The USCIS has expressed concerns about the disproportionate spike in H1B visa applications this year and has launched extensive fraud investigations. While measures to prevent fraud have been proposed, their impact on the tech industry remains to be seen.
The move follows the end of the government-designated COVID-19 public health emergency on the same day. The travel industry and lawmakers have been urging the Biden administration to lift the restrictions, which will help the US become more competitive for tourism.
When the Centre's recently proposed taxation on outbound remittances takes effect on July 1, 2023, Foreigners seeking permanent residency and green cards through the EB-5 visa may end up paying an additional fee of $120,000 (98 lakhs), on top of the existing minimum fee of $800,000 (6.53 crore).
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has raised concerns over the surge in applications for H-1B visas in the technology industry. The agency reported that the number of applications for H-1B visas has increased for the second consecutive year, with a record-breaking 780,884 applications received in this year's lottery.
The US Embassy in India has introduced an interview waiver process for travelers looking to renew their US visas. Eligible applicants with clearance received or department authorization on their previous visas can now avoid an in-person interview.
The H1B program has become increasingly restrictive for Indians, with a high number of applicants and limited availability of visas. As a result, the demand for EB-5 visas has surged, offering a more permanent solution for foreign investors seeking permanent residency in the United States.
The Biden administration is prioritizing visas for Indian students and IT professionals, according to US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Donald Lu.
The US Department of State has announced an increase in the visa fee for US tourist/business and student/exchange visitor visas from May 30, 2023
Thailand has made a surprising move by reducing its visa-free stay for tourists from Europe, the U.S., and Southeast Asian countries to 30 days, down from 45 days previously.
The US is seeing a significant decline in the wait time for visitor visa interviews in India, thanks to increased officials and new diplomatic missions. More than 100 US diplomatic missions are issuing visas to Indians, and Frankfurt, London, and Abu Dhabi are taking many Indian citizens seeking visas.