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Immigration wrap: US, Canada, UK, China, Vietnam announce visa changes
Back home, Gujarat's Anti-Terrorist Squad busted a Luxembourg visa scam, and in Nebraska, US prosecutors charged five Indian-Americans over sex trafficking, visa fraud, and money laundering. India also moved to tighten the rules for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders with criminal records.
Here's what changed in the second week of August:
1. 5 Indian-Americans charged in US immigration crimes
Five Indian-Americans in Nebraska are accused of running hotels at the centre of sex trafficking, visa fraud, and money laundering schemes worth over $565,000 (around ₹5 crore).
Kentakumar 'Ken' Chaudhari, 36, Rashmi Ajit 'Falguni' Samani, 42, Amit Prahladbhai 'Amit' Chaudhari, 32, Amit Babubhai 'Matt' Chaudhari, 33, and Maheshkumar 'Mahesh' Chaudhari, 38, allegedly owned and managed multiple hotels linked to these offences.
'The operations generated large illegal proceeds,' said US State Attorney Lesley Woods, adding that investigators seized over half a million dollars in suspected laundering funds.
2. China to launch new STEM visa
China has approved plans for the K Visa, aimed at young foreign science and technology professionals. While details are still to come, state broadcaster CCTV says the Talented Young Scientist Programme caps applicants at 45 years old, while the Outstanding Young Scientists (Overseas) Fund Project has a limit of 40.
3. Vietnam rolls out 5-year visa waiver for elite professionals
Vietnam's new Special Visa Exemption Card (SVEC) will allow multiple entries for up to five years, starting August 15. Both digital and physical versions will be available, but the scheme is only for professionals whose work can boost Vietnam's socio-economic development. Indians can apply, though it's not open to all passport holders.
4. One in six Indian H-1B workers face early deportation risk
A Blind app survey found that one in six Indian H-1B visa holders, or someone they know, has received a Notice to Appear (NTA) well before the usual 60-day grace period ends after a job loss — sometimes in just two weeks.
5. US Visa Bulletin for September 2025
Family-sponsored category stays open for Indians
Indian permanent residents can keep filing green card applications for spouses and minor children under the F2A category.
Filing date: 1 June 2025; final action date: 1 September 2022.
Employment categories risk hitting the limit
< The Visa Office warns most employment-based quotas may run out in August or September.
6. Canada changes Express Entry medical exam rules
From August 21, 2025, applicants must complete an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) before applying for permanent residence. This applies to all family members, even if they're not moving to Canada.
What's changing:
• Get an IME from an IRCC-approved panel physician before submitting your PR application.
• Upload proof of the IME with your application.
• Family members must also complete the IME.
Possible exemptions:
• IME done in the last five years for a work or study permit may be reused if still valid.
• Applicants must give their IME number or medical identifier. Read more
7. H-1B visa rule overhaul clears White House review
The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs has approved proposals to replace the random H-1B lottery with a system ranking applications by the wages offered — reviving an idea from Donald Trump's first term. Read more
8. UK adds India to 'deport now, appeal later' list
India is one of 15 new additions to the UK policy allowing certain foreign nationals to be deported before their appeal is heard.
'For far too long, foreign criminals have been exploiting our immigration system,' said Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. 'Those who commit crimes in our country cannot be allowed to manipulate the system.'
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