Latest news with #RajneeshPathak
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- 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
3 days ago
- 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
3 days ago
- 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 |
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
With US Grudging Visas, Students Veer to EB-5
Live Events Following the crackdown on student visas , many Indians currently in the US and those considering colleges there are exploring the EB-5 route. The EB-5 visa programme provides a path to a Green Card , or permanent residency, to foreign investors putting in $800,000 (about ₹7 crore).In the past four to five months, in Donald Trump's second term as US President, immigration lawyers have seen more than 100% jump in EB-5 applications from Indian students , they told ET. A limited number of visas, however, are available each year under the category—about 700 for the US the most popular destination for higher studies — 86,000 Indians there in 2024 — experts see a scramble for EB-5 this year. 'There is a sharp jump in EB-5 applications,' said Rajneesh Pathak, founder of Global North Residency and Citizenship, an immigration law firm. 'But unlike previous years, when we had mostly H-1B visa holders applying, the interest from F-1 visa holders has risen by 100% over the last few months.' F-1 is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to enter and stay in the US to pursue full-time academic studies, with limited work and Associations, another immigration law firm in the US, is also seeing a significant interest from Indian students and H-1B holders to pursue the EB-5 visa route. The current I-526E adjudication timelines are significantly faster than in previous years. 'In some instances, what once took three years is now being processed in as little as three months,' said its founder and chairman, Mark flexibility allows applicants to live and work freely in the US while their Green Card cases are pending, said Davies. Students holding a Green Card have legal protection that F-1 visa holders do not have.'We are advising students to maximise their time within the US and avoid unnecessary foreign travel or extended breaks,' said Sukanya Raman, country head, Davies and Associates.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Morning Brief Podcast: Malta Malfunction: The Rich Hit a Border Wall
Malta's golden passport scheme once ranked #1 globally for citizenship-by-investment has been declared a violation of EU law by the European Court of Justice, signaling a major turning point in global wealth migration. As the EU cracks down on fast-track citizenship programs, high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), including thousands of wealthy Indians, are reassessing their options for second citizenship and global mobility. Host Neil Ghai talks to Rajneesh Pathak, founder of GlobalNorth Residency ...Read More and Citizenship and Andri Boiko, Founder & Global CEO , Garant In, as they discover how this landmark ruling could reshape investment migration trends, impact the future of golden visas, and shift demand toward more affordable residency and passport programs in the Caribbean and beyond. ...Read Less
