Recent proposals from the US administration indicate a sharp rise in H-1B visa fees, which could challeng ...More

Recent proposals from the US administration indicate a sharp rise in H-1B visa fees, which could challenge employers, especially in tech and consulting roles that depend on these visas. Legal challenges are underway regarding the legitimacy of these increased fees. The stricter vetting processes are complicating recruitment and expansion efforts, leading to a noticeable decrease in the number of H-1B visa applications. ...Less

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security plans to raise the H-1B visa fee to $103,265, according to a not ...More

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security plans to raise the H-1B visa fee to $103,265, according to a notice posted in the Federal Register on Monday. ...Less

A 28-year-old Indian data scientist left her six-figure US job just two months after her employer-sponsor ...More

A 28-year-old Indian data scientist left her six-figure US job just two months after her employer-sponsored H-1B was selected, returning to Gurugram without another offer. Her decision comes amid wider uncertainty around H-1B workers, proposed H-4 EAD restrictions and a rush among some Gujarat families towards EB-5 permanent residency. ...Less

The Trump administration is proposing a $103,265 fee for H-1B petitions for workers hired within the US, ...More

The Trump administration is proposing a $103,265 fee for H-1B petitions for workers hired within the US, adding a major cost for employers seeking skilled foreign professionals, according to Bloomberg Tax. The proposal follows a court ruling that overturned Trump’s earlier $100,000 H-1B fee for workers hired from outside the US. ...Less

The US has proposed a $103,265 fee for new cap-subject H-1B petitions, but employers do not have to pay i ...More

The US has proposed a $103,265 fee for new cap-subject H-1B petitions, but employers do not have to pay it yet. This explainer breaks down the six steps before implementation—from public comments and DHS review to a final rule, USCIS filing instructions and the fee’s effective date. ...Less

US Vice President JD Vance has defended the Trump administration’s proposed $103,000 fee on new H-1B visa ...More

US Vice President JD Vance has defended the Trump administration’s proposed $103,000 fee on new H-1B visas, saying American companies should prioritise hiring and training US workers. The proposed charge would significantly raise costs for employers recruiting skilled foreign professionals. ...Less

USCIS has flagged three H-1B cases involving alleged job misclassification and understated requirements t ...More

USCIS has flagged three H-1B cases involving alleged job misclassification and understated requirements that could have resulted in lower wages. The cases in Vermont, Nebraska and Florida involved technology and engineering roles, with USCIS denying, revoking or prompting withdrawal of affected petitions. ...Less

The US is preparing another H-1B overhaul, with DHS proposing changes to cap exemptions, employer scrutin ...More

The US is preparing another H-1B overhaul, with DHS proposing changes to cap exemptions, employer scrutiny and third-party placements. The move comes just a day after a separate $103,265 H-1B fee proposal, adding to a series of measures tightening the skilled-worker programme. ...Less

A proposed $103,265 fee for H-1B petitions could raise sponsorship costs significantly. Indian profession ...More

A proposed $103,265 fee for H-1B petitions could raise sponsorship costs significantly. Indian professionals, who dominate H-1B approvals, may face substantial financial impacts. This new charge is separate from a previously proposed $100,000 payment still under litigation. The Department of Homeland Security expects billions in revenue from this proposed fee. Employers in technology and healthcare sectors express concerns about hiring specialized talent. ...Less

In a potential policy shift, the US Department of Homeland Security has suggested ending H-4 EAD eligibil ...More

In a potential policy shift, the US Department of Homeland Security has suggested ending H-4 EAD eligibility for spouses, significantly affecting many Indian families enduring extended green card delays. While individuals with existing H-4 EADs will maintain their work authorization for now, this proposal necessitates an extensive federal rulemaking timeline and public commentary. As such, any final outcome might be delayed for months and could meet with legal opposition. ...Less

Families from Gujarat are increasingly seeking US permanent residency through the EB-5 investor visa prog ...More

Families from Gujarat are increasingly seeking US permanent residency through the EB-5 investor visa program. This surge is driven by H-1B visa uncertainties and the exhaustion of EB-5 visas for India in fiscal year 2026. Parents are funding their children's EB-5 applications to secure long-term US pathways. The minimum investment for this program currently stands at $1.05 million. ...Less

Infosys, TCS, HCL Tech, Wipro and other IT stocks are in focus after the US Department of Homeland Securi ...More

Infosys, TCS, HCL Tech, Wipro and other IT stocks are in focus after the US Department of Homeland Security proposed a $103,265 fee on H-1B cap-subject petitions. The charge would be additional to existing fees and could generate $8.8 billion annually, based on 85,000 petitions. The proposal is not final and will undergo a 30-day public comment period. ...Less

The Trump administration is moving closer to unveiling new H-1B petition fee rules after a DHS proposal c ...More

The Trump administration is moving closer to unveiling new H-1B petition fee rules after a DHS proposal cleared White House review. The details are yet to be made public, with the move coming amid wider changes to the visa programme, Bloomberg Law reported. ...Less

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has proposed banning public schools from employing H-1B visa holders, potentia ...More

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has proposed banning public schools from employing H-1B visa holders, potentially affecting districts that recruit foreign teachers to address shortages. The proposal requires approval from the Texas Legislature before it can take effect. ...Less

Indian IT companies have invested $1.1 billion in the US over five years to build the local science, tech ...More

Indian IT companies have invested $1.1 billion in the US over five years to build the local science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) talent base, Nasscom said. The efforts have reduced their dependence on H-1B visas and reached 2.9 million students and 255,000 employees, as the US proposes a higher H-1B fee. ...Less

The White House has reviewed a proposal to end the 60-day grace period for foreign workers. This change w ...More

The White House has reviewed a proposal to end the 60-day grace period for foreign workers. This change would require visa holders to depart the US immediately after job termination. Indian nationals are significant beneficiaries of these H-1B employment visas. Eliminating this period could cause immediate disruption for many families. The proposal now moves towards public comment before finalization. ...Less

The proposed $103,265 H-1B fee could accelerate the movement of technology work from the US to India-base ...More

The proposed $103,265 H-1B fee could accelerate the movement of technology work from the US to India-based Global Capability Centres, economist Santosh Mehrotra said. Companies may increasingly access Indian talent from Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and NCR instead of moving workers to the US. ...Less

The Trump administration has proposed a $103,265 fee on employers filing new cap-subject H-1B petitions, ...More

The Trump administration has proposed a $103,265 fee on employers filing new cap-subject H-1B petitions, including for foreign students already in the US. Unlike the earlier $100,000 fee, the proposal targets petitions rather than entry and could therefore affect US graduates. ...Less

An Indian-American group voiced concerns over proposed H1-B visa fee increases. The proposed fees could m ...More

An Indian-American group voiced concerns over proposed H1-B visa fee increases. The proposed fees could make hiring jobs overseas economically impractical for companies. This move might negatively impact cash-strapped startups and large corporations significantly. International student enrollment in the United States is already showing signs of weakness. The group urges a more proportionate funding approach for agency operations. ...Less

Canada is fighting Donald Trump on two fronts: retaliating against US tariffs while courting skilled work ...More

Canada is fighting Donald Trump on two fronts: retaliating against US tariffs while courting skilled workers affected by his immigration crackdown. Ottawa plans targeted pathways for researchers and H-1B holders even as it cuts overall immigration, turning the US-Canada dispute into a competition for talent as well as trade. ...Less

Trump’s immigration crackdown now reaches beyond the H-1B programme, affecting students, families, invest ...More

Trump’s immigration crackdown now reaches beyond the H-1B programme, affecting students, families, investors, asylum seekers and temporary visitors through higher fees, tougher screening, visa revocations and country-based restrictions. While routes such as L-1, O-1 and family-sponsored immigration remain open, no legal pathway is entirely free from new risks. ...Less

Nasscom has urged the US to reconsider the proposed $103,265 H-1B fee in light of the programme’s role in ...More

Nasscom has urged the US to reconsider the proposed $103,265 H-1B fee in light of the programme’s role in addressing temporary skill shortages. It said Indian technology companies have reduced their H-1B workforce while investing over $1.1 billion in US STEM talent development. ...Less

The US education-to-employment route is becoming costlier for Indian students. Annual costs at 16 college ...More

The US education-to-employment route is becoming costlier for Indian students. Annual costs at 16 colleges have crossed $100,000, while a proposed $103,265 H-1B employer fee could complicate post-study hiring. Meanwhile, Indian first-year applications to US colleges have fallen 14%. ...Less

Anush Kinusa strongly advises international students to reconsider their plans to study in the United Sta ...More

Anush Kinusa strongly advises international students to reconsider their plans to study in the United States. With the suspension of the CPT program, which is vital for securing internships, and the alarming rise in OPD and H1B visa fees, the situation has become precarious for students. Kinusa recommends exploring alternative countries like France, Canada, Germany, and Switzerland, as the job market in the U.S. is increasingly competitive. ...Less

Donald Trump’s second-term immigration strategy has relied on multiple legal and administrative routes to ...More

Donald Trump’s second-term immigration strategy has relied on multiple legal and administrative routes to tighten entry and stay in the US. When courts block one measure, the administration has often pursued the same objective through narrower orders, agency rules, higher fees or additional screening. ...Less

A new US rule will extend a $4,000 H-1B fee to certain visa extensions from September 9, increasing recur ...More

A new US rule will extend a $4,000 H-1B fee to certain visa extensions from September 9, increasing recurring costs for employers heavily dependent on foreign workers. However, the charge may remain cheaper than replacing experienced skilled employees. ...Less

Nearly one million Indians are stuck in the US employment-based green card backlog, accounting for 79% of ...More

Nearly one million Indians are stuck in the US employment-based green card backlog, accounting for 79% of those waiting in the first three categories, NFAP estimates. Indians filing in 2026 could potentially face waits of 179 years in EB-2 and 38 years in EB-3. ...Less

America built its immigration advantage over decades through jobs, universities, family networks and path ...More

America built its immigration advantage over decades through jobs, universities, family networks and pathways to citizenship. As migrant communities expanded, they made migration easier for next generation. This compounding network helped turn the American Dream into a self-sustaining global draw, particularly for skilled workers and international students. ...Less

India is grappling with rising global bond yields and surging oil prices, which are heightening imported ...More

India is grappling with rising global bond yields and surging oil prices, which are heightening imported inflation. These economic challenges pose a threat to sustained corporate profits. Meanwhile, SEBI's auction initiative aims to bolster market integrity and enhance price discovery. Although RBI's new deposit guidelines provide some temporary relief amidst foreign exchange pressures, they don't offer a lasting solution. ...Less

Once a country begins to treat access to its markets, its currency and its financial system as instrument ...More

Once a country begins to treat access to its markets, its currency and its financial system as instruments of pressure, then the logic will get applied to more and more cases. The fact is that the US has become addicted to coercion through economic measures and not only will this habit be hard to break, it will expand to more and more areas. ...Less

US proposal to end the 60-day H-1B grace period threatens job displacement. Experts warn this change will ...More

US proposal to end the 60-day H-1B grace period threatens job displacement. Experts warn this change will lead to significant loss of skilled talent. Indian nationals, a large group of H-1B visa holders, face severe impacts. The Department of Homeland Security's plan is deemed inhumane and unworkable. Advocates urge for a compassionate 180-day grace period instead. ...Less

New H-1B fees and stricter wage requirements are increasing employer costs. A wage-weighted selection sys ...More

New H-1B fees and stricter wage requirements are increasing employer costs. A wage-weighted selection system now favors higher-paid applicants over random lotteries. These changes make the H-1B visa pathway more precarious for foreign workers. Many companies are moving staff outside the United States due to visa barriers. The administration's actions may harm the nation's global talent attraction. ...Less

Happy Wednesday! AMI has ordered 9,000 Nvidia Vera Rubin chips, becoming one of Asia’s first such adopter ...More

Happy Wednesday! AMI has ordered 9,000 Nvidia Vera Rubin chips, becoming one of Asia’s first such adopters. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch. ...Less

A U.S. judge invalidated a Trump administration policy that suspended immigrant visas. This policy had ta ...More

A U.S. judge invalidated a Trump administration policy that suspended immigrant visas. This policy had targeted applicants from seventy-five different countries. The judge stated the policy exceeded the Secretary of State's statutory authority. The State Department announced this suspension in January, impacting many nations. Immigrant rights groups and visa applicants had filed the lawsuit against this policy. ...Less

School assembly headlines for August 26 cover major national developments, including the Supreme Court's ...More

School assembly headlines for August 26 cover major national developments, including the Supreme Court's ruling in the Tarun Tejpal case, Delhi's H1N1 surge and DRDO missile tech transfer. International news includes Israeli strikes on a Gaza hospital and US-Iran sanctions tensions. Sports highlights feature India's dominant position against Sri Lanka in Colombo and Mirabai Chanu's Commonwealth record-breaking lift. The bulletin also covers education and economic updates. ...Less

According to data from the US immigration platform Boundless Immigration, based on the USCIS data, in FY2 ...More

According to data from the US immigration platform Boundless Immigration, based on the USCIS data, in FY25, Indians had filed 14,250 petitions of which 6,993 were approved and 1,474 were denied. As of FY26, based on the available data for the first two quarters, Indians filed 7316 petitions. Of this, 2,571 petitions were approved and 1,131 were denied. ...Less

School assembly news headlines, August 27: Floods in Nepal have caused fatalities and missing persons, pr ...More

School assembly news headlines, August 27: Floods in Nepal have caused fatalities and missing persons, prompting humanitarian aid from India. India's economic transformation is driven by urbanization and digital infrastructure development. International relations saw sanctions and diplomatic discussions between various nations. Sports news highlighted hockey fitness and chess tournament progress. Educational initiatives include new support systems and scholarship programs for students. ...Less

Zerodha’s profit growth has slowed as its core broking business comes under pressure. This and more in to ...More

Zerodha’s profit growth has slowed as its core broking business comes under pressure. This and more in today's ETtech Top 5. ...Less

The US Department of Homeland Security has expanded the $4,000 H-1B and $4,500 L-1 biometric fee to cover ...More

The US Department of Homeland Security has expanded the $4,000 H-1B and $4,500 L-1 biometric fee to cover same-employer extensions filed by companies with at least 50 US employees where more than half the workforce is on H-1B or L-1 status. ...Less

The Trump administration is preparing to expand an existing fee on H-1B and L-1 visas by applying it to e ...More

The Trump administration is preparing to expand an existing fee on H-1B and L-1 visas by applying it to extension petitions, not just new applications and job changes. The move would raise costs for employers that rely heavily on foreign workers, with Indian professionals expected to be among the most affected. ...Less

Canadian employers with small work locations can now hire more low-wage temporary foreign workers. New fe ...More

Canadian employers with small work locations can now hire more low-wage temporary foreign workers. New federal rules permit businesses with fewer than ten employees to hire one or two workers. This change allows some employers to exceed the usual workforce percentage caps. In-demand sectors like healthcare and construction can hire up to two workers. These updated regulations aim to address labor needs across various industries. ...Less

The US may end the H-1B 60-day grace period after job loss. Here's what the proposed 2026 H-1B change cou ...More

The US may end the H-1B 60-day grace period after job loss. Here's what the proposed 2026 H-1B change could mean for Indian workers, H-4 families and green-card applicants. ...Less

Tighter US student visa and immigration rules are making Asian students reconsider America as their prefe ...More

Tighter US student visa and immigration rules are making Asian students reconsider America as their preferred study destination. Growing uncertainty could push talent towards countries such as the UK and Australia, potentially weakening the US skilled workforce, innovation and economic growth. ...Less

Two US immigration policy shifts could make it harder for Indians to work or settle there. USCIS can now ...More

Two US immigration policy shifts could make it harder for Indians to work or settle there. USCIS can now deny inadequately documented applications without seeking additional evidence, while a proposed rule could eliminate the 60-day grace period for laid-off H-1B workers. ...Less

United States immigration rules are changing for skilled foreign workers. The Trump administration is con ...More

United States immigration rules are changing for skilled foreign workers. The Trump administration is considering removing the grace period for unemployed visa holders. This policy shift could significantly impact Indian professionals working in the US. India may benefit by reversing its brain drain and retaining talent. Developing a strong domestic ecosystem is crucial for capitalizing on this opportunity. ...Less

The Economic Times Startup Awards (ETSA) is back for a 12th edition. Today, we announce the high-powered ...More

The Economic Times Startup Awards (ETSA) is back for a 12th edition. Today, we announce the high-powered jury and nominations for two categories, Bootstrap Champ and Top Innovator. ...Less

Changes in US immigration regulations are increasingly complicating matters for Indian nationals. New dir ...More

Changes in US immigration regulations are increasingly complicating matters for Indian nationals. New directives now allow for the swift denial of immigration applications without any notification. Furthermore, a potential regulation could remove the existing 60-day grace period for H-1B visa holders, leading many Indian professionals to investigate more secure residency options and clearer pathways in America. ...Less

A US Republican senator has introduced a bill seeking to pause new H-1B visa issuances for three years an ...More

A US Republican senator has introduced a bill seeking to pause new H-1B visa issuances for three years and restore a $100,000 fee on H-1B petitions introduced by the Trump administration but struck down by a court. The proposed End H-1B Abuse Act aims to tighten eligibility rules, replace the visa lottery with a wage-based system, restrict outsourcing models, and curb benefits for visa holders' dependents. ...Less

Rick Jackson's company, Avant Healthcare Professionals, settled a lawsuit for three million dollars. Thou ...More

Rick Jackson's company, Avant Healthcare Professionals, settled a lawsuit for three million dollars. Thousands of foreign-born nurses accused the company of exploiting their labor. This settlement contrasts with Jackson's hardline immigration campaign message. Avant recruited nurses legally, while Jackson focused on illegal immigration enforcement. The case highlights the complexities of legal immigration and business interests. ...Less

US employers are changing hiring and retention strategies for foreign professionals. This shift occurs as ...More

US employers are changing hiring and retention strategies for foreign professionals. This shift occurs as H-1B program changes make it more expensive and unpredictable. Companies now focus on long-term immigration plans starting with student visas. They are also accelerating green card sponsorships due to processing delays. This approach aims to provide more predictable work authorization for employees. ...Less

The US Department of Homeland Security has expanded the $4,000 H-1B and $4,500 L-1 biometric fee to same- ...More

The US Department of Homeland Security has expanded the $4,000 H-1B and $4,500 L-1 biometric fee to same-employer visa extensions from September 9, 2026. The fee applies only to employers with at least 50 US employees where more than half the workforce is in H-1B or L-1 status. The employer, not the visa holder, must pay the fee, while companies that do not meet these thresholds remain outside the requirement. ...Less

The US Department of Labor has updated its H-1B debarment list, naming four employers as willful violator ...More

The US Department of Labor has updated its H-1B debarment list, naming four employers as willful violators of visa rules. The companies are temporarily barred from filing H-1B petitions and face additional compliance requirements and possible random investigations. ...Less

The US Department of Homeland Security may eliminate a 60-day grace period for certain foreign workers. T ...More

The US Department of Homeland Security may eliminate a 60-day grace period for certain foreign workers. This proposed change could significantly impact Indian professionals working in the United States. Currently, this period allows workers time to find new employment or depart the country. The proposal is under review and has not yet taken effect. If finalized, the rule would require immediate departure after job termination. ...Less

Texas has paused approvals for new data centers as Governor Greg Abbott orders a sweeping audit of projec ...More

Texas has paused approvals for new data centers as Governor Greg Abbott orders a sweeping audit of projects seeking access to the state’s power grid. The move comes as Elon Musk expands his Texas footprint and concerns grow over soaring electricity demand, water use and the impact of AI data centers on local communities. ...Less

The US State Department said most visa revocations followed law enforcement encounters involving assault, ...More

The US State Department said most visa revocations followed law enforcement encounters involving assault, drunk driving, theft, drug offences and other crimes. ...Less

As the Trump administration tightens immigration rules for foreign workers and students, recent academic ...More

As the Trump administration tightens immigration rules for foreign workers and students, recent academic research challenges a key premise behind the crackdown. Multiple studies suggest international STEM graduates do not displace American workers and instead help fill skill shortages while supporting innovation and employment. ...Less

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone conversation with US Vice President JD Vance on strengthening t ...More

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone conversation with US Vice President JD Vance on strengthening the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Modi also extended his congratulations to Vance and the Second Lady on the birth of their son. ...Less

In a statement on July 28, the agency said that while the Department of Homeland Security disagreed with ...More

In a statement on July 28, the agency said that while the Department of Homeland Security disagreed with the court’s order, it will comply with it even as it considers next steps. If this order is later lifted, DHS still plans to collect the payment, the agency said. ...Less

The Justice Department in a release said that OpenAI and Statsig, which makes product development softwar ...More

The Justice Department in a release said that OpenAI and Statsig, which makes product development software, recruited foreign workers for some ⁠open ⁠positions and took various steps to discourage US workers from applying. That included requiring them to mail paper applications instead of submitting electronic ones, advertising jobs on the radio late at night, and not posting the openings on an external website, the Justice Department said. ...Less

The Trump administration is considering changes to the US citizenship exam that could introduce new educa ...More

The Trump administration is considering changes to the US citizenship exam that could introduce new education standards and allow third parties to administer the test, according to a Newsweek report. The proposal is expected to be released for public comment later this year before any final rule is adopted. ...Less

US Senator Alex Padilla has renewed a bill that would update a decades-old immigration provision to creat ...More

US Senator Alex Padilla has renewed a bill that would update a decades-old immigration provision to create a green card pathway for more than 8 million long-term immigrants. The proposal could benefit Dreamers, TPS holders, essential workers and H-1B visa holders facing long employment-based green card backlogs. ...Less

The US has reached its H-1B visa cap for Fiscal Year 2027, with USCIS confirming it received enough petit ...More

The US has reached its H-1B visa cap for Fiscal Year 2027, with USCIS confirming it received enough petitions to fill all 85,000 available slots. As a result, no second H-1B lottery will be held this year. The article explains what the announcement means, highlights the new weighted lottery system, and outlines key registration figures released by USCIS. ...Less

Pilot programme would allow states to address labour shortages while Washington retains control over secu ...More

Pilot programme would allow states to address labour shortages while Washington retains control over security checks and immigration enforcement ...Less

An Indian AI engineer lost his job and faces visa uncertainty in the United States. He is seeking advice ...More

An Indian AI engineer lost his job and faces visa uncertainty in the United States. He is seeking advice on returning to India or pursuing further education. Reddit users suggest exploring Indian job prospects before committing to more studies. Some users warn of potential hiring challenges and pay cuts in India. The engineer weighs his options after working in the US for six years. ...Less

A US appeals court refused to pause a ruling blocking the Trump administration's $100,000 fee on new H-1B ...More

A US appeals court refused to pause a ruling blocking the Trump administration's $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas, saying it likely exceeded presidential authority. The lower court had found the fee amounted to an unauthorised tax. The administration can continue appealing, but the fee remains blocked for now. ...Less

The Trump administration is weighing a proposal to charge international students $100,000 to work in the ...More

The Trump administration is weighing a proposal to charge international students $100,000 to work in the US after graduation under the OPT programme, the latest in a series of high-cost immigration measures. From the $100,000 H-1B fee and $100,000 green card bond to the $5 million Gold Card, here's a look at Trump's biggest immigration price tags, what happened to them and where they stand today. ...Less

The Trump administration is considering a plan to charge international students $100,000 to remain in the ...More

The Trump administration is considering a plan to charge international students $100,000 to remain in the US and work after graduation under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, a move that could make the visa extension unaffordable for many students. ...Less

Indian professionals secured nearly seventy percent of US H-1B visa approvals in fiscal year 2025. Techno ...More

Indian professionals secured nearly seventy percent of US H-1B visa approvals in fiscal year 2025. Technology occupations represented the largest category of approved H-1B petitions. Median annual salaries for H-1B workers climbed to $133,000 during this period. Master's degrees were held by over fifty-seven percent of approved beneficiaries. H-1B registrations for fiscal year 2026 saw a notable decrease. ...Less

New Zealand's Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme will see reforms starting in 2027. These changes aim to ...More

New Zealand's Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme will see reforms starting in 2027. These changes aim to simplify recruitment and improve worker protections for overseas staff. Employers will experience streamlined accreditation and agreement processes under the new framework. Workers will benefit from strengthened support and clearer cost recovery agreements. The government intends to maintain worker protections while prioritizing local job opportunities. ...Less

The US Department of State proposes stricter J-1 visa rules and compliance. New regulations will expand t ...More

The US Department of State proposes stricter J-1 visa rules and compliance. New regulations will expand termination powers and sponsor obligations for exchange visitors. Most participants will now receive fixed program durations, requiring extensions if needed. This proposal aims to strengthen program integrity and improve oversight for all. Public comments are open for sixty days before finalization of these changes. ...Less

A proposed $100,000 fee for international students' work authorization is under consideration. This poten ...More

A proposed $100,000 fee for international students' work authorization is under consideration. This potential charge could significantly increase post-graduation costs for many students. Indian students, who often pursue STEM degrees, may be most affected by this proposal. The Optional Practical Training program allows graduates to gain valuable industry experience. However, the fee's implementation and payment details remain uncertain at this time. ...Less

Instagram Viral Video: Social media shows professionals treating AI tools as modern gurus this year. Empl ...More

Instagram Viral Video: Social media shows professionals treating AI tools as modern gurus this year. Employees are humorously offering digital tributes to platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini. This trend reflects AI's growing role in daily work tasks and problem-solving. The concept of Guru Dakshina has humorously evolved into subscription payments for these services. ...Less

Immigration lawyers are warning foreign nationals in the US to exercise caution while travelling on domes ...More

Immigration lawyers are warning foreign nationals in the US to exercise caution while travelling on domestic flights after reports of increased DHS detentions at airports. The reported cases include individuals with pending immigration applications, valid work authorization and advance parole documents, prompting lawyers to advise travellers to carry all required immigration paperwork. ...Less

The US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is increasingly being used by Indian professionals trapped in deca ...More

The US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is increasingly being used by Indian professionals trapped in decades-long employment-based green card backlogs rather than by wealthy investors seeking residency. ...Less

US President Donald Trump joked about serving a third term while speaking at the rescheduled White House ...More

US President Donald Trump joked about serving a third term while speaking at the rescheduled White House Correspondents' Association dinner, saying “the third time will be better yet” before clarifying he was “only kidding.” ...Less

In light of escalating US scrutiny surrounding skilled worker visa fraud, Indian companies are feeling th ...More

In light of escalating US scrutiny surrounding skilled worker visa fraud, Indian companies are feeling the pressure, as a significant share of H-1B visa recipients are Indian professionals. This situation demands that businesses strengthen their HR and compliance frameworks. ...Less

US Vice President JD Vance announced investigations into H-1B visa program misuse. The Department of Labo ...More

US Vice President JD Vance announced investigations into H-1B visa program misuse. The Department of Labor issued subpoenas against alleged foreign fraudsters exploiting the system. This action aims to protect American workers and taxpayer money from exploitation. The H-1B visa program allows skilled foreign professionals to work in the United States. This development is significant for Indian professionals seeking US employment opportunities. ...Less

The US Department of Labor is investigating alleged visa fraud. This probe could affect major Indian outs ...More

The US Department of Labor is investigating alleged visa fraud. This probe could affect major Indian outsourcing companies operating in America. Cognizant is named in the current reported investigation, with others unclear. The department has issued subpoenas to uncover fraudulent application schemes. Employers are accused of exploiting foreign workers and undercutting American jobs. ...Less

New US immigration rules will tighten the H-1B visa program for employers. Increased costs and stricter H ...More

New US immigration rules will tighten the H-1B visa program for employers. Increased costs and stricter H-1B rules are expected for sponsoring foreign workers. Student visa rules will change, requiring extensions for continued studies. Automatic work permit extensions will end, affecting H-4 visa holders. These proposals will impact Indian professionals and students significantly. ...Less

Tech layoffs: Gu Yichen's brief Google employment ended abruptly after just weeks as he was laid off befo ...More

Tech layoffs: Gu Yichen's brief Google employment ended abruptly after just weeks as he was laid off before 'a single day of real work'. He returned to Amazon, his former employer, after the experimental project was cancelled. This experience significantly altered his views on career growth and job security at the big tech companies. ...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

While Cognizant has been one of the companies named in the current reported probe, it is unclear if other ...More

While Cognizant has been one of the companies named in the current reported probe, it is unclear if other Indian IT services firms are part of the investigation. ...Less

The US Embassy in New Delhi affirmed its commitment to processing student visas according to regulations. ...More

The US Embassy in New Delhi affirmed its commitment to processing student visas according to regulations. Indian students have reported delays in securing necessary visa appointments for study. The US Department of Labor is investigating alleged foreign fraudsters misusing the H-1B visa program. This action aims to protect American workers and taxpayer money from exploitation. Students should consult official websites for the latest visa interview wait times. ...Less

An Indian software engineer lost his US visa lawsuit after 18 months. Navdeep Sharma's legal challenge ag ...More

An Indian software engineer lost his US visa lawsuit after 18 months. Navdeep Sharma's legal challenge against government officials was dismissed by a US court. The court found the visa processing delay was not legally unreasonable. Sharma could not sue most named government departments and officials. He remains separated from his family in Texas due to visa issues. ...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

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

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

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

The Trump administration is appealing a federal judge's decision that invalidated a $100,000 fee for H-1B ...More

The Trump administration is appealing a federal judge's decision that invalidated a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications. A Boston court ruled the increased cost, intended to curb immigration and protect American jobs, was an illegal tax. This legal battle highlights ongoing efforts to challenge the administration's immigration policies, with other lawsuits also pending. ...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

The US Department of Labour is set to modernize the PERM process for sponsoring foreign workers for green ...More

The US Department of Labour is set to modernize the PERM process for sponsoring foreign workers for green cards, a system unchanged since 2004. These proposed reforms aim to ensure employers make greater efforts to hire American workers and introduce safeguards for those affected by layoffs. This move aligns with the administration's ongoing efforts to tighten oversight of employment-based immigration and adapt hiring regulations to current technological advancements. ...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