"us-visa"

US Senator Mark Warner has warned that uncertainty and hostile rhetoric around the H-1B visa programme could damage India–US relations, unsettle skilled professionals, and erode trust at a crucial moment in bilateral ties

The Trump administration has revoked over 100,000 visas in under a year, a record increase driven by enhanced screening and security measures. The move targets foreign nationals linked to crimes amid broader debates on immigration and border control.

Some H-1B visa applicants are receiving approvals after strict social media vetting by US consulates in Hyderabad and Chennai. Applicants report being asked to submit public social media handles, with cases briefly marked refused before being approved and issued.

A total of 127 US lawmakers have urged the Trump administration to withdraw proposed changes to the public charge rule, warning that it would create uncertainty in legal immigration. The move could particularly affect H-1B holders and Indian nationals awaiting employment-based green cards.

The Trump administration has announced enhanced screening measures for H-1B and H-4 visa applicants, requiring checks of their social media profiles. Starting December 15, the US State Department will review the online presence of applicants and their dependents.

The US has revoked 85,000 visas this year across multiple categories, including over 8,000 student visas, citing DUIs, assaults and theft as key reasons. Officials said stricter vetting will continue, especially for applicants from high-risk environments such as Afghanistan.

The United States has revoked and denied visas to certain Indian business executives and corporate leaders over alleged involvement in trafficking fentanyl precursors. While the identities remain undisclosed, the US embassy stated that firms linked to fentanyl precursor trade will face heightened scrutiny.

The US Embassy in a brief statement on X also said if anyone breaks the US law, they will be punished with "significant criminal penalties".

Here is a list of some essential documents necessary to apply for a US tourist visa for travel and other purposes

It also detailed that the Indian Mission has already surpassed one million nonimmigrant visa applications for the second consecutive year.

Before travelling to the United States, stay abreast with latest info

The misuse of commercial spyware has been linked to arbitrary detentions, forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in the most egregious of cases.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking the conclusion of his US visit on Saturday, said that two new American consulates will be opened in India: Bengaluru and Ahmedabad.

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

The visa fee payments made on October 1, 2022, are valid for 365 days from the date issued on the fee payment invoice.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Visa Services Julie Stufft told PTI in an interview that the goal of the State Department is to get to 1 million visas issued this year, which would be above the pre-pandemic number.

New Delhi: The waiting period for issuance of American visas is expected to see a significant fall by summer of 2023 and the number is projected to reach around 1.2 million, a senior official of the US embassy said on Thursday. “India is number one priority for Washington (for issuance of visas). Our aim is […]

Hello readers! In last week’s column, we covered different student visa types (F-1, J-1, M-1) and how to apply (ustraveldocs.com). This week, we will discuss visa appointments. For both biometrics collection appointments (at the Visa Application Center) and visa interviews (at an embassy/consulate), applicants should keep these points in mind: • Scheduling: Students should apply […]

Indian students comprise nearly 20 percent of all international students studying in the United States, with the Open Doors report in 2021 showing there were 167,582 students from India in the 2020-2021 academic year.

Washington: The United States has waived in-person interview requirements for many visa applicants, including students and workers, at its diplomatic missions in India through December 31 this year, a senior American diplomat has told Indian community leaders. These applicants eligible for the waiver are students (F, M, and academic J visas), workers (H-1, H-2, H-3, […]