News for 'Visa Officer'

Applying For US Student Visa? Avoid These 9 Mistakes

Applying For US Student Visa? Avoid These 9 Mistakes

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

When you apply for a US visa, you need to be clear and honest about why you chose this course or country and what you plan to do with the qualification afterwards -- whether you will be returning home or building a career abroad, says Sonal Kapoor, global chief business officer, Prodigy Finance.

Delhi Police Nabs Alleged Mastermind In Rs 40 Lakh Overseas Job Visa Fraud

Delhi Police Nabs Alleged Mastermind In Rs 40 Lakh Overseas Job Visa Fraud

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

Delhi Police have arrested Shantaram Barku Shelke, the alleged mastermind behind a Rs 40 lakh visa fraud conspiracy that duped 41 individuals seeking overseas jobs in Russia and Israel. Shelke, proprietor of M/s SS Overseas Travels Agency, issued fake documents and evaded authorities before being apprehended in Nalasopara, Maharashtra.

US Visa Pause Clouds Travel Plans

US Visa Pause Clouds Travel Plans

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

'One important clarification is that the reported US action is not a blanket cancellation of all US tourist visas.'

US halts visa interviews globally amid Trump's immigration crackdown

US halts visa interviews globally amid Trump's immigration crackdown

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

The US State Department has paused visa appointments worldwide to conduct a 'global training initiative' for consular officers, aiming to ensure applicants are not likely to become a 'public charge' and are comprehensively evaluated, intensifying President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown.

USCIS restores discretion to reject incomplete visa requests

USCIS restores discretion to reject incomplete visa requests

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

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.

US F-1 Visa: 'Continuing Studies In The US Will Depend On...

US F-1 Visa: 'Continuing Studies In The US Will Depend On...

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

With the duration of stay capped at four years, the biggest impact of the new F-1 visa rules is likely to be on PhD scholars, students enrolled in longer professional programmes, those whose graduation gets delayed and students moving from one academic programme to another, highlight education experts.

US to end 60-day grace period for H-1B holders losing jobs

US to end 60-day grace period for H-1B holders losing jobs

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a new rule to eliminate the 60-day grace period for H-1B visa holders and other nonimmigrants after job loss, a move expected to significantly impact Indian technology workers.

US launches major probe into H-1B visa fraud, names Indian IT firm

US launches major probe into H-1B visa fraud, names Indian IT firm

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

The US Department of Labour's Office of the Inspector General has initiated an investigation into alleged fraud in H-1B and PERM work visa programmes. Indian IT firm Cognizant is among the companies under scrutiny for widespread schemes involving fraudulent applications, exploitation of foreign workers, and undercutting American labour. The probe aims to dismantle networks exploiting the guest worker visa system.

Six Foreign Nationals Detained In Delhi For Visa Overstay

Six Foreign Nationals Detained In Delhi For Visa Overstay

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Delhi Police have detained six foreign nationals, including five Nigerians and one from Ivory Coast, for allegedly residing in India without valid visa documents.

The H-1 B Visa and the Fading American Dream

The H-1 B Visa and the Fading American Dream

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

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?

Delhi Court Grants Bail To US National In NIA Drone Warfare Probe

Delhi Court Grants Bail To US National In NIA Drone Warfare Probe

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

A Delhi court has granted default bail to US national Matthew Aaron Van Dyke, who was arrested in connection with an NIA case involving a drone warfare training camp linked to ethnic armed groups in Myanmar. The bail was granted on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh, with conditions to remain in Delhi and cooperate with the investigation. The NIA's chargesheet did not invoke UAPA provisions, instead citing the Immigration and Foreigners Act, leading to the default bail.

Court grants bail to US national Van Dyke in terror conspiracy case

Court grants bail to US national Van Dyke in terror conspiracy case

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

A Delhi court has granted default bail to US national Matthew Aaron Van Dyke, who was arrested in a terror-conspiracy case being probed by the National Investigation Agency, amidst ongoing investigations into potential UAPA offences.

Delhi court grants bail to 6 Ukrainians in UAPA case

Delhi court grants bail to 6 Ukrainians in UAPA case

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

A Delhi court has granted default bail to six Ukrainian nationals arrested in connection with an NIA probe into a drone-warfare training camp linked to ethnic armed groups in Myanmar, after the agency failed to file a chargesheet under UAPA within the stipulated time.

Work With The US, With Or Without Trump

Work With The US, With Or Without Trump

Rediff.com1 days ago

India-US ties may be strained, but abandoning the relationship is not the answer; India must deal with Washington firmly without becoming either servile or hostile, asserts Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

Trump Can't Concede Defeat; He Doesn't Know How To Win

Trump Can't Concede Defeat; He Doesn't Know How To Win

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

There are only bad and worse options before him, points out Aakar Patel.

Six Ukrainian Nationals Get Default Bail In NIA Drone Warfare Probe

Six Ukrainian Nationals Get Default Bail In NIA Drone Warfare Probe

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

A Delhi court has granted default bail to six Ukrainian nationals arrested in connection with an NIA probe into a drone-warfare training camp linked to ethnic armed groups in Myanmar. The court also discharged them from Immigration and Foreigners Act charges after the FRRO compounded the offences with a fine. The NIA's UAPA probe is ongoing, with a supplementary chargesheet possible.

Govt revises visa rules for foreigners staying beyond 180 days

Govt revises visa rules for foreigners staying beyond 180 days

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The Union home ministry has updated the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025, requiring foreigners staying in India beyond 180 days to register before their visa expires. The new rules also offer relief to children born to foreign parents and revise reporting requirements for medical institutions.

Ashok Gehlot Slams Centre Over New UPI Transaction Charges

Ashok Gehlot Slams Centre Over New UPI Transaction Charges

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot has criticised the Centre for introducing a 0.4% charge on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, alleging the decision was influenced by pressure from the United States and its payment companies like Visa and Mastercard. He highlighted a perceived shift in the government's stance on Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) for UPI, claiming it would ultimately burden consumers and small businesses while benefiting American firms.

Will India travel to Pakistan for 2027 SAF Games?

Will India travel to Pakistan for 2027 SAF Games?

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

India has clarified its policy regarding participation in the 2027 South Asian Federation (SAF) Games in Pakistan, stating decisions will align with national sports policies and international governing bodies. While bilateral sporting engagements with Pakistan remain suspended, Indian athletes are permitted to compete in multilateral events. The government also aims to simplify visa processes to position India as a global sports hosting destination.

Ex-IPS officer, injured protesters move SC against pellet guns

Ex-IPS officer, injured protesters move SC against pellet guns

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

A former IPS officer and two individuals injured during a recent protest in Delhi have filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking a ban on the use of pellet guns by law enforcement agencies for crowd dispersal. The petitioners argue that pellet guns are an arbitrary and dangerous tool, violating the right to freedom of assembly and failing the test of necessary and proportional force. They also seek compensation and medical treatment for victims.

PNB targets wealth management entry by 2027, ramps up credit card portfolio

PNB targets wealth management entry by 2027, ramps up credit card portfolio

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

State-run Punjab National Bank (PNB) is strategically planning to enter the wealth management segment by early 2027 and significantly expand its credit card portfolio, aiming to tap into lucrative markets largely dominated by private-sector banks.

Arundhati Bhattacharya: 'Nothing Was Guaranteed, Nothing Was Given'

Arundhati Bhattacharya: 'Nothing Was Guaranteed, Nothing Was Given'

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

'Giving up is very easy. But don't give up. Try out whatever you can. Something will happen.'

Nine Foreign Nationals Deported From Goa For Visa Overstay

Nine Foreign Nationals Deported From Goa For Visa Overstay

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Goa officials have deported nine foreign nationals and identified seven more for overstaying their visas. The deported individuals include citizens from Uganda, Russia, and Nigeria. Legal action has been initiated against the identified overstayers, who include Russians, Ukrainians, and a South African national.

Nepal issues new media rules for flood coverage

Nepal issues new media rules for flood coverage

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

Nepal has introduced a media safety and operational protocol for journalists covering flood-affected regions, particularly for foreign media. The new guidelines, issued after devastating floods on August 26, mandate accreditation, adherence to safety instructions, and restrictions on movement in rescue zones to ensure orderly reporting and prevent interference with relief efforts.

Man Arrested For Cheating Delhi Resident In Visa Fraud

Man Arrested For Cheating Delhi Resident In Visa Fraud

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Delhi Police have arrested a man from Maharashtra for allegedly cheating a Delhi resident of Rs 9.25 lakh on the pretext of arranging a visa and overseas job.

How Delhi Police Busted Interstate Fake Visa Racket

How Delhi Police Busted Interstate Fake Visa Racket

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Delhi Police have busted an interstate fake visa and overseas job racket that allegedly duped hundreds of job seekers. Three people have been arrested for luring victims with promises of high-paying jobs in countries such as Russia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan.

AI Is Changing Work, Not Cutting Jobs

AI Is Changing Work, Not Cutting Jobs

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

'It requires new skilling, new ways of working, and new structures. That's the reality.'

US tightens Green Card rules, visa holders must apply from home countries

US tightens Green Card rules, visa holders must apply from home countries

Rediff.com23 May 2026

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".

India on watch as Trump may sign Russia sanctions bill today

India on watch as Trump may sign Russia sanctions bill today

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

US President Donald Trump is expected to sign the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 later on Friday (local time). A White House official confirmed the development to ANI without revealing further details.

India eases sports visas for Pakistan but bilateral freeze stays

India eases sports visas for Pakistan but bilateral freeze stays

Rediff.com7 May 2026

India will allow Pakistan athletes and teams to compete in international events hosted in the country, but bilateral sporting ties between the neighbours remain suspended.

UK Visa Curbs Hit Indian Students

UK Visa Curbs Hit Indian Students

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

'Tightening of visa norms for international students around the world are a concern for the university and the education sector, even as the UK continues to offer relatively attractive post-study work opportunities compared to several competing markets.'

Indian National Among Those Arrested In Sri Lanka For Visa Overstay

Indian National Among Those Arrested In Sri Lanka For Visa Overstay

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

An Indian national is among 50 people arrested in Sri Lanka for overstaying their visas. The arrests were made in Negombo city, a tourist destination near Colombo. The arrested individuals, including 47 Chinese and two Malaysians, entered Sri Lanka on business visas but remained illegally after their visas expired.

The Long Road To Viksit Bharat

The Long Road To Viksit Bharat

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The question for the next 20 years is not whether India can become a $5 trillion or $10 trillion economy. Those are attractive targets, but the real question is whether India can create enough productive jobs, educate its children properly, make its cities liveable, and give hundreds of millions of people a substantially better life, asserts Ramesh Menon.

Rekha: 'I Saw Umrao Jaan For The First Time Last Year'

Rekha: 'I Saw Umrao Jaan For The First Time Last Year'

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Legendary actress Rekha was honoured with the Excellence in Cinema Award at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, where she emotionally reflected on her iconic role in Umrao Jaan during a special 45th anniversary screening.

Bangladesh's China-US Tilt Should Worry India

Bangladesh's China-US Tilt Should Worry India

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Bangladesh-China and Bangladesh-US relations have evolved from reluctant engagement to increasingly consequential strategic partnerships.

ICE detains Indian-origin guitarist, green-card holder grandmother in US

ICE detains Indian-origin guitarist, green-card holder grandmother in US

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Two Indian-origin individuals, Pritesh Walia, a jazz guitarist, and Venkata Vasamsetty, a green-card holder grandmother, have been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in separate cases, highlighting the Trump administration's intensified deportation and enforcement drive.

Visa Forgery Gang Busted in Noida, One Arrested

Visa Forgery Gang Busted in Noida, One Arrested

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Noida Police have arrested one person and busted a gang allegedly involved in forging visas and duping people with promises of overseas jobs.

Delhi Police Arrests 10 Bangladeshi Nationals with Expired Visas

Delhi Police Arrests 10 Bangladeshi Nationals with Expired Visas

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Delhi Police arrested ten Bangladeshi nationals for illegally staying in India after their medical visas expired. They were apprehended during a verification drive and deportation proceedings have begun.

Woman Allegedly Harassed by Visa Agents Dies by Suicide

Woman Allegedly Harassed by Visa Agents Dies by Suicide

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

A 44-year-old woman in Kurukshetra allegedly committed suicide due to harassment by visa agents who took a large sum of money from her family with the promise of sending her son to Australia. The agents allegedly failed to deliver on their promise and refused to return the money and documents.

NEET protest: SC to hear pleas on pellet firing on Aug 3

NEET protest: SC to hear pleas on pellet firing on Aug 3

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear pleas filed by a former IPS officer and two persons, who claimed to have been injured by pellet guns fired during the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)-led students' protest on NEET paper leaks.