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Time of India
27-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Students Late for Class as US Visas Fall Behind
Live Events Many Indian students who have newly taken admission at American universities are unlikely to commence studies on time this Fall because of unusually long delays in visa processing despite the US recently lifting the pause on visa to study abroad consultants, the delay and a steep rise in visa rejections could cause a 70–80% drop in Indian student arrivals in the US for the upcoming semester compared with last year. The Fall semester starts mostly in September and some in late August. Students usually depart for colleges in August.A US Embassy spokesperson said consular officers are to conduct comprehensive and thorough vetting, including of online presence, of all student and exchange visitor applicants in the F, M, and J non-immigrant classifications. This is under a new guidance. Interview slots for student visas (F-1, J-1, M-1) were not available in mid-March 2025. 'We do not issue a visa until an applicant has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the consular officer adjudicating the case that he or she is eligible to receive a visa under US law,' the spokesperson said in response to ET's emailed queries. 'We will take the time necessary to ensure an applicant does not pose a risk to the safety and security of the US, and that he or she has credibly established his or her eligibility for the visa sought, including that the applicant intends to engage in activities consistent with the terms of admission.' Several US consulates had also temporarily halted visa interview appointments for new students in late May and much of disruptions have caused a huge backlog in visa processing. Introduction of expanded social media vetting protocols as part of the standard visa review process added to the delays, said experts.'For some cities like Ahmedabad, it has been even worse (than other cities), leaving many unsure about their Fall 2025 plans,' said Collegify cofounder Adarsh Khandelwal. 'Even after the visa services resumed last month, appointment availability still remains erratic, with slots vanishing within seconds and wait times stretching up to 60 days in metros,' he said.'F1 visa processing is significantly delayed this year and if this does not quickly come on track, a lot of students will have to skip an entire year,' said Rajneesh Pathak, founder of Global North Residency and Citizenship. 'Most students are worried about not being able to join their course this year and losing fees and a year.'The US Embassy has urged early applications, warning that more processing time may be required. 'We acknowledge that the additional time required to conduct online presence vetting of all F, M, and J applicants may impact appointment availability in those categories,' the spokesperson disruption was primarily due to operational adjustments, including system updates and introduction of the social media vetting protocols, said ApplyBoard's US head Lindsey Lopez.'However, given the high demand and recent backlogs, students may continue to experience longer wait times and delays in securing interview slots,' said Lopez.
Economic Times
27-07-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Visa delays may derail plans of thousands of Indian students heading to US this Fall, warn consultants
New Delhi: Many Indian students who have newly taken admission at American universities are unlikely to commence studies on time this Fall because of unusually long delays in visa processing despite the US recently lifting the pause on visa to study abroad consultants, the delay and a steep rise in visa rejections could cause a 70-80% drop in Indian student arrivals in the US for the upcoming semester compared with last year. The Fall semester starts mostly in September and some in late August. Students usually depart for colleges in August. A US Embassy spokesperson said consular officers are to conduct comprehensive and thorough vetting, including of online presence, of all student and exchange visitor applicants in the F, M, and J non-immigrant classifications. This is under a new guidance. Interview slots for student visas (F-1, J-1, M-1) were not available in mid-March 2025. "We do not issue a visa until an applicant has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the consular officer adjudicating the case that he or she is eligible to receive a visa under US law," the spokesperson said in response to ET's emailed queries. "We will take the time necessary to ensure an applicant does not pose a risk to the safety and security of the US, and that he or she has credibly established his or her eligibility for the visa sought, including that the applicant intends to engage in activities consistent with the terms of admission." Several US consulates had also temporarily halted visa interview appointments for new students in late May and much of June. Fear of losing fees The disruptions have caused a huge backlog in visa processing. Introduction of expanded social media vetting protocols as part of the standard visa review process added to the delays, said experts. 'For some cities like Ahmedabad, it has been even worse (than other cities), leaving many unsure about their Fall 2025 plans,' said Collegify cofounder Adarsh Khandelwal. 'Even after the visa services resumed last month, appointment availability still remains erratic, with slots vanishing within seconds and wait times stretching up to 60 days in metros,' he said. 'F1 visa processing is significantly delayed this year and if this does not quickly come on track, a lot of students will have to skip an entire year,' said Rajneesh Pathak, founder of Global North Residency and Citizenship. 'Most students are worried about not being able to join their course this year and losing fees and a year.' The US Embassy has urged early applications, warning that more processing time may be required. 'We acknowledge that the additional time required to conduct online presence vetting of all F, M, and J applicants may impact appointment availability in those categories,' the spokesperson disruption was primarily due to operational adjustments, including system updates and introduction of the social media vetting protocols, said ApplyBoard's US head Lindsey Lopez.'However, given the high demand and recent backlogs, students may continue to experience longer wait times and delays in securing interview slots,' said Lopez.
Hindustan Times
01-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
What is EB-5 visa? Indian students explore new path as Trump administration tightens immigration laws
An increasing number of Indians are now choosing a different path as the US tightens its immigration laws and current immigrants are subject to greater scrutiny under the Donald Trump administration. The Economic Times reported that immigration lawyers have witnessed over 100 percent increase in EB-5 petitions from Indian students in the last four to five months. With an investment of $800,000 (about ₹7 crore), overseas investors reportedly can obtain a Green Card or permanent residency via this EB-5 procedure. However, it has restricted only 700 sets for India. In contrast to other years, there has been a significant rise in EB-5 petitions despite the restricted number of seats. Also Read: Over 69,000 Indian students hit hard as ICE targets OPT program with strict warning letters Speaking to ET, Rajneesh Pathak, founder of the immigration law company Global North Residency and Citizenship, said: 'Unlike previous years, when we had most-ly H-1B visa holders applying, the interest from F-1 visa holders has risen by 100% over the last few months.' According to the study, the US Immigration Fund (USIF), which operates EB-5 Regional Centers, has witnessed a 100% increase in F-1 visa holders applying for EB-5 visas since January of this year as compared to 2024, when the majority of candidates were H-1B holders. The Donald Trump administration significantly cancelled the visas of more than 300 overseas students this year due to their alleged participation in 'campus activism' and 'engagement with anti-national content' on social media. According to reports, the US Department of State (DOS) sent emails to thousands of students telling them that their F-1 visas have been terminated and that they are required to use the CBP Home App for self-deportation. Indian students and H-1B holders are now very interested in pursuing the EB-5 visa path. According to the report, the majority of international applicants for EB-5 are in highly competitive industries including computer science, biotechnology, and finance. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services states that investors (as well as their spouses and unmarried children under 21) can submit applications for legal permanent residence (a Green Card) under this program. This is possible only if they invest the required amount in a US-based business; Plan to create or maintain 10 permanent full-time jobs for eligible US workers. Participants in this program are granted an employment-based fifth preference visa, which is called EB-5.
Time of India
01-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Donald Trump's crackdown on student visas triggers EB-5 rush among Indians chasing Green Cards through investment
Tighter restrictions around US student visas are leading many Indian families to consider the EB-5 visa route, which allows foreign investors to apply for permanent residency by investing $800,000 (approximately ₹7 crore) in targeted US projects. The shift is particularly evident among international students aged 19 to 24, especially those studying computer science, biotech, and finance. This visa is now being viewed as a reliable alternative to the traditional student visa path. EB-5 applications rise among Indian F-1 visa holders Immigration lawyers report a noticeable increase in interest from Indian students currently on F-1 visas. Rajneesh Pathak, founder of immigration law firm Global North Residency and Citizenship, stated that while the EB-5 route was earlier dominated by H-1B visa holders, 'the interest from F-1 visa holders has risen by 100% over the last few months.' This trend gained traction during the final phase of President Donald Trump's second term, when many began reassessing their long-term residency options in the US. Political climate drives parents toward investment visas Parents are also playing a significant role in the shift. Given the unpredictable political environment and increasing scrutiny of international students, families are opting for the EB-5 route as a precaution. Pathak noted that many parents are 'willing to invest in EB-5 to secure the future of their children.' With F-1 visa processes becoming less predictable—due to delays, stricter social media monitoring, and tighter work permissions—the EB-5 is viewed as a more dependable alternative. High demand meets limited supply: A visa cap challenge Despite its advantages, the EB-5 visa has a fixed annual cap. India is allotted approximately 700 EB-5 visas per year, including for family dependents. With over 86,000 Indian students studying in the US in 2024 alone, experts predict rising competition for these limited slots. Legal advisors warn that this increasing demand could eventually lead to longer processing times, which may impact applicants looking for faster pathways to residency. A premium option for those who can afford it The EB-5 visa differs significantly from the F-1 student visa. While F-1 is a temporary, non-immigrant visa with limited work flexibility, EB-5 provides a direct route to a Green Card. For those who can afford the investment, the program offers long-term security, fewer restrictions, and faster processing—some green cards are reportedly processed in as little as three months. As political and administrative uncertainty grows, the EB-5 program is emerging as a serious alternative for Indian students looking to secure their future in the United States.
Time of India
01-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
What is EB-5 visa? With Donald Trump administration cracking down on student visas, Indians explore this route for a path to Green Card
US President Donald Trump's mounting restrictions on student visas, has many Indians presently in the US and prospective college applicants considering the EB-5 visa route. This visa scheme offers a route to permanent residency or for foreign investors who contribute $800,000 (approximately Rs 7 crore). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now International students at prestigious global universities are increasingly finding themselves caught in political and administrative conflicts, according to experts. Previously, status adjustments enabled students to remain in the US whilst obtaining work and travel permissions. Immigration lawyers have witnessed a doubling of EB-5 applications from Indian students during the last four to five months of Donald Trump's second presidential term. The current US administration's less welcoming stance towards international students has prompted those aged 19-24, particularly in sought-after disciplines such as computer science, biotech and finance, to increasingly pursue EB-5 visas. EB-5 visa demand The annual quota for this category is restricted, with India allocated roughly 700 visas. Given that the US remains the preferred destination for higher education, with 86,000 Indians enrolled in 2024, experts anticipate intense competition for EB-5 visas this year. "There is a sharp jump in EB-5 applications," Rajneesh Pathak, founder of Global North Residency and Citizenship, an immigration law firm, told ET. "But unlike previous years, when we had most-ly H-1B visa holders applying, the interest from F-1 visa holders has risen by 100% over the last few months." Also Read | The non-immigrant F-1 visa permits international students to enter and remain in the US for full-time academic studies, offering limited work permissions. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now According to experts, parents are exercising extra caution given the current US political climate. "They are willing to invest in EB-5 to secure the future of their children," said Pathak. Recent developments contributing to widespread concern include the suspension of new F-1 visa appointments, conflict between the Trump administration and Harvard University, stricter F-1 visa regulations, intensive review of students' documentation including social media activity, SEVIS system technical issues, and enhanced scrutiny at entry points. "The F-1 visa, once as a bridge to opportunity, now feels like a tightrope," said Akshat Gupta, head of India & UAE, US Immigration Fund (USIF), an EB-5 Regional Centre operator. Since January, USIF has witnessed a 100% increase in F-1 visa holders applying for EB-5 visas compared to 2024. US legal practice Chugh LLP reports a significant increase in EB-5 applications from Indian students holding F-1 visas. Also Read | "Roughly one-third of my new immigration consultations now involve students worried about how US politics could affect their status," said Navneet S Chugh, attorney, who runs the firm. The firm's EB-5 enquiries from students have risen from one or two quarterly last year to five to seven monthly this spring. "The Harvard dispute simply reminds them how quickly rules can change," said another lawyer. Davies and Associates, a US-based immigration law firm, reports substantial enquiries from Indian students and H-1B visa holders interested in pursuing the EB-5 visa pathway. The processing duration for I-526E applications has reduced considerably compared to previous periods. "In some instances, what once took three years is now being processed in as little as three months," said its founder and chairman, Mark Davies. He noted that applicants maintain the freedom to reside and work in the US whilst their Green Card applications are under review. According to Sukanya Raman, country head at Davies and Associates, Green Card holders receive legal safeguards unavailable to F-1 visa students. "We are advising students to maximise their time within the US and avoid unnecessary foreign travel or extended breaks," she told the financial daily. Also Read |
