Latest Updates on Immigration

Trump administration pauses all immigrant visa applications worldwide

The Trump administration has paused immigrant visa applications worldwide for consular officer training, delaying scheduled interviews as the US steps up checks on visa applicants

25-30% jump in Indians seeking second residency: Why HNIs want a 'Plan B'

IT professionals, consultants and other professionals account for nearly 18% of enquiries, says global CEO of immigration firm Garant IN

US judge blocks Trump policy suspending visas for nationals of 75 countries

A federal judge in New York has vacated a Trump administration policy that suspended the processing of visas from 75 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Russia and Somalia, whose nationals the Trump administration deemed likely to require public assistance in the United States. US District Judge Jeannette Vargas, an appointee of former President Joe Biden, set aside the policy Friday as "contrary to law and in excess of statutory authority." Secretary of State Marco Rubio exceeded his authority by issuing the policy, which "runs afoul" of the Immigration and Nationality Act by mandating "the refusal of visas to eligible applicants without any basis in law," the judge ruled. Vargas said the policy also undermines the congressional requirement that puts consular officers at the forefront of any visa decision. "Congress imbued these officers with exclusive authority and discretion to determine if an immigrant is eligible for a visa based upon review of specific and detailed criter

NRC before Census: Manipur defers census training as protests intensify

Census preparations have been disrupted as protests intensify over demands for an NRC before the population count

Best of BS Opinion: Emigration must be aligned with global skills demand

Today's opinions examine skilled overseas migration, workplace child care, India's youth employment challenge, AI governance in finance and a civilian account of war-torn Beirut

Emirates allows free date changes on Dubai flights; refund charges lowered

Emirates passengers flying to Dubai can change travel dates without a fee, while refund charges have also been reduced on eligible fares

NAPA seeks fair process for Indian deportees amid US immigration crackdown

The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) expressed concern on Sunday over the expanding immigration enforcement campaign in the United States, which includes the removal of Indian nationals and increasing denaturalisation proceedings involving naturalised US citizens. NAPA executive director Satnam Singh Chahal said the organisation respects the sovereign right of the US to enforce its immigration laws, but stressed that enforcement must be based on due process, equal protection, and individual assessment rather than nationality, ethnicity or community identity. "Individuals who violate immigration laws or are convicted of serious crimes must be held accountable through established legal procedures. However, enforcement should not result in collective punishment or discrimination against entire communities," Chahal said in a statement. He said there was also growing confusion between deportation and denaturalisation. A person facing deportation is not automatically a candidate

New Zealand eases visa health rules, Hepatitis B and C no longer hurdle

Revised policy means the ailments will no longer automatically derail residence visa applications from August 3

Island nation's golden passport: $90,000 buys access to 85+ nations

Naoero's citizenship scheme promises global mobility while helping finance the country's climate change response

Oman's free 14-day tourist visa explained: Can Indian citizens apply?

A new visa rule could make short trips to Oman easier. Here's how the latest changes work

Kuwait allows eligible foreigners to switch to residency for $485: Details

Eligible expatriates can now switch from visit visas to residency under Kuwait's new immigration rules

Goa seeks 'visa on arrival', open-sky status: What travellers should know

The state has urged the Centre to allow visa on arrival and open-sky benefits to improve global air connectivity

August immigration updates: Key changes Indian applicants should know

US green card delays dominate August, while Australia, Canada and other countries see limited immigration updates

Canadian citizenship by descent: These 2 documents are key for applicants

Applicants seeking Canadian citizenship by descent may face delays if key birth and marriage documents are incomplete

Sanchez isolated as Spain sparks fears of a migration crisis in Europe

Spain's PM Pedro Sánchez faces EU pressure over migration policy after thousands entered Ceuta, reigniting debate on borders, Schengen rules and immigration controls.

Indian national gets jail term for a day, deported in US U Visa fraud case

US court sentences Indian national to one day in prison, $1,000 fine and deportation in staged U Visa fraud case

Ontario launches first phase of immigration overhaul: Key changes explained

Ontario has replaced multiple immigration streams with a new pathway. Here's what the overhaul means for an applicant

Dubai offers Dh3,000+ travel rewards for inviting family and friends

Eligible UAE residents can earn rewards worth over Dh3,000 when nominated visitors arrive in Dubai by October 31

Trump weighs $100,000 bond for some US green card applicants: What to know

The proposal could require select immigrant visa applicants to post a refundable bond before getting a US green card

US revives rule that could deny green cards over public benefits: Details

From September 18, use of specified public benefits may become a factor in green card eligibility assessment