US VISA DELAYS
US proposes tougher H-1B visa extension scrutiny and over 2 lakh foreign worker petitions could be affected annually
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed removing a rule that requires immigration officers to give weight to previous approvals when reviewing certain work visa extension applications. The change could affect around 208,429 petitions annually, including H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN and E visa categories. If finalised, the proposal would allow USCIS officers to reassess applications even when workers remain with the same employer in unchanged roles.
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.
‘Billionaires with wives of Chinese origin’: Jensen Huang’s scandalous life sparks viral social media lists. Who features?
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang has come under fire following his confession of an extramarital affair with Kimberly Powell. This admission ignited discussions on social media about the patterns of billionaires forming relationships with women of Chinese descent. Renowned billionaires like Larry Ellison and Rupert Murdoch share similar stories. Moreover, tech moguls such as Mark Zuckerberg and Eduardo Saverin are also in partnerships with Chinese partners.
US midterms 2026: Democrats win Congress, but can they change Trump's immigration policies?
The recent 2026 midterm elections have shifted the immigration debate, giving Democrats control of Congress and new leverage against President Trump's policies. As calls for reform intensify, lawmakers face challenges in reversing stringent immigration practices. Key issues surround oversight of ICE, protections for Dreamers, and potential pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. How will this political landscape evolve?
Amagi, Shiprocket post profits; US polls’ impact on IT
Amagi’s Q2 profit surged nearly 30x while Shiprocket swung into the black for the first time. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
US midterms: JD Vance says administration fought replacement of American workers with lower-wage foreign employees
US Vice President JD Vance highlighted the Trump administration's actions to combat visa fraud and safeguard American jobs. He emphasized that American employment should be prioritized for citizens over foreign workers to ensure sovereignty. Meanwhile, disruptions during the 2026 midterm elections in North Carolina caused polling hours to be extended across several precincts.
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Green card lottery cancelled for fiscal year 2027? Check latest status of Diversity Visa Program that offers 55,000 US visas?
Diversity Visa Program is also called the green card lottery. It was introduced to extend immigration opportunities for people of particular countries that remained underrepresented in the US immigration system.
US begins approving H-1B petitions without Trump's $100,000 fee: What it means for workers, employers
US Citizenship and Immigration Services has started approving H-1B visa petitions without the $100,000 fee. This change follows federal court orders that blocked the enforcement of this fee requirement. Many employers previously avoided hiring overseas candidates due to these costs, but approvals may open new opportunities. Petition processing is currently uneven, and some applications are still pending beyond premium processing deadlines.
US EAD rule change explained and why an expired work permit could put your job at risk
Changes in the Employment Authorisation Documents (EAD) policy are set to affect foreign workers depending heavily on these documents. Renewal delays can lead to gaps in employment for many, particularly impacting H-4 spouses of H-1B visa holders. This scenario underscores the necessity for these individuals to thoroughly comprehend renewal protocols and seek guidance from employers or immigration attorneys to mitigate any potential financial hardships during the renewal process.
EB-5 visa minimum investment threshold set to increase in 2027, impacting aspiring immigrants
The US EB-5 immigrant investor programme's minimum investment is set to increase on January 1, 2027. Investors in targeted employment areas may see investments rise to between $900,000 and $937,500. Standard project investments could increase to between $1.2 million and $1.25 million. Applicants must prepare their petitions early to ensure compliance with current investment thresholds.
US legal immigration falls by half as visa restrictions reshape entry routes: Explained
Legal immigration to United States fell sharply in February 2026, with immigrant visa issuances dropping dramatically. The Trump administration implemented stricter entry rules affecting applicants from numerous countries and regions. Specific declines were noted in Central Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe, resulting in a slower overall process. Student and work visa issuances also decreased significantly, impacting the immigration landscape.
US immigration fees rise effective today: What Indians applying for work permits and other benefits need to know
Starting today, US immigration fees will increase for certain applications due to inflation adjustments. Indians applying for asylum, Temporary Protected Status, or immigration parole will be affected by these changes. The revised fees range from $3 to $30, depending on the specific application category. H-1B visa holders and green card applicants will not experience these specific fee changes.
US PERM Freeze: Indian H-1B workers could lose crucial time to secure Green Cards as sponsorships stall
On October 8, the US Department of Labor announced the suspension of green card processing for eight companies, causing significant worry among Indian professionals reliant on employer sponsorship for permanent residency. While current H-1B visas remain valid, individuals are urged to examine their situations closely and explore other immigration options. Families connected to the affected workers should also evaluate their immigration standings in light of these developments.
US Green Card lottery 2027: Judge orders Trump administration to reopen Diversity Visa registration from November 1
A US federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to reopen registration for the 2027 Diversity Visa lottery. The registration window is set to open by November 1, 2026, after earlier delays. The lawsuit prompted by a California immigration firm claimed the government's failure effectively cancelled the program. Selected applicants will have until December 3 to be notified and process their cases.
US proposes ending deference policy for H-1B extensions; Indian workers may face closer scrutiny
The US Department of Homeland Security proposes to eliminate a policy regarding visa extension approvals. Immigration officers may reassess petitions even when circumstances have not changed or remain the same. This change could lead to increased scrutiny for H-1B visa workers extending their stay in the US. Employers might face additional documentation requirements and higher costs associated with extended applications.
US scraps automatic work permit extensions, raising concerns for Indian H-1B visa holders
In a recent development, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially finalised a rule that puts an end to automatic work authorisation extensions for certain immigrants living in the US. This alteration stands to impact foreign nationals, especially those holding H-4 visas, who could encounter delays in their employment.
US green card delays: What options do Indian tech workers have if PERM is suspended
With the US labour certification process now suspended, Indian technology workers face an uncertain future in their pursuit of permanent residency. They are encouraged to consider changing employers or looking into green card options that do not rely on the PERM process. Additionally, pursuing international transfers within their companies could offer viable pathways.
US targets biggest PERM filer: What changes for Indian tech workers
Indian professionals face uncertainty as eight major technology companies are suspended from the US Green Card programme. The suspension affects both new and pending PERM applications, creating potential delays for employees. H-1B visa holders are not losing their jobs immediately, but their immigration status remains uncertain. Workers near the six-year H-1B limit must evaluate their immigration options carefully.
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.
Trump administration’s PERM suspension: Can H-1B workers stay in the US if green card filings are blocked?
Indian professionals working at Microsoft and Cognizant may face delays in their green card applications. The suspension affects various stages of the PERM labour certification process. Workers near the six-year limit of their H-1B status could experience significant complications. Employees with pending applications might wait longer for decisions and subsequent steps in their residency applications. Clarity on the effects of the suspension on approved applications is still awaited.
PERM suspension could trap tech workers in a green card visa cycle
The US suspension of Microsoft, Adobe and six other IT services companies from the PERM green card process could leave some H-1B workers stuck longer in temporary status, particularly if their employers have not yet filed PERM or if they are approaching the six-year H-1B limit. The suspension does not cancel existing H-1B visas, but it could delay green card milestones that some workers rely on for visa extensions, job changes and longer-term plans in the US.
H-1B visas, green card programmes generated $2.1 trillion in US household income: USISPF
The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum has backed the Trump administration’s crackdown on alleged PERM abuse while warning against overlooking the economic contribution of legal immigrants. USISPF said green card and H-1B pathways have strengthened US growth and innovation, citing $2.1 trillion in household income and nearly $579 billion in federal, state and local taxes generated by legal immigrants.
Green card woes deepen for Indian tech workers
Thousands of Indian technology professionals are facing uncertainty regarding their US permanent residency applications. Major technology companies have been suspended from the permanent labor certification program, impacting green card processing. Employees nearing the H-1B visa limit may encounter immediate difficulties due to these restrictions. Companies are evaluating their immigration strategies to support affected employees and ensure talent retention.
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.
‘You have a green card of your own’: US' new PERM rules expose a job trap of 'rewards' that employees get stuck in for years, warns IIM alumnus
An IIM Lucknow alumnus has drawn a parallel between the US green card restrictions affecting Indian professionals and a career trap that many employees may not even realise they are caught in. From ESOPs waiting to vest to retention bonuses and long-promised promotions, rewards that appear to offer financial security can make people think twice before exploring better opportunities.
Trump's bid to curb techies may end up benefiting India
Trump’s tightening of H-1B and PERM rules could hurt Indian IT companies in the short term but may also accelerate the shift of more US technology work to India, former HCLTech CEO Vineet Nayar argues. The bigger opportunity would be for Indian firms to move beyond manpower-heavy outsourcing towards higher-value work in AI, product engineering, cybersecurity and technology ownership.
Hidden cost of travel: Visa fees, card markups, optional tours and tips that can add 25-40% to budget; here's how to plan for them
Many travelers fail to account for hidden costs while planning international journeys, often only considering major expenses. These overlooked charges can hike trip costs by 25-40%, creating budget overruns. It's vital to include local transport, dining, and extra fees in your budget to avoid unexpected financial surprises. Employing effective budgeting techniques ensures a smoother and more enjoyable experience abroad.
flydubai co-pilot planned Ben Gurion crash after incapacitating captain: Report
Hamam al-Hammami, the co-pilot of Flydubai Flight FZ1073, planned a terrorist attack to crash the aircraft. He was detained after attempting to incapacitate the captain during the flight. Israeli passengers intervened and successfully restrained al-Hammami, averting a disaster. Investigations revealed his prior radicalization and connections to extremist ideology. Authorities are continuing to explore his background and any potential external influences.
US immigration crackdown hits Kansas, disrupts beef processing
ICE operations in southwest Kansas resulted in significant labor shortages at beef processing plants and affected cattle shipments. Community organizers reported that many immigrant workers stayed home due to fears of arrest. The livestock industry has criticized the operations, stating they are causing operational chaos and increasing beef prices. As a result, slaughter numbers declined sharply in recent days, impacting supply.
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