News for 'VISA'

The Queue For US Visa Just Got Longer

The Queue For US Visa Just Got Longer

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

As of September 2025, the expected time of interview appointments for visitor visa (B-1/B-2) at New Delhi was 12 months, far more than the time at other US consulates in the capital cities of top economies of the world.

19 US states sue Trump admin over new fee on H-1B visas

19 US states sue Trump admin over new fee on H-1B visas

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

Nineteen United States states have sued the Trump administration over its 'unlawful' decision to impose a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions, warning that the move will worsen labour shortages in key sectors such as health care, education and technology.

Visa Shock Stalls India's Talent Race

Visa Shock Stalls India's Talent Race

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

If the Indian government is indeed serious about reversing brain drain, it needs to put much more emphasis on research and innovation, especially in areas that will determine the future, asserts Prosenjit Datta.

Hyderabad doctor dies by suicide over US visa rejection

Hyderabad doctor dies by suicide over US visa rejection

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

"She was a brilliant student and had completed her MBBS in Kyrgyzstan between 2005 and 2010. Her academic record was excellent, and she had big dreams for her future," Lakshmi told PTI.

24 Nigerians Detained In Thane For Illegal Residency

24 Nigerians Detained In Thane For Illegal Residency

Rediff.com23 May 2026

24 Nigerian nationals, including seven women, were detained in Dombivali, Thane district, during a combing operation for residing illegally.

FIFA To Offer Reassurance To Iran Over World Cup Participation

FIFA To Offer Reassurance To Iran Over World Cup Participation

Rediff.com16 May 2026

FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom will meet Iranian FA officials in Istanbul to offer reassurance over Iran's participation in the World Cup, amidst concerns raised by recent geopolitical tensions and visa issues.

Chinese ministry intervenes in Nagal's plea for visa

Chinese ministry intervenes in Nagal's plea for visa

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

Nagal should apply for visa with required materials: Chinese Foreign Ministry

Trump doesn't support...: White House on H-1B visas

Trump doesn't support...: White House on H-1B visas

Rediff.com25 Nov 2025

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarifies President Trump's stance on H-1B visas, emphasizing his priority for American workers while acknowledging the need for skilled foreign workers to train them in specialized industries.

Goodbye, Shastri Bhawan

Goodbye, Shastri Bhawan

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

As Shastri Bhawan nears demolition, one of Delhi's most iconic government buildings leaves behind six decades of stories, power, journalism and public life.

'The Country Is In Stagnation'

'The Country Is In Stagnation'

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

'Unfortunately, today most ministers are busy with either election duty or praising duty. They are not interested in serving duty.' 'Ministers have become relaxed like retired people still holding onto jobs.' 'Look at how the NEET paper leaked. But there is no accountability.' 'After 12 years, they have become saturated. They are short of ideas.'

US to continue using H-1B, other visa programmes

US to continue using H-1B, other visa programmes

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

A US Homeland Security official says America will continue using the H-1B visa programme, emphasizing integrity and vetting, while highlighting increased naturalization rates under the Trump administration.

Iran to commute to FIFA World Cup games from Mexico after US refusal

Iran to commute to FIFA World Cup games from Mexico after US refusal

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Iran's national soccer team will sleep in Mexico and travel to the US on the days of its three FIFA World Cup matches after Washington declined to host the squad for the tournament.

Indian official found dead at Chattogram mission in B'desh

Indian official found dead at Chattogram mission in B'desh

Rediff.com20 May 2026

An Indian High Commission official in Chattogram, Bangladesh, was found dead inside the mission premises. The deceased has been identified as Naren Dhar, who was serving as an Assistant Protocol Officer. Police suspect a possible cardiac arrest, pending a post-mortem report.

Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghanistan a violation of sovereignty, India tells UN

Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghanistan a violation of sovereignty, India tells UN

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

India has strongly condemned Pakistan's military airstrikes against Afghanistan, citing significant civilian casualties, and criticised its 'trade and transit terrorism' against Afghan traders, calling these actions blatant violations of international law and UN norms.

Ahmedabad plane crash: One year later, grief and fear persist

Ahmedabad plane crash: One year later, grief and fear persist

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

One year after the devastating AI 171 plane crash in Ahmedabad, the profound grief and lasting trauma continue to haunt the victims' families and eyewitnesses, many of whom still struggle with a deep-seated fear of flying and the indelible scars of their loss.

How India Busted An International 'Jihadi Drug' Syndicate

How India Busted An International 'Jihadi Drug' Syndicate

Rediff.com16 May 2026

The Narcotics Control Bureau has busted an international drug syndicate involved in trafficking Captagon, seizing approximately 227.7 kg of the 'jihadi drug' worth Rs 182 crore.

OCI card to cost $275 as govt announces fresh fee structure

OCI card to cost $275 as govt announces fresh fee structure

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The Indian government has revised the application fee for the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card and introduced changes to the application process, including abolishing the six-month continuous stay requirement.

Denied China visa, Nagal seeks embassy's help

Denied China visa, Nagal seeks embassy's help

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

He was scheduled to travel to Chengdu to compete in the Australian Open Playoff event, which will give the regional players a main-draw entry into the 2026 Australian Open.

US lawmaker to introduce bill to completely eliminate H-1B visa programme

US lawmaker to introduce bill to completely eliminate H-1B visa programme

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

An American lawmaker will be introducing a bill to "completely eliminate" the H-1B visa programme and take away the pathway to citizenship that it offers, "forcing" individuals to "return home" when their visa expires.

Bengaluru: Six Foreign Women Held For Alleged Prostitution

Bengaluru: Six Foreign Women Held For Alleged Prostitution

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Six foreign women have been arrested in Bengaluru for allegedly soliciting men for prostitution in a public place. The arrests were made by the Women Protection Wing of the Central Crime Branch (CCB) after a tip-off.

Thane Man Duped in Russia Job Scam: How to Avoid Employment Fraud

Thane Man Duped in Russia Job Scam: How to Avoid Employment Fraud

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

A carpenter from Thane was allegedly cheated of 2.92 lakh by three individuals who promised him a job in Russia but provided a temporary visa and strenuous work instead.

Illegal migration impact spreads beyond border areas: Govt

Illegal migration impact spreads beyond border areas: Govt

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has formed a High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes to study the impact of illegal immigration and other factors on India's demographic landscape.

World Cup 2026: Can Football Unite a Fractured World?

World Cup 2026: Can Football Unite a Fractured World?

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is set to be football's largest tournament but will unfold against a backdrop of significant geopolitical tensions, including conflicts, strained alliances, and complex immigration policies, challenging its traditional role as a symbol of global unity.

King's College Offers Rs 6.44 Lakh Grant For Indian Students Only

King's College Offers Rs 6.44 Lakh Grant For Indian Students Only

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The University of Gloucestershire is looking for international student-athletes for funded study and training opportunities in the UK.

'TCS Can Survive Without H-1B Visas'

'TCS Can Survive Without H-1B Visas'

Rediff.com21 Oct 2025

'We sent just 500 people from India to the US on H-1B visas. There is no dependence on H-1B visas.'

Should US shut down H-1B visa programme? What Elon Musk said

Should US shut down H-1B visa programme? What Elon Musk said

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk voices strong support for the H1B visa program, highlighting the immense benefit the US has derived from Indian talent and cautioning against shutting it down.

Indian Families Devastated as Sons Killed in Russia-Ukraine War After Alleged Deception

Indian Families Devastated as Sons Killed in Russia-Ukraine War After Alleged Deception

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Several Indian families are in mourning after their sons, who travelled to Russia on study visas, were allegedly deceived into joining the Russian army and subsequently killed in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The families are demanding answers and seeking assistance to bring their sons' bodies home.

Court Sentences Bangladeshi National For Illegal Entry, Forgery

Court Sentences Bangladeshi National For Illegal Entry, Forgery

Rediff.com22 May 2026

A court in Mumbai sentenced a Bangladeshi national to seven months in jail for illegally entering India and working abroad with forged documents, highlighting concerns about national security.

Proposed H-1B wage hike to impact Indian IT, favouring higher-skilled workers

Proposed H-1B wage hike to impact Indian IT, favouring higher-skilled workers

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The Trump administration's proposed H-1B wage structure aims to increase pay for skilled overseas workers in the US by an average of $14,000, with Level I wages potentially rising to $97,746. This move, coupled with a weighted selection process favouring higher-skilled workers, is intended to curb abuse of visa programmes and ensure parity with American workers, but has already led to a sharp decline in H-1B applications, particularly from Indian IT companies.

Rubio's maiden India visit aims to repair strained ties

Rubio's maiden India visit aims to repair strained ties

Rediff.com23 May 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit India for four days to strengthen bilateral relations, holding talks with Indian leaders and attending the Quad foreign ministers' meeting.

India, New Zealand FTA to be signed on April 27

India, New Zealand FTA to be signed on April 27

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

India and New Zealand are poised to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) on April 27 in New Delhi, aiming to provide tariff-free access for Indian goods to New Zealand's market and attract USD 20 billion in investment over the next 15 years.

US lawmakers seek visa ban on Pakistani officials

US lawmakers seek visa ban on Pakistani officials

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

Forty-two members of the United States Congress, led by Democratic Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and Congressman Greg Casar, have written to Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding immediate sanctions against senior Pakistani officials for what they termed an 'escalating campaign of transnational repression and worsening human rights crisis in Pakistan' under the military-backed government of Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir.

'Significant' H1B Visa Changes Before 2026

'Significant' H1B Visa Changes Before 2026

Rediff.com30 Sep 2025

'This idea that inexpensive tech consultants should be coming into this country and bringing their families, I find it just wrong.'

Marco Rubio arrives in India; Quad, trade, defence on agenda

Marco Rubio arrives in India; Quad, trade, defence on agenda

Rediff.com23 May 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Kolkata for a four-day diplomatic tour to India, marking the first visit by a US secretary of state to the city in 14 years. His itinerary includes meetings with Indian officials, energy talks, and a Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting.

'Don't have certain talents in US': Trump defends H-1B visa

'Don't have certain talents in US': Trump defends H-1B visa

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

Indian professionals, including technology workers and physicians, are among the largest cohort of H-1B visa holders.

Rich Indians Are Spending More Money On...

Rich Indians Are Spending More Money On...

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Travel is now the dominant spending category for India's affluent consumers, who are prioritising experiences and luxury goods over retail buying, according to a new report.

Delhi Police Arrests Consultant In Immigration Fraud Case

Delhi Police Arrests Consultant In Immigration Fraud Case

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Delhi Police have arrested an immigration consultant accused of defrauding a woman of approximately Rs 1.83 crore by falsely promising Canadian immigration through a business investment programme.

Trump admin faces lawsuit over H-1B visa fee hike

Trump admin faces lawsuit over H-1B visa fee hike

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

The US Chamber of Commerce has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration's decision to impose a USD 100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions, arguing it harms American innovation and competitiveness.

H1B Visa Fee Shock Puts IT Firms In Bind

H1B Visa Fee Shock Puts IT Firms In Bind

Rediff.com4 Oct 2025

In the medium term, corporates and vendors could move away from visa dependency, shift more work offshore and share higher cost burdens with clients.

Delhi HC recalls order on journalist's OCI plea

Delhi HC recalls order on journalist's OCI plea

Rediff.com14 May 2026

The Delhi high court has recalled its order regarding The Wire editor Siddharth Varadarajan's OCI status, citing suppression of facts related to a prior court order.