Latest news with #XIPHIASImmigration
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Business Standard
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
US visa freeze hits Indian students: Who's at risk, what's next
The Trump administration has ordered US embassies worldwide, including in India, to stop scheduling appointments for student visas while it moves to ramp up social media checks. The decision could disrupt the plans of thousands of students hoping to begin courses in the US this autumn and may damage the country's reputation as a destination for study and research. Who's most affected? 'Quite simply, the students most affected will be those who have not secured an appointment and those who have already scheduled one,' Ajay Sharma, an immigration expert told Business Standard. 'The rejection rate could rise, particularly for applicants whose posts have been liked, shared, or forwarded—especially if they are considered controversial. These could include politically charged posts or ones seen as antisemitic.' Sharma added, 'For those with appointments in the autumn, chances may be slim if they are flagged for such activity. In terms of safeguarding interests, remember that digital footprints are hard to erase, so deleting posts is pointless. It's better to be prepared to explain why you made those posts if the visa officer questions them. Otherwise, your application could be rejected.' Varun Singh, managing director at XIPHIAS Immigration, said, 'The move targets a narrow segment of applicants, often due to security, fraud, or policy-related concerns. It doesn't apply to all students across the board. Generally, students linked—knowingly or unknowingly—to flagged institutions, suspicious financial documents, or perceived visa misuse may face temporary holds or outright rejections. That said, most genuine applicants from recognised universities and transparent profiles are not affected.' Singh added, 'Indian students applying to lesser-known or blacklisted institutions, especially those with high visa fraud cases in the past, are more vulnerable. Also, students who present incomplete documentation, inconsistencies in their academic or financial history, or show weak post-study plans—especially if they cannot convincingly answer why they wish to study in the US—might face scrutiny. STEM applicants generally have a smoother route, but even they can face delays if flagged by security clearance protocols.' Impact on autumn intake 'For those planning to join in the August–September 2025 intake, this situation can create uncertainty and anxiety, especially for students still awaiting I-20 forms or those with pending visa appointments,' Singh said. 'A delayed visa could mean deferring the semester, missing out on scholarships, or bearing higher rebooking costs for flights and accommodations. However, most reputed institutions are aware of these patterns and usually allow flexibility through deferred admissions or late arrivals.' What does the order state? An official memo says embassies and consulates will now be increasing their social media vetting for student and foreign exchange visas. 'We use all available information in our visa screening and vetting,' the State Department said. It has not said what kind of social media content might be seen as unacceptable, but applicants must now list social media information dating back to 2019 on their forms. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote, 'Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued.' This order comes as President Donald Trump's administration takes a tougher line on some of the country's leading universities, accusing them of failing to deal with antisemitism during pro-Palestinian campus protests. What can students do? Abhisha Parikh, a US-based immigration lawyer, posted this advice on social media: * Check your embassy's website regularly * Stay in contact with your school's international student office * Be careful with what you post online * Save communications and documents in case of delays Piyush Kumar, regional director for South Asia, Canada and Latin America at IDP Education, said, 'Our advice to the students and their families is to understand that this is a 'temporary pause' while the US consular sections incorporate and formalise the new process of social media vetting of applicants' profiles. It is important to note that the temporary pause has been introduced for fresh applications only. Current appointments remain unaffected, and students will be expected to appear for their visa interviews as planned.' Kumar added, 'Students should remain calm, and given the new profile vetting parameter, mindful of their social media activity. It is important for them to understand the power of social media and ensure they uphold the status of being model, responsible global citizens. Students should stay updated through verified sources such as the US Embassy website or their social media handles for the most updated and unbiased information.' Parikh said, 'Foreign-born professionals make up 19% of all STEM workers and 43% of PhD-level scientists and engineers. They're crucial in tech, engineering, and biomedical research.' Practical steps to protect plans Singh shared these suggestions: * Apply early, as soon as you get your I-20, to give yourself more time to reapply if needed * Double-check your documents, making sure your academic transcripts, bank statements, and intent letters are clear and verifiable * Avoid agents promising 'guaranteed' visas, which often involve practices that could flag your file * Stay in touch with your university, as many US universities help students with visa delays * Consider applying to countries like Canada, the UK, or Australia as a backup 'For those who have never posted anything questionable, the best safeguard is to avoid posting content that could be seen as politically sensitive, critical of the US, or antisemitic,' Sharma said. 'The simple advice is to steer clear of politics. Your goal is to study in the US—focus on that and stay away from political controversies for now. You'll have the rest of your life to engage with those issues if you wish.'
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Business Standard
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
H-1B visa applications for 2026 drop 25%, hit 4-year low under Trump
The number of H-1B visa applications for the financial year 2026 has fallen to its lowest in four years, according to data from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Only 358,737 applications were received this year — a sharp drop from over 480,000 in FY2025 and the lowest since FY2022, which recorded 308,613 applications. Out of these, 120,141 registrations were selected to move forward in the process. The H-1B visa programme, used heavily by Indian IT professionals and US tech firms, grants 85,000 visas annually, including a 20,000 carve-out for those with US master's degrees. According to USCIS, this year's numbers reflect both a fall in total submissions and a marked reduction in multiple registrations per applicant. Eligible registrations fell from 470,342 in FY2025 to 343,981 this year Unique beneficiaries dropped from 442,000 to 339,000 Average registrations per applicant dropped to 1.01 from 1.06 Only 7,828 applications were filed on behalf of beneficiaries with multiple registrations — down from 47,314 last year The number of participating employers, however, remained relatively stable at 57,600. The drop coincides with recent changes to the H-1B registration system. For FY2026, USCIS implemented a beneficiary-centric approach, meaning each candidate could only be counted once in the selection lottery, regardless of how many employers filed for them. 'The decline in H-1B visa registrations this year doesn't necessarily reflect a lack of appetite — it's more about a correction in the system,' said Varun Singh, managing director of XIPHIAS Immigration. 'Last year, the unusually high number of registrations raised concerns about misuse — with multiple applications being filed for the same candidate to game the lottery.' He added that the new process offers 'a more accurate picture of genuine demand.' Visa reforms and tech layoffs The downturn in numbers comes amid a stricter immigration environment in the US. A mix of policies under the Trump administration — including the reintroduction of the 'Catch-and-Revoke' rule, which cancels visas of individuals found violating US law even once — and an increase in visa-related fees has made the process more complex and expensive. In January, the H-1B registration fee was raised from $10 to $215. 'This fee hike is not a small jump, especially for startups and smaller firms,' said Mamta Shekhawat, founder of 'Many are now more selective, only filing for niche or project-critical roles.' The broader employment situation in tech has also affected numbers. Between 2024 and 2025, over 260,000 tech jobs were cut globally. As of May 2025, more than 52,000 workers had already been affected across 123 companies. According to a Bloomberg report, in April alone, 19 companies laid off 23,468 employees — a steep rise from March, when 8,834 professionals across 21 firms lost their jobs. The most cuts came from Intel, which announced plans to reduce about 20 per cent of its workforce. Meta also let go of nearly 100 employees, while Google laid off hundreds from its platforms and devices unit around mid-April. Indian tech companies were not spared. Gupshup, which works in conversational AI, laid off around 200 employees, and Cars24 also announced job cuts. The total number of H-1B registrations had soared in FY2024 to nearly 781,000 before USCIS began tightening controls. The fall in applications since then has been steady: FY2024: 780,884 registrations FY2025: 479,953 FY2026: 358,737 But the demand still far exceeds supply. For FY2026, more than 343,000 eligible registrations were filed for just 85,000 available visas. 'The US is still a top destination for Indian talent,' Singh said. 'What's changing is the intent to bring more transparency and fairness into the H-1B process — which in the long term, actually helps both employers and employees.' Key figures from FY2026 H-1B cap season Total registrations: 358,737 Eligible registrations: 343,981 Selected registrations: 120,141 Unique beneficiaries: 339,000 Unique employers: 57,600 Registrations per beneficiary: 1.01 Multiple registrations: 7,828 The registration period for FY2026 was open from March 7 to 24. Selected applicants can now submit full petitions for visa approval.
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Business Standard
16-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
H-1B visa demand remains strong in FY2026 despite tighter US scrutiny
Is there a lack of appetite for US jobs? The data suggests otherwise. The latest figures from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reveal that 343,981 eligible registrations were received for the financial year 2026, far exceeding the annual cap of 85,000 visas, which includes a separate quota of 20,000 for those with a US master's degree. Only 7,828 of these were for individuals with multiple registrations, a sharp drop from the previous year. The dip in overall registrations doesn't mean a dip in demand. 'The decline in H-1B visa registrations this year doesn't necessarily reflect a lack of appetite — it's more about a correction in the system,' Varun Singh, managing director of XIPHIAS Immigration told Business Standard. 'Last year, the unusually high number of registrations raised concerns about misuse — with multiple applications being filed for the same candidate to game the lottery. USCIS's new, stricter rules around beneficiary-centric registration have effectively curbed that loophole. What we're seeing now is a more accurate picture of genuine demand.' He added that demand for global tech talent in the US remains strong, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud engineering. 'The US is still a top destination for Indian talent. What's changing is the intent to bring more transparency and fairness into the H-1B process — which in the long term, actually helps both employers and employees.' Key numbers from fiscal 2026 * 343,981 eligible registrations received * 7,828 for individuals with multiple registrations * 85,000 H-1B visas available (including 20,000 for US master's holders) * 120,141 registrations selected to meet the cap * Registration period: March 7 to March 24, 2025 The USCIS said the updated selection system is part of efforts to prevent misuse. 'We implemented the beneficiary-centric selection process under the final rule 'Improving the H-1B Registration Selection Process and Program Integrity',' the agency said in a statement. Historical H-1B registration volumes FY2021: 274,237 FY2022: 308,613 FY2023: 483,927 FY2024: 780,884 FY2025: 479,953 FY2026: 358,737 The average number of registrations per beneficiary in FY2026 was just 1.01, compared to 1.06 last year — indicating fewer attempts at duplicate filings. Reining in abuse of the system Registrations found to include false details, incorrect travel document data, or filed through collusion can be invalidated. The agency said it may deny or revoke such petitions and refer cases to law enforcement. 'Based on evidence from the FY2023 and FY2024 H-1B cap seasons, we have undertaken extensive fraud investigations, denied and revoked petitions accordingly, and continue to make law enforcement referrals,' USCIS said. It added that it will examine FY2025 and FY2026 data to detect any further misuse. Indian applicants continue to dominate Indian nationals continue to account for the largest share of H-1B recipients. In FY2023, they received 68,825 initial H-1B visas — around 58 per cent of the total — and over 2.1 lakh visa extensions. Applicants from China were the next largest group, receiving 16,094 initial visas and 29,250 extensions. Country-wise data for FY2024 and FY2025 is yet to be released. However, Indian nationals typically make up around 60 per cent of new H-1B visa registrations.
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Business Standard
14-05-2025
- General
- Business Standard
Busting green card myths: US citizen relatives face long waits too
Being related to a US citizen doesn't always mean a quick path to a green card. While some family members qualify for faster processing, others may wait over 15 years — sometimes decades — depending on the relationship and country of origin. 'If you think your sibling can get a green card quickly just because you're a US citizen, that's a myth,' said Abhisha Parikh, a US-based immigration lawyer. 'The fact is, only immediate relatives — spouses, parents, and children under 21 — get priority. Others, like siblings or married children, might be waiting 15 years or more.' Under current US immigration law, family members of citizens and lawful permanent residents can apply for green cards, but delays depend heavily on their visa category and country of birth. Two separate queues There are two key wait periods that determine how long a green card takes: 1. The visa bulletin queue, which determines when you're eligible to apply Also Read 2. the USCIS processing time, which starts once your application is submitted Immediate relatives of US citizens skip the visa bulletin queue entirely. For others, both queues apply — sometimes spanning decades. 'For Indian nationals, the green card backlog is among the worst in the world — especially in categories like F4 (siblings of US citizens) and F1/F3 (adult children of US citizens),' Varun Singh, managing director at XIPHIAS Immigration told Business Standard. The reason is a country cap that limits green cards for each nation to about 7% of the annual family-based total, regardless of demand. Singh explains: Siblings of US citizens: 15 to 20+ years Adult children of US citizens: Over 10 years Children under 21: 1 to 2 years Spouses of US citizens: 12 to 18 months 'Spouses fall under the Immediate Relative category, so there's no quota. That's why their green cards are processed faster and with fewer hurdles,' he said. Family-based green card waiting times (FY2025) Here's how long family-based green cards take, based on USCIS data: Immediate relatives of US citizens (no visa bulletin wait) Spouses in the US: 9.5 months Spouses abroad: 14.3 months Parents: 14.3 months Unmarried children under 21: 14.3 months Family preference categories (visa bulletin applies) Spouses/children of green card holders (F2A): October 2024 | 35 months Unmarried adult children of US citizens (F1): September 2017 | 9.5 months Unmarried adult children of green card holders (F2B): January 2017 | 35 months Married children of US citizens (F3): July 2012 | 9.5 months Siblings of US citizens (F4): India: October 2006 Most other countries: April 2008 Mexico: April 2001 Philippines: January 2008 USCIS time: 9.5 months Family preference categories defined F1: Unmarried adult sons/daughters of US citizens F2A: Spouses and under-21 children of green card holders F2B: Unmarried adult sons/daughters of green card holders F3: Married sons/daughters of US citizens F4: Siblings of US citizens What determines the wait Two key tools matter when tracking your green card timeline: < The monthly visa bulletin, which tells you when your priority date becomes eligible < USCIS processing times, which tell you how long the agency takes once your application is submitted Immediate relatives can skip the bulletin entirely and apply straight away. Why Indians wait so long 'It's not about favouritism. It's just maths,' Singh said. 'The volume of Indian applicants is huge, but the law restricts how many green cards can go to each country. That's what causes the bottleneck.' He added, 'The real cost is human. Families separated for decades, siblings growing old in different countries, and children ageing out before their number comes up.' What applicants can do if delayed In some cases, applicants can take legal steps if their application is stuck for too long. 'Couples sponsoring spouses should prepare thoroughly to avoid delays. If the wait becomes unreasonable, filing a writ of mandamus is an option to compel USCIS to act,' said Ketan Mukhija, senior partner at Burgeon Law. What counts as marriage fraud Entering into a fake marriage for money or favours Both parties knowingly entering a sham marriage
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Business Standard
07-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
India-UK FTA: How Indian techies will save on salary for three years
After nearly three and a half years of negotiations, India and the United Kingdom announced on Tuesday the conclusion of talks for a free trade agreement (FTA) that could reshape the way Indians work and do business in Britain. The deal, which covers strategic and economic ties between the fifth- and sixth-largest economies, includes an agreement on social security contributions that is expected to benefit thousands of Indians working in the UK on a temporary basis. Kajal Dave, Co-Founder of LaunchEd Global, a study abroad and e-learning platform, said, "Although trading in products and services is the primary objective of the FTA, discussions have also included the ability to move by qualified professionals. The regulations are expected to enable short-term business and professional visas, support mutual recognition of qualifications, and facilitate easier migration pathways in high-demand sectors. Even though they might not immediately change student visa restrictions," Dave told Business Standard. How Indians could benefit Under the Double Contribution Convention Agreement (DCCA), Indian workers temporarily in the UK and their employers will be exempt from paying social security contributions for three years. India's commerce ministry said this would make Indian service providers more competitive. 'In an unprecedented achievement, India has secured an exemption for Indian workers who are temporarily in the UK and their employers from paying social security contributions in the UK for a period of three years under the Double Contribution Convention,' it said. Business Standard reported earlier, citing estimates from the commerce ministry, that the agreement is expected to save around 20 per cent of an employee's salary. More than 60,000 employees, mainly from the IT sector, are expected to benefit. The total financial benefit to Indian companies and employees is estimated to exceed Rs 4,000 crore. Presently, Indian professionals working temporarily in Britain pay compulsory National Insurance (NI) contributions but cannot claim benefits once they return to India. Industry experts believe the deal could offer wider advantages beyond immediate cost savings. "The agreement is anticipated to help Indian professionals. Better post-study career prospects, increased acceptance of Indian degrees, and a more hospitable work environment for long-term employment in industries like technology, finance, and healthcare might all result from this for students and aspiring professionals," said Dave. "For Indian professionals working in the UK, the FTA has the possibility to greatly reduce tax costs and simplify employment laws. If well executed, it may save up to 20 per cent of salaries, which is a significant advantage that improves financial security and increases the UK's appeal to Indian talent," he added. Varun Singh, Managing Director of XIPHIAS Immigration, said the FTA represents more than a commercial agreement. "The India-UK FTA is more than just a trade pact — it's a gateway for skilled Indian professionals to dream bigger. While the full text is still under wraps, both sides have signalled a strong intent to include provisions that ease mobility for Indian workers, particularly in sectors like IT, healthcare, and finance," Singh told Business Standard. He added, "For Indians already in the UK, this could translate to faster pathways to permanent residency and broader career prospects. For those aspiring to move, especially young graduates and tech talent, it opens doors to smoother visa processes, potentially even a dedicated mobility scheme." India already has similar social security agreements with countries including Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, France, Denmark, South Korea and the Netherlands. Workers posted abroad to these countries continue contributing to India's Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) without double deductions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was pleased with the outcome. 'Delighted to speak with my friend PM Keir Starmer. In a historic milestone, India and the UK have successfully concluded an ambitious and mutually beneficial free trade agreement, along with a double contribution convention. These landmark agreements will further deepen our comprehensive strategic partnership and catalyse trade, investment, growth, job creation, and innovation in both our economies. I look forward to welcoming PM Starmer to India soon,' Modi wrote on X. In the UK Parliament, Douglas Alexander, Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade, said the agreement preserves Britain's existing rules on immigration. 'The deal does not affect the points-based system. It only covers business mobility, which is different from immigration, as it is about travel for specific and temporary business purposes," he said. Alexander further said that UK businesses would also benefit from increased mobility routes as they expand into India. UK Opposition slams govt The announcement drew criticism from opposition parties in Britain, particularly concerning the treatment of British and Indian workers under the new arrangement. Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper tweeted, 'It is very worrying to hear concerns that Indian workers coming over here, companies may not have to pay taxes on those workers,' calling for MPs to be given a vote on the deal. Conservative MP Harriett Baldwin raised concerns in the House of Commons about the potential cost to the British taxpayer. She said, 'Will the convention really mean that, for example, an Indian-owned restaurant chain in the UK could pay no national insurance here for its chef, while the British pub next door pays full national insurance for its curry chef? This government is literally putting up taxes for British workers but cutting them for Indian workers.' Baldwin questioned whether it would be 20 per cent cheaper for companies to hire Indian workers instead of British ones. Alexander responded that the arrangement is reciprocal and will benefit British workers posted in India. He said the exemption covers only a specific and limited group of Indian businesspeople, for three years, and pointed out that the UK already has similar agreements with the EU, the US and South Korea. What about student visas and immigration rules? The government clarified that student visas were not part of the negotiations. Alexander said: 'Student visas remained off the table.' He also confirmed that the UK has not created new visa routes under the FTA. While some business mobility routes have been expanded to cover additional sectors, they will only be available to highly skilled and experienced professionals. Applicants must still meet strict criteria on qualifications and experience. — No changes have been made to the UK's points-based immigration system — No new general visa categories have been introduced for Indian citizens — Business mobility provisions are strictly temporary and sector-specific The government reiterated that Indian workers benefiting from the agreement will still have to pay the immigration health surcharge, which funds the NHS. The United Kingdom's points-based immigration system is the framework used to decide who can work, study, or settle in the UK. In this, applicants must earn at least 70 points to qualify for most work visas. Points are awarded based on specific criteria such as: Having a job offer from an approved UK employer (20 points) Speaking English at a required level (10 points) Job being at an appropriate skill level (20 points) Salary level (0–20 points depending on the salary band) Occupation being in a shortage field (extra points) Having a relevant PhD (extra points if related to the job, especially in STEM fields) Types of visas under the system include: Skilled Worker visa: For people with an eligible job offer. Health and Care Worker visa: For doctors, nurses, carers, etc. Global Talent visa: For leaders or potential leaders in fields like science, engineering, the arts.
