This could come as a setback to thousands of Indian engineers who have waited for years for their work visas to pave the way for the coveted Green Card.
The US Department of Homeland Security has clarified that not all immigrants seeking green cards will be required to return to their home country to make such applications, partially walking back a previous announcement.
The US government on Friday issued a new policy memo tightening rules for foreign nationals on temporary visas seeking permanent residency, stating that persons wanting a Green Card must return to their home country to apply, except in "extraordinary circumstances".
Green card holders have the right to live permanently in the country, but only if they do not commit deportable offences.
The US is reportedly considering a USD 100,000 fee for Optional Practical Training (OPT) visas, which allow international students to work in the US after graduation. This move by the Trump administration follows a rejected H1-B visa fee proposal and could significantly impact foreign graduates and tech companies. The Department of Homeland Security is also exploring a USD 100,000 bond for green card applicants.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reinstated officers' authority to deny immigration benefit requests if applicants submit incomplete applications or fail to provide necessary documentation. This new policy, effective immediately, reverses a previous rule that allowed a 12-week response period for requests for evidence, placing the burden squarely on applicants to prove eligibility at the time of filing.
The H-1B visa once symbolised the American Dream for Indians, but today's students are increasingly asking whether they need America at all. In 1995, the question was: How do I get to America? In 2026, it may be: Do I need to?
Peter G Kaestner, US Consul General, New Delhi, answers visa-related queries.
Reopening the country to people seeking green cards, or legal permanent residence, Biden in his proclamation on Wednesday said that the policy of former US President Donald Trump does not advance the interests of the United States.
The Biden administration has eased norms by releasing policy guidance on the eligibility criteria for those waiting for green cards to work and stay in America, days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US.
This employment-based backlog is projected to double by fiscal 2030. The back log exists because the number of foreign workers whom US employers sponsor for Green Cards each year exceeds the annual statutory Green Card allocation. In addition to this numerical limit, a statutory seven per cent per-country ceiling prevents the monopolisation of employment-based Green Cards by a few countries.
Om Prakash Chouhan has taken the opening-round lead at the Rs 1 crore Coal India Open in Kolkata, delivering a spectacular eight-under 62. His impressive performance included a hole-in-one and an eagle, giving him a one-shot advantage over former Asian Tour winner Ajeetesh Sandhu.
Seasoned golfer Vani Kapoor, along with amateurs Ayesha Gupta and Riya Jadon, finished the first round of the Women's Pro Golf Tour in a shared lead at 4-under 67. The tournament saw strong performances from several players at the Clover Greens layout.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar raised India's concerns with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding changes to US visa and immigration policies, emphasising that legal mobility should not be negatively affected. Rubio acknowledged potential 'bumps' during the transition as the US aims to improve its immigration system.
Immigrants' contribution to the US economy is disproportionate to their share of the population, meaning that losing them would shrink the economy even more than losing a random group of Americans, points out Sree Sreenivasan.
Udayan Mane shot a flawless eight-under 64 with a hole-in-one to open up a commanding six-shot lead after round two of the AM Green IGPL Invitational South Africa.
As of now, about 66 per cent of the green cards are given to those with family ties and only 12 per cent are based on skills.
A Green Card, known officially as a permanent resident card, is a document issued to immigrants as evidence that the bearer has been granted the privilege of residing permanently in the US.
Trump described the Gold Card as a "Green Card, but much better, much more powerful, a much stronger path and a path is a big deal. Have to be great people, but much stronger path", which also helps companies.
Veer Ganapathy and Sachin Baisoya share the lead after the first round of the AM Green IGPL Invitational 2026 in Mauritius, with several other golfers close behind.
Indian golfer Avani Prashanth finished the Amundi German Masters in T-49 place after carding a bogey-free round of 2-under 71. Germany's Leonie Harm secured her first title.
Two family members of Qassem Soleimani, the Iranian general killed in a US strike in 2020, have been arrested in the United States after their residency permits were rescinded.
A 44-year-old Iranian woman with a US Green Card was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport on suspicion of trafficking weapons on behalf of the Iranian government and is expected to appear in court on Monday.
The US Citizenship Act 2023 introduced by Congresswoman Linda S nchez creates an earned roadmap to citizenship for all 11 million undocumented immigrants, providing Dreamers, TPS holders, and some farmworkers with an immediate path to citizenship.
The US on Thursday introduced a new facility for premium processing of permanent residency, or Green Card, applications from foreign nationals that are willing to make heavy investment in US, resulting in creation of jobs.
BJP MLA Dhirendra Singh has urged the Uttar Pradesh government to formulate a comprehensive policy covering education, healthcare, housing and social security for labourers.
Indian golfers Pukhraj Singh Gill and Khalin Joshi delivered strong performances at the Ever Glory ADT Open in Taipei. Gill finished Tied-19th with consistent rounds, improving his standing on the Merit List for Asian Tour qualification. Joshi secured a Tied-12th finish. The tournament was reduced to 54 holes due to Typhoon Bavi, with Nathan Han of the USA winning in a playoff.
Trump, however, said that the move will not have any impact on those entering the country on a temporary basis.
This was because his wife Anu was not able to join him in Seattle, due to the existing US law that said if a green card holder marries, his/her spouse's visa is rejected.
A significant communication breakdown between the Centre of Excellence's (CoE) sports science team and the senior national men's selection committee has been exposed by Jasprit Bumrah's unexpected absence from the Test series against Sri Lanka, alongside other player injury concerns.
Argentina will wear their navy-and-black away kit for the World Cup semi-final against England, a decision that has sparked fan interest due to the kit's association with past victories against England, including the 1986 'Hand of God' match and the 1998 penalty shootout win. The team hopes this alternate strip brings them continued success.
Indian-origin golfers Sudarshan Yellamaraju and Sahith Theegala experienced a drop in their standings at the Scottish Open after play was suspended due to weather. Yellamaraju fell to tied 17th, while Theegala slipped to tied 64th, with both having holes left to complete in the third round. Matt Fitzpatrick and Michael Thorbjornsen currently share the lead.
A bipartisan legislation has been introduced in the US House of Representatives to eliminate the per country cap on employment-based Green Card, a move which is likely to benefit Indian IT professionals languishing over decades of waiting for the Permanent Resident Card. The legislation was introduced by Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren and Congressman John Curtis. The Equal Access to green cards for Legal Employment (EAGLE) Act, 2021 needs to be passed by the Senate before it can be sent to the White House for the president to sign it into a law. A Green Card, known officially as a Permanent Resident Card, is a document issued to immigrants to the US as evidence that the bearer has been granted the privilege of residing permanently.
Udayan Mane secured his first AM Green IGPL Trophy with a commanding seven-shot victory over Gaganjeet Bhullar at the AM Green IGPL Invitational South Africa. Mane's strong performance, including a final-round 67, highlighted his return to form after a period without a win.
The number of Indians receiving the coveted green card or the Legal Permanent Residency status in the United States has experienced a considerable decline in the past three years.
The important criterion that you will have to meet for this is that you have to be an investor in the American economy.
"With the leverage available, I believe the scheme remains reasonably attractive," said P D Singh, India and South Asia Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Bank, regarding the Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank) or FCNR (B) deposits.
Here's how you can get a permanent stay or a green card in Denmark.
England overcame Mexico, the hostile Azteca atmosphere, high altitude and a red card to seal a dramatic 3-2 World Cup victory, with Jude Bellingham inspiring a famous win that could define their tournament.
Eleven Indian nationals residing illegally in the US have been charged with visa fraud for allegedly conspiring to stage armed robberies of convenience stores to fraudulently claim victim status on immigration applications.
