews in various cities. In Hyderabad, applicants may wait up to 12 months, while Mumbai follows closely with an 11.5-month wait. Other cities face shorter waits, with Chennai at 7.5 months and Kolkata at 6.5 months. For student visas, the waiting times are significantly reduced to less than two months in most cities.
The H-1B midterm test: Why Indian tech workers could matter in the US elections
The 2026 US midterms could make H-1B policy a political test among Indian-American voters, with Trump-era fees and tighter scrutiny affecting a community closely tied to skilled migration. But immigration is only part of the equation, with inflation and jobs ranking higher among voter concerns and the wider debate increasingly tied to economic growth, talent and the US technology workforce.
Rs 49 LPA job at Big Four, father has diamond business in Gujarat: Redditor claims F-1 visa denied despite Harvard MBA admission, paid Rs 5 lakh for appointment to the agent
A Reddit user claims she paid five lakh rupees to an agent for a visa appointment. She was denied a US F-1 student visa despite Harvard MBA admission. The visa officer questioned her decision to leave a high-paying consulting job. She explained her plans to join her family's diamond business in Gujarat. Her existing US tourist visa was also cancelled without prejudice.
Got an F1 ticket? Azerbaijan may give you a visa at the airport
Azerbaijan is offering visa-on-arrival to eligible foreign visitors travelling for the 2026 Formula 1 race in Baku, including Indian passport holders. Travellers arriving between August 25 and September 30 can use the facility if they carry a valid race ticket, proof of purchase or approved accreditation; others must use Azerbaijan’s regular visa process.
US expands visa social media checks to three more categories from October 1
From October 1, the US will expand social media screening to I, TN and TD visa applicants, requiring foreign journalists, USMCA professionals and their dependants to make all social media profiles public or open. The move adds these categories to an online vetting regime that already covers H-1B workers, students, exchange visitors and several other visa classes.
Trump got appeasement, India suffered humiliation: Congress on H-1B visa-fee renewal
The Congress accused the Narendra Modi government of appeasing US President Donald Trump after the White House extended the USD 100,000 H-1B visa payment requirement for certain petitions by 12 months. The party said the move would affect Indian IT professionals, students and job opportunities. Trump has also ordered tighter scrutiny of H-1B applications.
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