Latest news with #AdarshKhandelwal
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Trump's ‘One Big Beautiful Bill' a blow to Indian students in US? $170 billion funds allocated for ICE; 1% remittance tax adds to burden
AI-generated image The recently enacted Donald Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill' is potentially turning out to another blow to Indian students in the United States by allocating approximately $170 billion to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for expanding deportation operations. This legislation strengthens enforcement agencies' authority to monitor local communities and track visa violations, according to study abroad platform executives. Students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) face heightened risks, as even minimal delays in securing employment or exceeding visa duration could result in severe penalties. Additionally, the legislation's new 1% remittance tax is anticipated to impact students who transfer funds to their home country for family support or loan repayments. "Even a small tax can affect low-income students — every dollar counts when supporting tuition or families back home," said Adarsh Khandelwal, cofounder of Collegify, quoted by Economic Times. This taxation applies to international transfers by F-1 student visa holders, H-1B workers, and green card holders using traditional payment methods. A $10 tax would apply to a $1,000 transfer to India. Students paying full fees without scholarships will not be subject to this tax, which becomes effective after January 1, 2026. Education consultants view this tax as a minor inconvenience rather than a significant barrier. "A 1% rate is annoying, not prohibitive," said Nikhil Jain, founder of ForeignAdmits, as quoted by ET. "Students are resourceful; they'll adapt by consolidating transfers, exploring digital wallets, or simply factoring it into their budget," he added. The tax represents an additional concern for Indian students in the US. Since January, increased scrutiny of non-immigrant visa holders and deportation of unauthorised residents has heightened anxiety. Recent intensification of visa procedures and social media monitoring has caused unease. "Students are becoming hypervigilant about everything – their social media presence, their financial transactions, their visa status," Jain of ForeignAdmits said. "This tax is just adding to the paranoia." Experts report that students and visa applicants are removing previous social media content and exercising increased caution regarding their online activities. The legislation also reduces federal support, including Medicaid and SNAP benefits for state colleges, which previously assisted numerous students. This reduction might increase institutions' reliance on international students paying full fees, who are exempt from the new remittance tax. Nevertheless, only a small proportion of Indian students attend prestigious US universities at full cost, with most relying on financial assistance or attending mid-tier institutions. Education experts suggest that prospective Indian students might now consider alternative study destinations. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Economic Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Indian students on thin ICE in US over new law. Immigration crackdown to get $170 bn; job search under stress
Agencies This is an AI-generated image. The 'One Big Beautiful Bill' that President Donald Trump signed into law early this month delivers another setback to Indian students in the US, injecting nearly $170 billion into Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to expand its hardline deportation empowers enforcement agencies to extend their reach into local communities and actively pursue visa overstays, top executives at study abroad platforms said. For Indian graduates on Optional Practical Training (OPT) – a temporary employment authorisation to gain work experience in their field of study – even brief delays in finding work, or overstaying by just one day, could now lead to serious consequences. In addition, the 1% remittance tax introduced as part of the Act is expected to hit many students who send money back home to support their families or repay loans. 'Even a small tax can affect low-income students — every dollar counts when supporting tuition or families back home,' said Adarsh Khandelwal, cofounder of Collegify. The tax will apply to foreign remittances made by not just H-1B or green card holders but F-1 student visa holders as well, using cash-like methods (cash, money orders, cashier's checks). For instance, a $1,000 transfer to India would incur a $10 students going on full fee and no scholarship will be spared from the tax, which will apply to transfers made after January 1, 2026. Tax Troubles & Stricter Screening Some study abroad experts see the tax as a temporary blip rather than a major deterrent. 'A 1% rate is annoying, not prohibitive,' said Nikhil Jain, founder of ForeignAdmits. 'Students are resourceful; they'll adapt by consolidating transfers, exploring digital wallets, or simply factoring it into their budget,' he Zaveri, joint managing director of Career Mosaic, and Lindsey Lopez, head of US operations at Applyboard, said postgraduate students and recent graduates working on OPT or H-1B often send money to support families, pay off loans, or invest in tax is just one more source of anxiety for Indian students in the US. Since January, they have been under increasing stress as the new Trump administration started tightening scrutiny of non-immigrant visa holders and deporting illegal immigrants. Stricter visa process and screening of social media posts in recent months have put students on edge. 'Students are becoming hypervigilant about everything – their social media presence, their financial transactions, their visa status,' Jain of ForeignAdmits said. 'This tax is just adding to the paranoia.'Students and visa applicants are mostly deleting old social media posts and being extra careful about their online activities, experts One Big Beautiful Bill Act also cuts federal support such as Medicaid and SNAP – a federal food purchase assistance funding programme for the poor that has been available to many students as well – to state may force most of these institutions to rely more on full fee-paying international students, who are exempted from the new remittance only a small fraction of Indian students in the US attend Ivy League institutes at full cost. Most are dependent on some form of financial aid or attend mid-tier Indian students looking to study abroad may now consider other destinations, experts said.'The US may become even more attractive for Ivy League-bound, research-driven students,' said Khandelwal of Collegify. 'But mid-tier aspirants may pivot to Canada or Europe, where the welcome mat feels more genuine.' (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. What's keeping real retail investors out of the Nvidia rally Instagram and YouTube make billions off creators. Should they pay up for their mental health? Markets need to see more than profits from Oyo The hybrid vs. EV rivalry: Why Maruti and Mahindra pull in different directions. What's best? Stock Radar: Why is CDSL looking an attractive buy at current levels? Check target & stop loss for long positions Get ready for volatility with the big, better & experienced. 7 large-caps from different sectors with an upside potential of up to 39% Buy, Sell or Hold: Motilal Oswal sees over 20% upside in Tech Mahindra; YES Securities maintains add call on ICICI Lombard Weekly Top Picks: These stocks scored 10 on 10 on Stock Reports Plus
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Columbia Crisis: Trump's crackdown sends chill through Indian students
New Delhi: A recent notification by the Trump administration that Columbia University failed to meet the standards for accreditation could have far-reaching consequences for students, particularly international students, many of whom are from India, experts said. Loss of accreditation could mean that securing a visa for studying at Columbia will not be possible. Students may become ineligible for scholarships and grants, and those graduating could struggle for jobs as their degrees would lose recognition. The US Department of Education announced on Wednesday that it formally notified the Middle States Commission on Higher Education , Columbia's accrediting body, that the university may have violated federal anti-discrimination laws by allegedly failing to protect Jewish students on campus. The move, which comes after Trump's order restricting Harvard University from enrolling international students, suggests the US administration is escalating its scrutiny of elite universities. Indians form the second largest student community at Columbia University. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Live Comfortably: 60 m² Prefab Bungalow for Seniors in Denliko Pre Fabricated Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo In the 2024-25 academic year, 1,241 Indian students were enrolled at Columbia. While the latest US action may face legal obstacles, as in the case of Harvard, it does raise uncertainty, said study-abroad experts. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Live Events "This sends a chilling message to Indian students and families," said Adarsh Khandelwal, cofounder of Collegify, a college-admissions consultancy. "These students are not just numbers; they represent dreams, aspirations, and significant investments." Sukanya Raman, country head at immigration law firm Davies & Associates, explained the risks in stark terms. "Accreditation is a prerequisite for issuing student visas and serves as a foundational eligibility criterion for participation in federal financial aid programmes. Should an institution lose its accredited status, international students may become ineligible for scholarships, grants, or financial assistance that require enrolment in an accredited academic institution." The absence of institutional accreditation may render academic degrees unrecognised by employers, professional licensing authorities and other educational institutions, said Raman. "This lack of recognition can materially impair a student's ability to pursue gainful employment or advanced academic study, thereby affecting long-term professional and educational outcomes." Columbia may challenge the threat legally, arguing it undermines academic freedom and institutional autonomy, said experts. On Thursday, a federal judge in Boston granted a temporary restraining order on Trump's directive banning US entry of foreign nationals seeking admission at Harvard for six months. In her order, US District Judge Allison Burroughs said Harvard would face "immediate and irreparable injury" if the proclamation were to go into effect. A hearing has been scheduled for June 16, giving the university a narrow legal window to push back. Judge Burroughs had last month blocked another Trump order prohibiting Harvard from enrolling international students. Despite the uncertainty, education consultants are urging students not to panic. "We have come across some natural questions and concerns around visa validity," said Manisha Zaveri, joint managing director at education consultancy Career Mosaic. "We are reassuring them that such proclamations often undergo legal review and clarification, and universities typically step up support mechanisms when such uncertainty arises." Many US institutions are already reaching out to students, clarifying their visa status, providing legal assistance where needed, and even exploring credit transfers or deferral options, she said.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India-Pakistan tensions make many rethink study-abroad plans
Amidst heightened India-Pakistan tensions, the education-abroad market initially faced uncertainty as parents reconsidered plans due to safety and financial concerns. While the ceasefire offers some relief, anxieties persist, prompting families to weigh alternative options. Experts advise against hasty decisions, emphasizing long-term aspirations and financial preparedness, though some consultants foresee limited impact on study abroad numbers. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads New Delhi: The education-abroad market may see a hit in the short term as many parents and students are reconsidering their foreign study plans due to concerns over safety, travel and even finance amid the heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, said experts. They don't expect the ceasefire that the two countries announced on Saturday to immediately alter the sentiment. Education consultants have been flooded with queries over the past few days from people considering study-abroad options. With a ceasefire in place, the apprehensions may ease a bit but not disappear until normalcy is restored, they said."While the ceasefire brings temporary relief, uncertainty still prevails. Over the past 72 hours, we've seen a surge in queries—families are increasingly asking whether to proceed with study-abroad plans or explore alternative options,' said Adarsh Khandelwal, cofounder of Collegify, a college-admissions they said, many parents were reconsidering study-abroad plans for their children due to worries about the potential financial hit as a fallout of the conflict.A businessman from a tier-2 city, whose daughter was set to go abroad this year, has instead decided to send her to an Indian university because his income was 'not guaranteed anymore' and consider a master's degree abroad depending on the situation then. However, with the ceasefire in place, these plans may shift again, he told advises against making hasty decisions. 'Our advice to students and families is not to abandon long-term aspirations because of short-term disruptions. Plan smartly and build financial buffers,' said people may now wait for more clarity before making a decision, said education consultants.'Until the conflict is completely resolved there could be short-term dips in study abroad applications, particularly among economically vulnerable families,' said Nikhil Jain, founder of ForeignAdmits Travel disruptions and economic strain could make studying abroad less affordable, he parents may also see studying abroad as a way to ensure their children's safety and protection from any future disruptions in India, said conflicts may have an impact on people's earnings and their capability to pay, according to Kamlesh Vyas, partner, Deloitte India. "We may have situations where parents can no longer afford foreign education (in case things worsen),' he with the ceasefire in place, some students who have firmed up plans to study abroad are advancing their travel some consultants, like study abroad platform Career Mosaic, do not see any significant impact on the number of Indian students planning to study abroad. 'While students are aware of the geopolitical situation, they continue to prioritise their long-term academic and career objectives,' said Career Mosaic founder Abhijit are largely sticking to their plans, he said, adding: 'In case tensions rise, we anticipate the impact on India's study abroad market would be limited and temporary.'The real impact of this on Indian students wanting to go abroad would only be visible in the coming weeks and months, said experts.
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Australia may turn less welcoming to international students
Live Events With both major political parties signalling tougher stances on immigration and international education, the outcome of the electoral dead heat Down Under will likely shape decisions for thousands of Indian students willing to trade hemispheres for a brighter future, according to study abroad experts.'All eyes are on the federal elections in Australia,' said Ravi Lochan Singh, managing director of Global Reach, a study abroad consultancy based out of Australia. 'Immigration and international student numbers are a big discussion point. Both key parties are of the view that international arrival numbers, in terms of migrants, need to be controlled.'Australia is holding general elections on Saturday. The current Labor government's push for tighter controls and caps on the intake of international students and the opposition Liberal's hard-line rhetoric around a housing crisis, visa fees and more stringent caps have sent chills through the international education sector.(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)'There's definitely growing unease,' said Adarsh Khandelwal, founder of study abroad platform Collegify. '(Leader of opposition) Peter Dutton's comments linking international students to the housing crisis really struck a nerve. Add to that proposed cap on student enrolments and sharp visa fee hikes, and the message to students is starting to feel more exclusionary than welcoming.'He points to the 2025 student enrolment cap, the recent visa fee spike (from 710 Australian dollars to 1,600 Australian dollars, with another hike to 2,000 Australian dollars on the horizon), and the risk of mid-course policy changes as causes of anxiety—particularly for students in IT, engineering and nursing who are banking on permanent enrolment cap, proposed to be set at 270,000, was seen as a knee-jerk response by the Labor government after it received flak for allowing the international student population to nearly double under its others watching the political play unfold, the sense of a broader cultural shift is hard to ignore.'There is a rise in right-wing protectionism, isolation, even racism and xenophobia, across the world, particularly in the Western world, which also includes Australia,' said Vinu Warrier, founder of education consultancy EduVelocity. 'It is a crisis where the world is changing rapidly, jobs and careers are changing rapidly, and the first scapegoats are immigrants, and Indians are more visible immigrants when it comes to the volume of international students.'According to the Australian government's Department of Education (DoE), Indians were the second largest student cohort in 2024 at 139,038, behind Chinese students (189,282).'Migration, and students by extension, have become political shorthand for broader concerns—overstretched infrastructure, rising costs and cultural anxieties. Students are an easy target: they're visible, their numbers have grown quickly, and they tie into the migration stats politicians like to cite,' said Khandelwal of the nervousness, the demand story remains intact.'We haven't seen any dip in student housing demand for Australia,' said Saurabh Arora, founder of University Living. 'In fact, our 2025 accommodation leads are higher than last year.'According to his firm's recent report, international students account for nearly 76% of housing demand in cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, underlining their economic footprint in the broader housing and part-time labour market ecosystem. He said: 'When discussions around infrastructure, migration or housing come up, it's natural that such a large and visible group takes the centre stage in the national narrative.'There were 853,045 international students studying in Australia in 2024, up 9% from the year before, as per DoE so, the signals are mixed. 'International students are part of a broader national conversation around migration, infrastructure and housing supply,' said Piyush Kumar, regional director for IDP Education. 'It's not about targeting them per se, but about maintaining a sustainable migration framework.'There has already been a slight dip in application numbers over the past 8-9 months, according to if the political winds shift further, international students, excluded from the ballot, could begin voting with their feet.
