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Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
'Integrity fee' more than doubles US visa cost from 16k to over 37k
Representative image HYDERABAD: To the painfully long wait for a US visa, now add punishing costs as the Donald Trump administration slaps a $250 (around Rs 21,450) "visa integrity fee" that will more than double the cost of student, tourist and work visas, beginning January 2026, reports . The fee is refundable under strict conditions. Indians applying for B1/B2 visas (business or tourist), which cost under Rs 16,000 ($185), would need to pay around Rs 37,500 with the new fee. Almost all non-immigrant categories, including students, will bear the brunt. The fee was part of a sweeping immigration process overhaul cleared earlier in July. Cost isn't the only concern," said Sanjeev Rai of Hyderabad Overseas Consultant, a US immigration consultancy. "The visa integrity fee is refundable only under certain conditions, including full compliance with visa terms and departure within five days of expiry. Any overstay, unauthorised employment or violation of status would mean forfeiting the entire amount. This is like asking every applicant to put down a security deposit for good behaviour." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Consultants say that Indian students, already burdened by an increase in tuition and living expenses in the US, have been hit the hardest. Many are now reconsidering studying in the US or speeding up their applications to get interview slots before the fee kicks in. "We have seen at least a 20% spike in inquiries from people who want to finish the process before the new fee kicks in," said Arvind Manduva from I20 Fever, an immigration consultancy. According to the US National Travel and Tourism Office, nearly 1.9 million Indian visitors entered the US between Jan and Oct 2024. With the introduction of the new fee, consultants predict a surge in applications over the next five months, followed by a potential dip post-Jan. The policy, many worry, can also complicate matters for US universities and tech firms. While the US department of homeland security has described the fee as a "compliance tool" and not a punitive measure, ambiguity surrounds the refund process. "H-1B employees and students often face minor documentation lapses or delays in status updates. Linking visa compliance to a monetary penalty like this adds another layer of anxiety," said Arunteja Bukkaparupa, an immigration consultant who handles H-1B and B1/B2 visa applications. "Worse, it's unclear if the refund process will be straightforward." Academics in the US have flagged the possibility of these factors leading to reduced demand for undergraduate and graduate admissions to universities. "The irony is that those most likely to overstay won't care about the refund. It's the genuine applicants who will feel the pinch. The demand for US jobs among Indian nationals will fall," said Orn Bodvarsson, an economist and retired dean of an American university.
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
US move on visas leaves Telugu students in lurch
US government's halt on student visa interviews is creating problems for many students from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh HYDERABAD: The US govt's decision to halt student visa interviews has impacted hundreds of candidates from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, especially those planning to join universities during the Fall 2025 intake. This session, between Aug and Sept, historically sees the highest traffic of Indian students to the US, with consultants pegging the count to around 60% to 70% of the total annual enrolments. Last year, Indians comprised the largest cohort of international students in the US with over 2.7 lakh candidates heading there. Of this, 13% were from the two Telugu-speaking states — highest contributor to the pool. But the latest move has put a spanner in the works for many students owing to increased scrutiny of applications and limited availability of visa interview slots. Especially hit are those still awaiting their I-20 forms (essential admission document issued by US universities). "I started my process in Jan to ensure there is no delay. I have all my documents in place and have also ensured that I meet all other requirements. I am just waiting for my I-20 which is likely to be issued in a few days," said a 25-year-old veterinary doctor from Hyderabad who was hoping to pursue a master's degree in bio-innovation from a university in Philadelphia. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo "I even quit my job for this. But now, I am clueless about what to do next. I may have to postpone my admission to the spring intake (Dec and Jan) if the situation persists," she added. Similarly, a 22-year-old, who applied to a few colleges in the US for a master's in data science, said, "We have secured a loan from my relatives for this, and now there's no clarity. I am reconsidering my US plans now. Since I am still in the application process, I can take a step back and see what other options I have." 'Keep social media a/c clean' Given the situation, consultants say that they are advising students to stay alert — in case slots open up — keep their documentation ready, be wary of frauds and, most importantly, ensure that their social media accounts are "sanitised". This, as the US authorities have asked embassies and consulates to review students' online profiles more closely as part of the vetting process. "We were already seeing a lot more rejections and extended administrative processing; this is just a new hurdle, but a significant one," said Arvind Manduva from I20 Fever, a registered consultancy with multiple branches in the city. "Students are being advised to keep their social media free of any politically sensitive posts, fake achievements, or anything else that can raise a red flag," he said, adding that as many as 150 to 200 students, who received their I20s, are waiting in queue for visa slots. However, the US consulate clarified that vetting of social media accounts isn't a new measure and has been part of a standard vetting process initiated in 2019. "Since 2019, the department of state required visa applicants to provide social media identifiers on immigrant and non-immigrant visa application forms. Security vetting runs from the time of each application, through adjudication of the visa, and afterwards during the validity period of every issued visa," a spokesperson of the US Consulate General Hyderabad said in an official statement.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
US' move to halt new student visas leaves Telugu candidates aiming for Fall session worried
Hyderabad: The US govt's decision to halt student visa interviews has impacted hundreds of candidates from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, especially those planning to join universities during the Fall 2025 intake. This session, between Aug and Sept, historically sees the highest traffic of Indian students to the US, with consultants pegging the count to around 60% to 70% of the total annual enrolments. Last year, Indians comprised the largest cohort of international students in the US with over 2.7 lakh candidates heading there. Of this, 13% were from the two Telugu-speaking states — highest contributor to the pool. But the latest move has put a spanner in the works for many students owing to increased scrutiny of applications and limited availability of visa interview slots. Especially hit are those still awaiting their I-20 forms (essential admission document issued by US universities). "I started my process in Jan to ensure there is no delay. I have all my documents in place and have also ensured that I meet all other requirements. I am just waiting for my I-20 which is likely to be issued in a few days," said a 25-year-old veterinary doctor from Hyderabad who was hoping to pursue a master's degree in bio-innovation from a university in Philadelphia. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo "I even quit my job for this. But now, I am clueless about what to do next. I may have to postpone my admission to the spring intake (Dec and Jan) if the situation persists," she added. Similarly, a 22-year-old, who applied to a few colleges in the US for a master's in data science, said, "We have secured a loan from my relatives for this, and now there's no clarity. I am reconsidering my US plans now. Since I am still in the application process, I can take a step back and see what other options I have." 'Keep social media a/c clean' Given the situation, consultants say that they are advising students to stay alert — in case slots open up — keep their documentation ready, be wary of frauds and, most importantly, ensure that their social media accounts are "sanitised". This, as the US authorities have asked embassies and consulates to review students' online profiles more closely as part of the vetting process. "We were already seeing a lot more rejections and extended administrative processing; this is just a new hurdle, but a significant one," said Arvind Manduva from I20 Fever, a registered consultancy with multiple branches in the city. "Students are being advised to keep their social media free of any politically sensitive posts, fake achievements, or anything else that can raise a red flag," he said, adding that as many as 150 to 200 students, who received their I20s, are waiting in queue for visa slots. However, the US consulate clarified that vetting of social media accounts isn't a new measure and has been part of a standard vetting process initiated in 2019. "Since 2019, the department of state required visa applicants to provide social media identifiers on immigrant and non-immigrant visa application forms. Security vetting runs from the time of each application, through adjudication of the visa, and afterwards during the validity period of every issued visa," a spokesperson of the US Consulate General Hyderabad said in an official statement.
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Visa woes hit Indian students hard ahead of summer intake
Hyderabad: As thousands of Indian students prepare for the US summer semester , many find themselves stuck, repeatedly refreshing visa portals with little luck. Technical glitches, lengthy wait times, and a massive shortage of appointment slots have upended travel plans. Between Jan and March 2025, Indian travel to the US dropped by 9% compared to the same period in 2024, according to data from the US International Trade Administration. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad In early 2024, about 1.2 lakh Indians flew to the US. This year, that number has slipped to just over one lakh. Travel consultants blame the spiralling "visa mess." F1 visa wait times now stretch beyond two months. Mumbai leads with a wait time of 82 days, followed by Kolkata (80), Hyderabad (58), and Chennai (35). "Chennai shows availability, but only a few slots open at a time — usually for the next day," said Mahendra Babu, who is planning to pursue master's in Data Science in New York. "I've been waiting a month. I need to leave in May, and I'm running out of time." Randheer Keeravaru, also bound for a Data Science programme, echoed the same concerns: "I have my I20, but can't find dates. My consultant has no clue either." City-based consultants say April is crucial for student departures, but many are stranded. "Jan intake was bad, and this is no better. Over 70% of visa applications are getting rejected. Our branch alone has 300–400 students waiting," said Arvind Manduva from I20 Fever, a registered consultancy. Tourist and business visas are even worse. Chennai's B1/B2 wait time is 407 days, followed by Mumbai (151), Hyderabad (140), and Kolkata (114). Abdul Majid Faheem of the Travel Agents Federation (AP & Telangana) said only half of 52 visa counters are operational, worsening the backlog. "Between May and Aug, only student visas are processes, but this time even F1 slots are scarce and waiting periods are long," he said.
