Page 5 - Us Visas
US intends to issue 100,000 visas every month to Indian applicants
According to a senior official of the US embassy, India is America's top priority for issuance of visas
 "US intends to issue 100,000 visas every month to Indian applicants")
Asia-Pacific presidential commission proposes stamping of H-1B visas in US
A presidential commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders has unanimously approved a recommendation for the provision of stamping of H-1B visas inside the US, a move if accepted by President Joe Biden will come as a big relief to thousands of foreign professionals, particularly from India. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. As per the current mandatory practice, one needs to apply for a visa stamp at a US Consulate or Embassy abroad before one's H-1B status can be activated. The move came from the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders during its meeting at the White House on Wednesday. Notably, a large number of them either new or waiting for the renewal of H-1B visas are faci
Jaishankar flags US visa concerns; Blinken commits to build back on backlog
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken assured that the US is "building back" on the backlog of visa applications from Indian nationals and said the Biden administration has a plan that will play out
 "Jaishankar flags US visa concerns; Blinken commits to build back on backlog")
US issues record 82,000 student visas to Indians between May and June
Highest for any country and 20,000 more than last year
Indian students this year get twice as many US visas as China: Report
A total of 77,799 Indian students received F-1 visas from January to July this year, while in China, 46,145 got the visa
 "Indian students this year get twice as many US visas as China: Report")
Uncertainty hanging over India-WI T20 matches in US due to visa issues
According to a report in 'cricbuzz.com', the members of both the sides have not received their US visas as yet, forcing CWI to put in place an alternate plan.
 "Uncertainty hanging over India-WI T20 matches in US due to visa issues")
Students scramble across country in search of ideal visa appointment dates
Embassies cite spike in applications; delay in announcing board results also affects foreign study plans
 "Students scramble across country in search of ideal visa appointment dates")
US to process 800,000 visas in next 12 months, says American diplomat
The United States embassy in India is likely to process about 8 lakh visas over the next 12 months, a senior diplomat said
US waives in-person interview requirements for visa applicants in India
These applicants eligible for the waiver are students (F, M, and academic J visas), workers (H-1, H-2, H-3, and individual L visas), Culture and extraordinary ability (O, P, and Q visas).
 "US waives in-person interview requirements for visa applicants in India")
US okays a record 55,000 student, exchange visas in 2021 from India so far
Embassies and Consulates typically begin interviewing fall semester students in May. But this year, the pandemic created logistical challenges for the US Mission's consular teams
Indian talent moving to Canada due to H1B visa policy: US lawmakers told
The much sought-after Indian talent is now getting attracted towards Canada in large numbers, away from the United States because of its outdated H-1B visa policy
 "Indian talent moving to Canada due to H1B visa policy: US lawmakers told")
US restricting visas, taking other action over Ethiopia Tigray crisis
Thousands of people are estimated to have died in the six months the conflict between Ethiopian troops and the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front has raged in the northern regional state
 "US restricting visas, taking other action over Ethiopia Tigray crisis")
US proposes 18-mth delay in calculating prevailing wages of H1B visas
The proposed delay will provide the Department of Labour with sufficient time to consider the rule's legal and policy issues thoroughly
 "US proposes 18-mth delay in calculating prevailing wages of H1B visas")
US court seeks joint status on prospects of work authorisation for H4 visas
An H-4 visa is issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to immediate family members (spouse and children under 21 years of age) of the H-1B visa holders
Lawmakers urge Biden to extend work authorisations to H-1B holders' spouses
A group of 60 US lawmakers urged Biden to revoke a Trump administration policy and extend validity of work authorisation documents for H4 visa holders, who are spouses of those possessing H-1B visas
 "Lawmakers urge Biden to extend work authorisations to H-1B holders' spouses")
US visa policy that supports Indian talent is win-win for both: Jaishankar
US President Donald Trump has this year restricted several categories of work visas, blocking the flow of skilled Indian workers into the United States
Greater localisation, offshoring to cut visa hike impact for Indian IT cos
Experts say the visa price hike impact will be minimal as IT firms are already sitting on comfortable margins due to absence of travel and reduction of other discretionary costs
 "Greater localisation, offshoring to cut visa hike impact for Indian IT cos")
Colleges win immigration battle, but haunted by fears for US reputation
Universities say the Trump administration's repeated attempts to curb immigration have sent students a message that they aren't welcome in the United States
 "Colleges win immigration battle, but haunted by fears for US reputation")
174 Indians in US file lawsuit against Trump's proclamation on H-1B visa
Donald Trump, on June 22, suspended issuing of H-1B work visas till the end of the year
 "174 Indians in US file lawsuit against Trump's proclamation on H-1B visa")
US to hit Huawei staff with visa bans for aiding govts in rights abuses
Pompeo said Huawei employees found to be providing material support to regimes engaging in human rights violations and abuses globally
 "US to hit Huawei staff with visa bans for aiding govts in rights abuses")
