Eric Garcetti revealed this against the backdrop of concerns in India regarding potential shifts in US immigration policies under the incoming administration of President Donald Trump
The US Visa Bulletin is a key resource for green card applicants
The US bulletin shows mixed movement across employment-based categories, with some progress in the Final Action Dates for applicants from India and China
Applicants with scheduled appointments for US citizen services or visa interviews on that day are advised to check their email for rescheduling instructions
Starting January 17, 2025, the USCIS will reject any petitions submitted using the previous version of the form
"This change is promising for the growing number of Indian startups and innovators looking to access the US market," said Varun Singh, Managing Director at XIPHIAS Immigration
Currently, the US operates consulates in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and New Delhi
Starting January 1, 2025, you can still schedule your first nonimmigrant visa appointment at the location of your choice
For Indian professionals, researchers, and students, the changes open new opportunities
The US January 2025 Visa Bulletin shows minor progress in few employment and family-based visa categories
The F-1 visa is specifically for international students attending academic institutions in the US
Indian nationals stand to gain from the proposed changes, as the current visa cap disproportionately affects countries with high demand
The US consulate in Hyderabad reports 56% of Indian students to the US are from Telangana and Andhra
The H-2B visa caters to temporary non-agricultural roles, particularly in fields such as construction, forestry, and landscaping
The US December 2024 Visa Bulletin shows minor advances in the EB-2 and EB-3 categories for Indian applicants, while family-sponsored visa categories remain unchanged across all regions
To manage the rising demand for US travel, the United States will be adding one million visa appointment slots in 2025
The DV Program, administered by the US State Department, provides 55,000 immigrant visas annually
Tourist visa wait times in India are around 300-320 days, depending on the US consulate or embassy
Dropbox system allows eligible applicants to renew their US visa without the need for an in-person interview
Indian students with degrees from US institutions generally find it easier to enter the job market. However, they may face slightly lower salaries