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Economic Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
US fall intake hit by visa chaos: Consultants warn of 70–80% drop in Indian students
iStock With the fall semester about to begin in under two weeks, American universities are bracing for a steep drop in Indian student arrivals. Education consultants in Hyderabad estimate up to a 70% decline, citing a freeze in US visa appointment slots and a spike in rejection rates as the key reasons. 'By this time usually, most students are done with their visa interviews and are preparing to fly. This year, we're still refreshing the portal every day hoping for a slot to open. It's the worst in years,' Sanjeev Rai of Hyderabad Overseas Consultant, told TOI's Amisha Rajani. While the US State Department earlier indicated that student visa appointments would be released in phases, consultants say the process remains inconsistent and lacks transparency. With many students unable to secure interview slots or receive confirmation after booking, withdrawals are rising and alternative destinations like Germany are gaining attention. 'Even when a few slots opened midweek, those who managed to book haven't received confirmation.' He suggested the US authorities might be testing their systems, adding, 'There's no logical reason to open a handful of slots without confirming bookings,' Ankit Jain from Window Overseas Education Consultancy noted. Several consultancies report a sharp increase in panic calls from students and parents alike. 'If slots aren't released in the next few days, thousands of dreams will be shattered. We are seeing about an 80% drop. We're getting panic calls every day,' said Arvind Manduva of I20 Fever. Adding to the uncertainty is a high rate of rejections under Section 214B of the US Immigration and Nationality Act. This clause is typically used when applicants are unable to demonstrate strong ties to India and prove their intent to return after studies. 'Many students who usually would have had smooth approvals are being turned away. Their social media was also clean. The only reason that everyone seems to be receiving is 214B,' said Jain. India sent over 3.3 lakh students to the US last year, surpassing China for the first time. But this year, even those who began visa processes early are being turned down. 'Many students who have been preparing for months are seeing their dream crash. However, what the US authorities are doing is not new. The rules, vetting, and scrutiny were in place for years; it is just effectively implemented now. This will filter out applicants,' said Ravi Lothumalla from US Admission, an immigration consulting firm based in Dallas. Meanwhile, the US Consulate General in Hyderabad confirmed that visa slots have resumed. 'We're working to fully vet visa applicants to ensure they do not intend to harm America or our interests, and that they credibly establish their eligibility for the visa sought, including that they intend to engage in activities consistent with the terms of their admission. We encourage applicants to apply as early as they can and to anticipate additional processing time for these visa categories,' said a spokesperson from the US Consulate General in Hyderabad. (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
29-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Trained for trouble: Why exotic dogs need ‘paw-sitive' parenting; behaviour issues rise as instinct clashes with space, trainers now focus on preparing pet parents, not just pups
Hyderabad's pet parents are facing challenges raising exotic dog breeds in urban environments. A mismatch between the dogs' instincts and apartment living leads to behavioral issues. Hyderabad's pet parents are finding out the hard way that raising exotic breeds isn't all cuddles and Instagram posts. With meltdowns on the rise, it's the humans who are now heading to obedience school, finds Amisha Rajani. With rising incomes and aspirational lifestyles, urban pet parents in Hyderabad are increasingly bringing home exotic dogs, from Kangals and Rottweilers to Great Danes, Huskies, Saint Bernards and Mastiffs. But as these high-energy, protective working-line dogs settle into small apartments, a mismatch is brewing between instinct and environment. The result? A spike in behavioural issues with pets, and a new urban trend where it's not just the dogs being trained, but their parents too. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad Dog trainers and behaviourists across the city say they've seen a marked shift in recent years. 'Owners themselves are signing up for sessions to understand how to raise their exotic dogs responsibly. Many pet parents are reaching out even before buying a pup,' says Anand Janampally, trainer at Happy Dogs Boarding and Training School. Decoding owners' mindset 'They are willing to learn, so we customise sessions based on the breed. We also ask about the owner's nature—are they short-tempered or overly sensitive? Do they live in an apartment? Are there kids? What's their daily schedule? How are the neighbours? Based on this, we suggest the kind of boundaries, routines, exercises, diets that need to be put in place,' he adds. 'Training exotic breeds isn't just about obedience, it's about decoding their psychology, understanding their original purpose, and preparing owners for the reality of parenting a demanding breed, which is not used to a 2BHK or 3BHK of an upscale gated community,' he says. A survey by Humane World for Animals India found that popular breeds in Hyderabad include Labrador Retrievers, Pomeranians, Golden Retrievers, and Shih Tzus. 'These are popular for their adaptability,' says Piyush Patel, director of companion animals and engagement at the organisation. 'But we recorded many owners choosing larger, high-maintenance breeds like Rottweilers, Dogo Argentinos, Great Danes, and Saint Bernards. We found that these breeds, often considered 'exotic' in the Indian context, are owned by individuals who may not be prepared for the care requirements these breeds demand,' he adds. That's where things start to unravel, especially for first-time dog owners. 'If they are adopting a dog, that too an exotic breed, we simply discourage them from going ahead,' says Panneeru Teja, a dog behaviourist. 'For instance, Saint Bernards and Huskies aren't built for India's hot and humid climate. Similarly, each breed has different needs. When those needs aren't met, dogs develop behavioural issues. That's why we're increasingly seeing cases of abandonment, when owners simply can't cope,' Teja explains. Seeing a spurt in cases of parents being unable to care for these breeds, behaviourists have started designing training plans for parents based on each breed's purpose. 'We teach parents various impulse control techniques, structured games, and socialisation techniques that introduce them to different types of people, situations, and reactions. These things must be done before they bring the dog home. Most dog owners come after their dog develops issues, and it becomes tough to train them,' says Vinod Poyilath, behaviour consultant at Woof Buddies. Who Let The Dogs In (to Tiny Flats)? 'Breeds like Kangals which are Turkish livestock guardians or Alabais from Central Asia, were bred to protect property. If you treat them like an indie dog, you're setting them and yourself up for frustration and failure,' he adds. 'Such breeds need large spaces to roam. They may also start becoming fiercely protective of humans and spaces that don't need to be protected, becoming a danger to the public,' Poyilath explains. He says they teach parents how to channelise their energies by letting them play in open spaces, socialise with other dogs, along with customised games to help them control their emotions. Many pet parents are learning this the hard way. 'I brought home a pitbull last year. I thought it would be a good companion,' says an HR professional from Gowlidoddy. 'But it turned out to be a bundle of energy, always howling, chewing, barking and being over-protective. Things changed only after consulting a behaviourist,' she said. 'Most people buy dogs as a status symbol,' says Aulapuram Goutham, an animal activist. 'They don't ask: How big will this dog get? What was it bred for? Can it live in a 2BHK in Hyderabad? Will it survive 45°C summers? No breed is bad, but unprepared parenting can make even friendly dogs a danger, which is why training of parents is important,' he adds.
