A United States judge has ruled a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas unlawful. President Donald Trump had ann ...More

A United States judge has ruled a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas unlawful. President Donald Trump had announced this fee in September. The ruling came after a lawsuit filed by 20 Democratic state attorneys general. This fee significantly increased the cost of obtaining H-1B visas for skilled foreign workers. The judge ordered the fee to be invalidated. ...Less

Indian diaspora groups in the US have lauded a federal court's decision to strike down the $100,000 H-1B ...More

Indian diaspora groups in the US have lauded a federal court's decision to strike down the $100,000 H-1B visa fee, deeming it a fair move for the employment-based immigration system. This ruling, which found the fee unlawful without congressional approval, is expected to bring relief to stakeholders, though concerns about potential procedural hurdles remain. ...Less

AI firms OpenAI, Anthropic, and Nvidia are boosting H-1B visa applications. This comes as they compete fo ...More

AI firms OpenAI, Anthropic, and Nvidia are boosting H-1B visa applications. This comes as they compete for specialized talent. Other major tech companies like Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, and Google are reducing their visa filings. New H-1B rules favor higher-paid applicants. A court blocked a proposed fee on overseas applicants. ...Less

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated the DHS can waive a new $100,000 H-1B visa fee in spe ...More

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated the DHS can waive a new $100,000 H-1B visa fee in specific cases, potentially easing employer recruitment costs. He also expressed support for streamlining the return process for compliant seasonal H-2B visa workers, acknowledging the need for congressional action on broader visa program changes. ...Less

US President Donald Trump slammed federal judges for blocking his administration's USD 100,000 H-1B visa ...More

US President Donald Trump slammed federal judges for blocking his administration's USD 100,000 H-1B visa fee, calling the system "crazy". While the White House plans to appeal, a bipartisan group of US lawmakers, state attorneys, and Indian stakeholders welcomed the ruling, warning the fee would cripple local workforces. ...Less

A Republican lawmaker has introduced legislation to overhaul the H-1B visa program, aiming to end its use ...More

A Republican lawmaker has introduced legislation to overhaul the H-1B visa program, aiming to end its use as a pathway to permanent residency and scrap the OPT program. The bill, supported by several organizations, seeks to prioritize American workers by enforcing real wage standards and ending the lottery system. ...Less

US lawmakers welcomed a court ruling blocking a proposed USD 100,000 H-1B visa fee, despite White House p ...More

US lawmakers welcomed a court ruling blocking a proposed USD 100,000 H-1B visa fee, despite White House plans to appeal. The decision crucially protects the vital employment pipeline for highly skilled Indian professionals, who systematically secure the majority of these 85,000 annual US work permits. ...Less

Despite growing global competition, United States continues to be the top choice for Indian tech professi ...More

Despite growing global competition, United States continues to be the top choice for Indian tech professionals. This enduring appeal stems from its world-class universities, vast tech sector, deep capital markets, and a robust education-to-employment pipeline, including the H-1B visa. While countries like Canada offer faster residency, they can't match America's comprehensive innovation ecosystem. ...Less

US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin revealed over two lakh applicants paid USD 100,000 for fa ...More

US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin revealed over two lakh applicants paid USD 100,000 for faster H-1B visa processing in fiscal year 2026. This fee allows for processing in about 15 days. Senator Susan Collins raised concerns about rural doctor shortages and asked about fee exemptions for medical professionals. Senator Lisa Murkowski also flagged teacher shortages in rural Alaska. ...Less

A senior US State Department official stated that US visa laws are applied uniformly across all countries ...More

A senior US State Department official stated that US visa laws are applied uniformly across all countries, including India, dispelling concerns about H-1B visas and immigration policies. The US aims to balance job opportunities for its citizens with facilitating necessary foreign talent for investment and economic growth. ...Less

A US federal judge struck down the $100,000 fee for fresh H-1B petitions, deeming it an unlawful tax. Thi ...More

A US federal judge struck down the $100,000 fee for fresh H-1B petitions, deeming it an unlawful tax. This ruling could encourage more applications and enhance on-site mobility for Indian talent, though its temporary nature due to potential judicial review remains a concern. ...Less

A federal court struck down a $100,000 H-1B visa fee. Former Meta engineer Zach Wilson praised this, high ...More

A federal court struck down a $100,000 H-1B visa fee. Former Meta engineer Zach Wilson praised this, highlighting the talent pool in India. He noted past difficulties for Indian students seeking US jobs due to immigration policies. Wilson's views sparked debate, with some arguing for prioritizing American graduates. He countered that jobs might be outsourced anyway. ...Less

A Nepal-born tech professional, Pratik Karki, shared his arduous US immigration journey after securing hi ...More

A Nepal-born tech professional, Pratik Karki, shared his arduous US immigration journey after securing his green card. Facing H-1B visa rejections and career risks, Karki left a lucrative Google job to launch a startup. His perseverance, coupled with his wife's support, led to visa approval and the beginning of his entrepreneurial venture. ...Less

USCIS H-1B visa selections reveal a shift towards applicants with advanced degrees and higher salaries. T ...More

USCIS H-1B visa selections reveal a shift towards applicants with advanced degrees and higher salaries. This follows recent policy changes to the selection process. The agency reports a significant increase in selected applicants holding US master's degrees or higher. Low-wage filings have decreased substantially. The new system prioritizes higher-skilled workers and higher wage levels. ...Less

The US immigration pathway for skilled professionals, once a clear ladder, is now fraught with uncertaint ...More

The US immigration pathway for skilled professionals, once a clear ladder, is now fraught with uncertainty. Lottery-based H-1B visas and massive green card backlogs, particularly for Indian professionals facing decades-long waits, are forcing a rethink. This unpredictability impacts career choices, entrepreneurship, and even children's futures, prompting a global talent exodus. ...Less

The US is optimistic about trade negotiations with India, with a bilateral trade deal remaining a priorit ...More

The US is optimistic about trade negotiations with India, with a bilateral trade deal remaining a priority for the Trump administration. State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott highlighted constructive discussions and the role of US Ambassador Sergio Gor in advancing trade and investment ties. Regarding immigration, Pigott stated visa laws are being applied consistently and globally, ensuring clarity for all countries. ...Less

The US Department of Justice is seeking to revoke the citizenship of 17 naturalized Americans, including ...More

The US Department of Justice is seeking to revoke the citizenship of 17 naturalized Americans, including an Indian-origin businessman accused of H-1B visa fraud. Neeraj Sharma allegedly filed fraudulent visa petitions and provided false testimony during his naturalization interview. This action underscores the government's zero-tolerance policy for those who abuse the naturalization process. ...Less

The US State Department will launch a pilot programme from July 1 allowing certain consulates to offer B1 ...More

The US State Department will launch a pilot programme from July 1 allowing certain consulates to offer B1/B2 visa applicants interview appointments within 10 business days for an additional $750 fee. The premium service, available in limited numbers at select locations through December 31, will only expedite appointment scheduling and will not affect visa processing times, eligibility requirements or approval chances. ...Less

Proposed changes to US student visa rules could make it harder for international graduates, particularly ...More

Proposed changes to US student visa rules could make it harder for international graduates, particularly Indians, to remain employed in the United States after completing their studies, potentially worsening talent shortages in sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), technology and engineering, according to Danielle Goldman, co-founder and CEO of Build. ...Less

A new USCIS policy memorandum, PM-602-0199, impacts Adjustment of Status applications. Immigration office ...More

A new USCIS policy memorandum, PM-602-0199, impacts Adjustment of Status applications. Immigration officers will now scrutinize applications more closely. Applicants must present strong positive equities, not just a clean record. This change affects various visa categories, including F-1 and B-1/B-2 visitors. The policy aims to make domestic adjustment more difficult. Applicants should consult legal counsel to prepare their cases effectively. ...Less

As green card backlogs, visa uncertainty and layoffs reshape the American dream, India is emerging as a s ...More

As green card backlogs, visa uncertainty and layoffs reshape the American dream, India is emerging as a stronger destination for globally experienced professionals. Experts say GCCs, AI, semiconductors and product firms could absorb returning talent, though compensation gaps and ecosystem challenges remain. ...Less

Walmart investors on Thursday voted against a shareholder proposal asking it to report on how its use of ...More

Walmart investors on Thursday voted against a shareholder proposal asking it to report on how its use of AI is affecting the well-being of its workforce, according to preliminary voting results from the retailer's annual shareholders' meeting. ...Less

Happy Wednesday! Zepto's IPO filing reveals where it really stands against Blinkit and Instamart. This an ...More

Happy Wednesday! Zepto's IPO filing reveals where it really stands against Blinkit and Instamart. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch. ...Less

Recent changes to US immigration policy now mandate that H-1B visa holders must return to their home coun ...More

Recent changes to US immigration policy now mandate that H-1B visa holders must return to their home countries when applying for green cards. This shift puts pressure on Indian professionals and American companies alike. However, India has a golden opportunity to pivot. ...Less

Donald Trump's push to reshape US immigration policy repeatedly ran into resistance not from Democrats, b ...More

Donald Trump's push to reshape US immigration policy repeatedly ran into resistance not from Democrats, but from the courts. From DACA and asylum restrictions to birthright citizenship, sanctuary cities and H-1B visas, judges repeatedly tested the limits of executive power, reshaping one of the most consequential immigration agendas in modern American politics. ...Less

The Department of Homeland Security clarified that most green card applicants can remain in the U.S. duri ...More

The Department of Homeland Security clarified that most green card applicants can remain in the U.S. during processing, easing concerns from an earlier announcement. This decision follows widespread confusion and backlash, with DHS stating officers will continue to decide on a case-by-case basis, a long-standing discretionary authority. ...Less

H-1B visa registrations have seen a sharp decline this year. Stricter US immigration rules and increased ...More

H-1B visa registrations have seen a sharp decline this year. Stricter US immigration rules and increased costs are pushing companies to be more selective. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services reports a significant drop in registrations for FY27. This shift favors applicants with advanced degrees and higher salaries, signaling an end to mass, low-wage registrations. ...Less

India's technology job market faces its slowest period in over two years. Active tech job openings have d ...More

India's technology job market faces its slowest period in over two years. Active tech job openings have dropped significantly. Global uncertainty, US immigration shifts, and AI adoption are pushing companies to recruit cautiously. This indicates a structural reset in the industry, with revenue growth decoupling from headcount growth. Demand for specialized skills like AI and cloud remains strong. ...Less

Nvidia is aggressively competing for AI talent, with top engineering roles now offering base salaries up ...More

Nvidia is aggressively competing for AI talent, with top engineering roles now offering base salaries up to ₹4.7 crore. This significant compensation, alongside substantial stock-based wealth, highlights the company's position as a top global tech employer. The AI boom has transformed many employees into millionaires, especially long-term staff benefiting from equity growth. ...Less

Indian professionals on H-1B visas face immediate immigration pressure due to US tech layoffs. Losing a j ...More

Indian professionals on H-1B visas face immediate immigration pressure due to US tech layoffs. Losing a job triggers a strict 60-day grace period. Affected workers must find a new sponsor or change visa status within this limited time. Companies like Meta and Amazon are restructuring, impacting many sponsored employees. ...Less

Tech giants such as Amazon, Oracle, and Meta have laid off thousands of employees in the past few months, ...More

Tech giants such as Amazon, Oracle, and Meta have laid off thousands of employees in the past few months, and a large number of the affected people are estimated to be from India on H-1B visas. The visa rules give them 60 days to find new employment, or they must return to their home countries. ...Less

US demand for H-1B visas has slumped to a seven-year low amid steeper costs and Trump-era policy shifts. ...More

US demand for H-1B visas has slumped to a seven-year low amid steeper costs and Trump-era policy shifts. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5. ...Less

India's strong GDP growth hides underlying fragilities. Economist Aurodeep Nandi warns that without boost ...More

India's strong GDP growth hides underlying fragilities. Economist Aurodeep Nandi warns that without boosting domestic demand and investing heavily in research and development, India risks falling into the middle-income trap. Current growth relies on top-tier consumption and services exports. Manufacturing and private investment lag. This structural shift is crucial for lasting prosperity. ...Less

Former Diplomat Veena Sikri highlights protocol concerns regarding an invitation for Prime Minister Modi. ...More

Former Diplomat Veena Sikri highlights protocol concerns regarding an invitation for Prime Minister Modi. She notes renewed US interest in the Quad, with potential summits discussed. Discussions also covered maritime security, energy security, and the impact of new US visa rules on India. India seeks non-discriminatory processes while exploring energy options. ...Less

Oracle layoffs 2026: Oracle is finalizing its largest workforce reduction, with approximately 30,000 empl ...More

Oracle layoffs 2026: Oracle is finalizing its largest workforce reduction, with approximately 30,000 employees departing by mid-June. Despite strong financial performance and significant growth in its AI business, the company is redirecting resources towards AI infrastructure. The layoffs, particularly within Oracle Health, have raised concerns about ongoing projects and obligations. ...Less

A wave of legislative proposals in Washington targets the H-1B visa program and the broader immigration p ...More

A wave of legislative proposals in Washington targets the H-1B visa program and the broader immigration pipeline for skilled workers. Bills like the End H-1B Visa Abuse Act 2026 propose pauses, reduced caps, higher salaries, and elimination of Optional Practical Training. ...Less

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Jaishankar expresse ...More

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Jaishankar expressed India's concerns regarding US visa and immigration policy changes. He stated that legal mobility should not be negatively affected. Rubio acknowledged transition challenges but assured an efficient system. The discussions also covered trade and tariff issues impacting bilateral ties. ...Less

New US green card rules are drawing sharp criticism. Tech leaders and Indian entrepreneurs warn of impact ...More

New US green card rules are drawing sharp criticism. Tech leaders and Indian entrepreneurs warn of impacts on innovation and families. The policy requires many to apply from abroad. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defends the changes, calling them global and not India-specific. He cites a need to streamline immigration and address past abuses. ...Less

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed racist remarks against Indians in America. He called these co ...More

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed racist remarks against Indians in America. He called these comments the work of 'stupid people'. Rubio stated such remarks do not reflect the United States' welcoming nature. He highlighted that immigrants have significantly enriched the nation. Rubio made these statements during his visit to New Delhi for bilateral talks. ...Less

New United States immigration rules will create more procedural hurdles for Indian professionals and stud ...More

New United States immigration rules will create more procedural hurdles for Indian professionals and students seeking permanent residency. Those already in the US may need to complete the process in their home countries. This could disrupt careers and impact future talent attraction. Experts believe lawful temporary visa holders, especially H-1B visa holders, will be disproportionately affected. ...Less

Trump faces mounting challenges this summer, including legal setbacks, weak approval ratings and public a ...More

Trump faces mounting challenges this summer, including legal setbacks, weak approval ratings and public anxiety over inflation and fuel prices. A frustrating standoff with Iran and judicial rulings limiting executive actions are creating a narrative of a president increasingly squeezed from multiple directions. ...Less

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that a new green card policy is a global immigration overhaul, n ...More

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that a new green card policy is a global immigration overhaul, not specifically targeting India. He explained the reform addresses a past migration crisis and abuses of the system, aiming for a more efficient process for applicants in the long run. ...Less

A Trump administration proposal would significantly increase H-1B visa minimum salaries, requiring entry- ...More

A Trump administration proposal would significantly increase H-1B visa minimum salaries, requiring entry-level software engineers in San Francisco to earn $162,000 annually. This change aims to prevent foreign workers from undercutting American wages, potentially costing employers billions and shrinking opportunities for young talent. ...Less

President Trump's second term is tightening legal immigration pathways, including student visas and green ...More

President Trump's second term is tightening legal immigration pathways, including student visas and green card applications. New policies require many temporary visa holders to apply for permanent residency from abroad, increasing delays and uncertainty. These measures aim to enhance national security and protect American jobs, but critics warn of negative economic impacts. ...Less

A Meta employee in Singapore, Gary Tay, shared his gut-wrenching experience on LinkedIn of being laid off ...More

A Meta employee in Singapore, Gary Tay, shared his gut-wrenching experience on LinkedIn of being laid off after nearly ten years, having trained his replacement the day before. His viral post highlighted the shift towards AI, stating, "AI is here to stay, apparently the human isn't." Meta is restructuring, integrating AI and cutting managerial roles, impacting thousands globally. ...Less

Senator Eric Schmitt criticizes US employment-based visa programs like H-1B, alleging they harm American ...More

Senator Eric Schmitt criticizes US employment-based visa programs like H-1B, alleging they harm American workers and create a "Visa Cartel." He claims large tech companies are laying off US employees while hiring foreign workers through these visas, leading to wage suppression and job displacement. ...Less

A new policy by the Trump administration mandates green card applicants to apply from their home countrie ...More

A new policy by the Trump administration mandates green card applicants to apply from their home countries. This move faces strong criticism from lawmakers and immigration advocates. They argue it is reckless and will negatively impact families and the US economy. The policy is expected to affect many Indian Americans. Lawsuits are being planned to challenge this decision. ...Less

Happy Tuesday! Recent data-collection experiments by on-demand platforms have drawn attention to Indian p ...More

Happy Tuesday! Recent data-collection experiments by on-demand platforms have drawn attention to Indian physical AI startups. This and more in today's ETtech Morning Dispatch. ...Less

USCIS will now strictly enforce signature requirements on immigration applications, including H-1B and Gr ...More

USCIS will now strictly enforce signature requirements on immigration applications, including H-1B and Green Card filings, effective July 10, 2026. Deficient signatures can lead to application rejection or denial, even after initial acceptance, with no option to cure. Applicants must use handwritten, scanned, faxed, or authorized electronic signatures, avoiding copy-paste, digital, or stamped versions. ...Less

Indian IT exporters' valuations have plummeted to near 2008-09 subprime crisis levels, trading at 15-18 P ...More

Indian IT exporters' valuations have plummeted to near 2008-09 subprime crisis levels, trading at 15-18 P/E multiples. This sharp decline, driven by AI advancements impacting headcount-based execution and OpenAI's direct entry into enterprise solutions, has seen stocks lose nearly 30% in 2026. While a weakening rupee offers short-term support, the AI overhang is expected to cap medium-term gains. ...Less

Premium processing has become a necessity for many US immigration applicants due to escalating delays in ...More

Premium processing has become a necessity for many US immigration applicants due to escalating delays in standard visa and employment authorization processing. Applicants across various categories are now routinely paying significant extra fees, transforming an optional service into a functional requirement to avoid job loss or status disruptions. ...Less

Lenskart has posted a sharp jump in its March-quarter revenue even as profit dipped marginally. This and ...More

Lenskart has posted a sharp jump in its March-quarter revenue even as profit dipped marginally. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5. ...Less

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New Delhi. Discussions ce ...More

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New Delhi. Discussions centered on the West Asia conflict and securing maritime trade. Key topics included global order, civil nuclear cooperation, defense, trade, terrorism, and migration. Both nations emphasized their strategic partnership and shared interests. ...Less

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has identified 10,000 foreign students, including some from ...More

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has identified 10,000 foreign students, including some from India, misusing the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. These students are allegedly working for suspect employers, with some beneficiaries being managed from India, violating program rules. ICE stated the OPT program has become a "magnet for fraud" and a "guest worker pipeline." ...Less

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is targeting nearly 30 North Texas businesses for alleged H-1B visa pro ...More

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is targeting nearly 30 North Texas businesses for alleged H-1B visa program misuse, specifically focusing on "ghost offices." These companies are suspected of faking operational presence to sponsor foreign workers. Paxton vows to end such fraud, demanding extensive company records to ensure legal compliance and prevent program abuse. ...Less

A tech professional in the US faced a heartbreaking choice. He could not travel to India for his mother's ...More

A tech professional in the US faced a heartbreaking choice. He could not travel to India for his mother's final days due to visa stamping delays. He had to choose between being with his dying mother and safeguarding his children's future in America. This personal crisis reveals the unspoken human cost of global careers. ...Less

An Indian-origin software engineer at Microsoft has gone viral after sharing how she finally secured a US ...More

An Indian-origin software engineer at Microsoft has gone viral after sharing how she finally secured a US Green Card following seven consecutive rejections in the H-1B visa lottery between 2019 and 2025. In her post, she opened up about the emotional toll of repeated setbacks, describing it as a gradual loss of confidence rather than a single moment of failure. She later moved to Canada, returned to the US on an L-1 visa, and eventually received her Green Card through the EB-1 category in 2025. ...Less

North Carolina's top labour official, Luke Farley, backs a federal plan to raise wages for foreign worker ...More

North Carolina's top labour official, Luke Farley, backs a federal plan to raise wages for foreign workers on H-1B and similar visas. Farley believes current programs hurt American jobs by allowing lower wages. The proposed rule aims to ensure foreign workers are paid market rates. This move seeks to prevent foreign labor from undermining American workers' value and opportunities. ...Less

US Republican lawmakers propose a three-year pause on the H-1B visa program. The proposed End H-1B Visa A ...More

US Republican lawmakers propose a three-year pause on the H-1B visa program. The proposed End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026 aims to reform the system. It seeks to reduce the annual cap, increase minimum wages, and prevent H-1B visa holders from bringing dependents. The bill also targets replacing the lottery with a wage-based system and barring third-party staffing agencies. ...Less

Zoho Sridhar Vembu open letter: Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu has sparked a massive conversation online with ...More

Zoho Sridhar Vembu open letter: Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu has sparked a massive conversation online with a candid letter to the Indian diaspora in the U.S. Reflecting on his own 37-year journey, Vembu warns that Indians are getting caught in a messy political crossfire between the "hard right" and "woke left." He argues that global respect isn't given—it’s earned through a nation's technological power—and urges talented professionals to return home to build India’s future. ...Less

Legal immigration to the US has declined more sharply than illegal border crossings, according to a study ...More

Legal immigration to the US has declined more sharply than illegal border crossings, according to a study by the Cato Institute. Student visas fell by 40% and H-1B visas dropped by about 25%. The report said broader restrictions across legal pathways are driving the decline, reflecting a wider shift in policy under Donald Trump. ...Less

Iowa's legislature is advancing a bill that would restrict public universities and colleges from hiring f ...More

Iowa's legislature is advancing a bill that would restrict public universities and colleges from hiring foreign workers on H-1B visas from countries deemed "foreign adversaries." The proposal, which passed the House and is awaiting a full Senate vote, aims to bolster national security and prioritize American workers. Existing employees would largely be unaffected by the new hiring restrictions. ...Less

A survey reveals many Indian Americans are contemplating leaving the US. This stems from political dissat ...More

A survey reveals many Indian Americans are contemplating leaving the US. This stems from political dissatisfaction and a shift in party affiliations. Concerns about cost of living and safety also contribute. Discrimination is reported, leading some to alter daily behaviors. Views on religion and marriage vary. Political representation is seen as both an opportunity and a risk for the community. ...Less

A Tollywood actress and former Bigg Boss contestant faces charges for allegedly defrauding a London-based ...More

A Tollywood actress and former Bigg Boss contestant faces charges for allegedly defrauding a London-based software professional of Rs 9.35 crore. According to the report, it states that the actress promised marriage but instead sought financial assistance for personal and professional reasons. He provided significant funds for her expenses, including property and gold. Read on to know what actually happened. ...Less

USCIS has concluded the H-1B visa selection for fiscal year 2027, filling the 85,000 annual quota. Employ ...More

USCIS has concluded the H-1B visa selection for fiscal year 2027, filling the 85,000 annual quota. Employers have been notified of selected candidates, with petition filings opening April 1, 2026. A new weighted lottery system prioritizes higher wage offers, replacing random selection. ...Less

Non-resident Indians can now get credit cards in India. These cards offer benefits for spending both in I ...More

Non-resident Indians can now get credit cards in India. These cards offer benefits for spending both in India and abroad. Several banks like ICICI, IDFC FIRST, Kotak, and Axis Bank provide options. Features include reward points, lounge access, and waivers on fuel and foreign transactions. Applicants need to provide specific documents for approval. ...Less

Telugu Bigg Boss fame Ashu Reddy has been booked on allegations of Rs 9.5 crore fraud on a false marriage ...More

Telugu Bigg Boss fame Ashu Reddy has been booked on allegations of Rs 9.5 crore fraud on a false marriage promise from an NRI techie and then backing out. The complainant alleged that she took crores for a US education loan, car, gold and her family also took money from him. The Tollywood actress has denied the allegations. ...Less

Starting April 1, 2026, USCIS will implement significant H-1B visa changes, including stricter form requi ...More

Starting April 1, 2026, USCIS will implement significant H-1B visa changes, including stricter form requirements and a shift to a wage-based selection system prioritizing higher salaries and skills. These updates, alongside increased costs and enhanced scrutiny, aim to align visa allocation with labor market needs and encourage domestic hiring. ...Less

US policies are impacting foreign-trained doctors. Claims of widespread H-1B visa fraud are not fully sup ...More

US policies are impacting foreign-trained doctors. Claims of widespread H-1B visa fraud are not fully supported by government data. Recent actions have frozen work authorisations and visa processing for nationals of many countries. This is creating physician shortages in rural areas. Millions of Americans rely on these doctors for care. The situation risks patient well-being. ...Less

US Vice President J D Vance urged new citizens to think of themselves as Americans first. He emphasized t ...More

US Vice President J D Vance urged new citizens to think of themselves as Americans first. He emphasized that loyalty should be to the United States, not to previous homelands. Vance shared personal anecdotes to illustrate his point. He believes this perspective is crucial for the nation's well-being and immigration policy. His remarks were made at the University of Georgia. ...Less

An Indian tech couple on H-1B and H-4 visas faced sudden job loss, triggering a tight immigration deadlin ...More

An Indian tech couple on H-1B and H-4 visas faced sudden job loss, triggering a tight immigration deadline. With no immediate visa extension options, they've decided to return to India to rebuild their careers from scratch. Their story, shared online, has sparked discussions and advice on navigating the transition back home. ...Less

Asaduddin Owaisi criticizes the central government regarding the United States' new H-1B visa fee. He que ...More

Asaduddin Owaisi criticizes the central government regarding the United States' new H-1B visa fee. He questions the benefits of events like "Howdy Modi" and "Namaste Trump." Owaisi suggests the US doesn't value India's strategic partnership. He highlights the potential impact on remittances and Indian IT companies. Owaisi urges the government to introspect on foreign policy and national security. ...Less

Planning to visit the land of opportunity? Well, it might just become a wee bit tougher to get a visa. ...More

Planning to visit the land of opportunity? Well, it might just become a wee bit tougher to get a visa. ...Less

The US government plans to reform the H-1B visa and green card system. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick ...More

The US government plans to reform the H-1B visa and green card system. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick calls the current H1-B visa system a scam. The Trump administration aims for wage-based immigration and merit-driven selection. The goal is to replace the lottery system with a selective model. Past attempts to change the system faced opposition. ...Less

India's economic affairs department on Friday cautioned against disruptions due to the imposition of a on ...More

India's economic affairs department on Friday cautioned against disruptions due to the imposition of a one-time fee of $100,000 for all future H-1B visas, and said it was a "reminder of risks of trade uncertainties affecting the hitherto unaffected services sector". ...Less

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said the recent tightening of the H-1B visa rules in t ...More

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said the recent tightening of the H-1B visa rules in the US is a short-term hurdle and that demand for Indian tech talent will remain strong. His remarks come after the US announced a USD 1 lakh supplemental fee for new H-1B applications filed from September 21, 2025. ...Less

Market veteran Pashupati Advani remains cautious about the current market rally, citing unresolved fundam ...More

Market veteran Pashupati Advani remains cautious about the current market rally, citing unresolved fundamental uncertainties like the Strait of Hormuz closure and its impact on India's oil and LNG imports. He highlights tangible issues such as LPG shortages and concerns about the IT sector facing headwinds from visa restrictions, AI, and job market stagnation, warning of potential economic fallout. ...Less

The Trump administration introduced a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applicants. A Reddit user, back from ...More

The Trump administration introduced a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applicants. A Reddit user, back from the US, highlights issues with Indian managers exploiting visa holders. The user also points out favoritism towards certain Indian regions. This post ignited a debate on social media. Many users shared similar experiences. ...Less

The Trump administration proposed changes to the H-1B visa process to prioritize higher-skilled, better-p ...More

The Trump administration proposed changes to the H-1B visa process to prioritize higher-skilled, better-paid workers if annual demand exceeds 85,000 visas. The move, outlined in a Federal Register notice, follows a White House plan introducing a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visas. The policy aims to protect U.S. workers from wage competition and targets tech and outsourcing sectors. ...Less

H-1B visas are something of a concern as of now when it comes to foreign immigrants who want to earn a li ...More

H-1B visas are something of a concern as of now when it comes to foreign immigrants who want to earn a livelihood in the United States. There is a lot of talk going around about Musk supporting the H-1B visa program, hailing from a different country himself. Here's what you should know ...Less

Nasscom has warned that the US decision to raise H-1B visa fees to USD 100,000 will disrupt India’s IT se ...More

Nasscom has warned that the US decision to raise H-1B visa fees to USD 100,000 will disrupt India’s IT services sector, affecting business continuity for onshore projects. The industry body flagged the September 21 one-day implementation deadline as creating uncertainty for businesses, professionals, and students. ...Less

Studies show H-1B workers complement native workers, boost job opportunities and contribute to economic g ...More

Studies show H-1B workers complement native workers, boost job opportunities and contribute to economic growth. H-1B workers earn high wages, and their presence supports innovation, startup success, and lower unemployment in certain occupations. Restrictions on H-1B visas may lead US companies to move jobs abroad. ...Less

India Inc is adjusting its US staffing strategies after the Trump administration imposed a $100,000 fee o ...More

India Inc is adjusting its US staffing strategies after the Trump administration imposed a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas. Companies are exploring L1 intra-company transfers, B1 business visas, offshoring work to Europe or India, and other pathways to manage costs. ...Less

The Department of Labor is concerned about "body shopping" in the H-1B visa program, where outsourcing fi ...More

The Department of Labor is concerned about "body shopping" in the H-1B visa program, where outsourcing firms place foreign workers at client sites. This practice allows for wage comparisons within the lower-paying outsourcing firm, potentially leading to pay gaps with U.S. workers. A proposed rule aims to address this by increasing prevailing wage levels. ...Less

Employees holding H-1B visas were asked by the employees to remain in the United States. However, the Whi ...More

Employees holding H-1B visas were asked by the employees to remain in the United States. However, the White House has issued a clarification. ...Less

President Trump’s new $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas is expected to face legal challenges over its legali ...More

President Trump’s new $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas is expected to face legal challenges over its legality and the president’s authority to impose it. The H-1B program, created in 1990, allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty fields, typically paying $2,000–$5,000 in fees. ...Less

Legal experts predict a wave of lawsuits challenging President Trump’s executive order raising the H-1B v ...More

Legal experts predict a wave of lawsuits challenging President Trump’s executive order raising the H-1B visa fee from $1,000 to $100,000, arguing it exceeds presidential authority under Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Critics say the fee resembles taxation, bypasses Congress, and could be blocked under procedural rules. ...Less

US President Donald Trump’s latest remarks on H-1B visas drew strong backlash from his MAGA supporters af ...More

US President Donald Trump’s latest remarks on H-1B visas drew strong backlash from his MAGA supporters after he appeared to soften his earlier hardline position, saying the US needs more skilled foreign workers. In a Fox News interview, Trump said key industries cannot rely solely on long-term unemployed Americans for highly technical roles and that specialised talent must be brought in. ...Less

The White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) is reviewing a major overhaul of the ...More

The White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) is reviewing a major overhaul of the H-1B visa program, marking the final step before its release, according to a Bloomberg Law report. The new regulations, issued by US Citizenship and Immigration Services, include changes to eligibility standards, degree requirements, and the annual lottery system, which now gives all applicants an equal chance. ...Less

H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows American firms to employ foreign workers in speciality occup ...More

H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows American firms to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. ...Less

Donald Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee could hurt U.S. innovation while benefiting India, said Amitabh Kan ...More

Donald Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee could hurt U.S. innovation while benefiting India, said Amitabh Kant, former G20 Sherpa and ex-NITI Aayog CEO. India accounts for 71% of H-1B holders, mainly in STEM roles. Top beneficiaries include Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta. The fee, targeting skilled foreign workers, may reshape U.S. tech hiring and face legal challenges. ...Less

A video has gone viral on X showing a journalist confronting an Indian tech professional. The exchange ce ...More

A video has gone viral on X showing a journalist confronting an Indian tech professional. The exchange centers on claims of H-1B visa misuse. The professional was allegedly working at a food truck. The journalist questioned the individual's actions. The video sparked online debate about visa rules. Users are discussing the allegations made during the confrontation. ...Less

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that the registration period for the fiscal ...More

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that the registration period for the fiscal year 2026 H-1B cap will open from 10:30 PM IST on March 7, 2025, to 10:30 PM IST on March 24, 2025. During this time, petitioners must register beneficiaries electronically via a USCIS online account and pay the $215 registration fee. ...Less

The Trump administration has launched 175 investigations into suspected abuses of the H-1B visa programme ...More

The Trump administration has launched 175 investigations into suspected abuses of the H-1B visa programme under a new federal initiative called Project Firewall, Fox News reported. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) introduced Project Firewall in September to ensure employers prioritise qualified Americans before hiring foreign workers. ...Less

China’s new K-visa program, aimed at attracting global science and technology talent, is drawing interest ...More

China’s new K-visa program, aimed at attracting global science and technology talent, is drawing interest from skilled professionals, including Indians, amid tightening U.S. immigration rules. The K-visa, introduced last month, allows foreign workers to apply without a job offer, positioning it as China’s version of the U.S. H-1B visa. ...Less

Recent policy shifts have significantly narrowed the margins for H-1B and F-1 visa holders in the U.S., i ...More

Recent policy shifts have significantly narrowed the margins for H-1B and F-1 visa holders in the U.S., increasing uncertainty for families. A new $100,000 employer fee and changes to H-4 EAD renewals are creating financial planning challenges. ...Less

The initial registration period for FY 2022 will open at noon Eastern Time (ET) on March 9 and run throug ...More

The initial registration period for FY 2022 will open at noon Eastern Time (ET) on March 9 and run through noon ET on March 25. Both representatives and registrants must wait until March 9 to create and complete H-1B registrations. ...Less

As per the new proclamation by US President Donald Trump, beginning at 12:01 a.m. EDT on September 21, 20 ...More

As per the new proclamation by US President Donald Trump, beginning at 12:01 a.m. EDT on September 21, 2025, any H-1B visa holder arriving in the United States will be required to pay an additional $100,000 entry fee. ...Less

President Trump's executive order introduces a $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visa applicants, impacting sk ...More

President Trump's executive order introduces a $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visa applicants, impacting skilled foreign workers, especially Indians. This move, citing program "abuse," has sparked concerns among tech giants and triggered a wave of humorous memes online. India's government is examining the implications, emphasizing potential humanitarian consequences and the importance of talent mobility for both nations. ...Less