News for 'vet'

US expands online vetting for all H-1B, H-4 applicants

US expands online vetting for all H-1B, H-4 applicants

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

The United States Embassy in India on Monday said starting December 15, the United States has 'expanded' online presence reviews to all H-1B and H-4 applicants as part of standard visa screening, and this vetting is being conducted globally for 'all applicants of all nationalities' for these two visa categories.

Ex-Prince Andrew exits Royal Lodge amid Epstein scandal pressure

Ex-Prince Andrew exits Royal Lodge amid Epstein scandal pressure

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Prince Andrew vacates his Royal Lodge residence as scrutiny over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein intensifies. UK police investigate new information, while a former UK ambassador faces investigation over his relationship with the convicted sex offender.

Republican push to end H-1B visas sparks fresh immigration row

Republican push to end H-1B visas sparks fresh immigration row

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

US Representative Greg Steube, a Republican from Florida, introduced the 'Ending Exploitative Imported Labour Exemptions Act or EXILE Act', a bill that would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act by ending the H-1B visa programme.

US expands travel ban, restrictions to 20 more nations. Check list

US expands travel ban, restrictions to 20 more nations. Check list

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

The Trump administration has expanded its travel ban and restrictions to 20 additional nations as well as the Palestinian Authority, citing national security concerns.

India, EU free trade deal to likely conclude on Jan 27

India, EU free trade deal to likely conclude on Jan 27

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

India and the European Union are set to announce on January 27 the conclusion of negotiations and finalisation of a free trade agreement, which is aimed at boosting economic ties between the two regions amid disruptions in global trade due to US tariffs, an official said.

US to pause visa for Russia, Iran among 75 countries from Jan 21

US to pause visa for Russia, Iran among 75 countries from Jan 21

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

The pause will begin on January 21 and will remain in effect indefinitely until the State Department completes a reassessment of visa processing, the report said.

US rights body urges Sri Lanka to prosecute war crime perpetrators

US rights body urges Sri Lanka to prosecute war crime perpetrators

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

Human Rights Watch urges Sri Lanka to prosecute perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the civil war, citing a UN report on sexual violence against Tamil civilians.

India raises H1B visa concerns with US amid interview delays

India raises H1B visa concerns with US amid interview delays

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

India has raised concerns with the United States regarding the cancellation of scheduled H1B visa interviews for Indian applicants due to enhanced vetting measures. Both countries are engaged in discussions to address the disruptions caused by the delays.

Indians Stranded As H-1B Visa Renewals Stall

Indians Stranded As H-1B Visa Renewals Stall

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

The US has expanded its review of social media and online presence to cover all H-1B speciality occupation workers and their H-4 dependents, the US embassy in India said on December 10.

Will 'permanently pause' migration from all 3rd world countries: Trump

Will 'permanently pause' migration from all 3rd world countries: Trump

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

The Trump administration said it will conduct a "rigorous" re-examination of all Green Cards issued to immigrants from "every country of concern".

'Shame students have to...': Trump's $1M 'Gold Card' unveiled

'Shame students have to...': Trump's $1M 'Gold Card' unveiled

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

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.

Trump admin halts new student visa interviews over social media vetting plans

Trump admin halts new student visa interviews over social media vetting plans

Rediff.com28 May 2025

The Trump administration is considering requiring all foreign students applying to study in the United States to undergo social media vetting, according to a report in Politico. In preparation for such required vetting, the administration is ordering US embassies and consular sections to pause scheduling new interviews for such student visa applicants. The report noted that if the administration goes ahead with the plan, it could severely slow down the processing of student visas and hurt many universities who rely heavily on foreign students to boost their financial coffers. This move comes days after the Trump administration ordered the Department of Homeland Security to terminate Harvard University's Student and Exchange Visitor Programme (SEVP) certification, a move that meant Harvard could no longer enroll foreign students.

Thousands of H-1B visa interviews deferred for social media review

Thousands of H-1B visa interviews deferred for social media review

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

The US has postponed thousands of H-1B visa interviews in India, citing enhanced vetting measures including scrutiny of social media profiles. The delays are impacting applicants who were scheduled for interviews from December 15 onwards, with new dates being pushed back by several months.

'India, Pak, they were going at it': Trump again

'India, Pak, they were going at it': Trump again

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

Meanwhile, Trump said Cambodia and Thailand have started fighting again and "tomorrow", he will make a phone call to those countries.

US ends automatic work permit extensions for foreigners, Indians to be hit

US ends automatic work permit extensions for foreigners, Indians to be hit

Rediff.com31 Oct 2025

As per the new rule, foreigners who file to renew their EAD on or after October 30, 2025, will no longer receive an automatic extension, the DHS said in a news release.

'Bow, bow': Cong's Renuka Chowdhury responds to dog row

'Bow, bow': Cong's Renuka Chowdhury responds to dog row

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury's response to reports of a privilege motion against her for bringing a dog to Parliament has gone viral, sparking social media memes and political reactions.

'My Life Has Been Paused Without My Consent'

'My Life Has Been Paused Without My Consent'

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

Thousands of Indian H-1B workers are stranded in India after sudden visa appointment cancellations at US consulates.

'Indian Youth Can Expect Career Growth In Russia'

'Indian Youth Can Expect Career Growth In Russia'

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

'Don't look at Russia only as a place to earn quickly and then leave.' 'Try to build experience in serious companies, skills and certifications that will serve you anywhere in the world.'

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.

What's Common Between Janhvi, KJo?

What's Common Between Janhvi, KJo?

Rediff.com23 Oct 2025

While Janhvi Kapoor and Karan Johar's pairing may sound unusual, the two did make the fifth episode of Too Much With Kajol and Twinkle quite fun with their candidness and a bit of craziness!

Trump introduces 'Gold Card' for permanent US residency

Trump introduces 'Gold Card' for permanent US residency

Rediff.com20 Sep 2025

The Trump administration has launched a premium immigration programme targeting wealthy individuals worldwide, offering permanent residency in the United States through expensive 'Gold Cards' that could generate billions in revenue for the American Treasury.

Why Is Mehli Mistry Against Noel Tata?

Why Is Mehli Mistry Against Noel Tata?

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

Mehli Mistry is backed by three other trustees -- Pramit Jhaveri, Darius Khambata and Jehangir HC Jehangir -- against Tata Trusts Chairman Noel Tata and the two vice-chairmen, Venu Srinivasan and Vijay Singh.

'Peace Is Fragile, Remains Vulnerable To Provocations'

'Peace Is Fragile, Remains Vulnerable To Provocations'

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

'You cannot 'clear' your way to peace.' 'You need intelligence, calibrated force, impartial law enforcement, political neutrality, humanitarian returns and a sustained reconciliation plan.'

Trump's 5% Rule: How Will It Affect Indian Students?

Trump's 5% Rule: How Will It Affect Indian Students?

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

Trump's proposed policy limits undergraduates from any one country to 5% at select top US universities, raising concerns for Indian aspirants eyeing elite colleges.

Hollywood Icon Robert Redford Dies In His Sleep

Hollywood Icon Robert Redford Dies In His Sleep

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

Legendary actor-director Robert Redford, best known for films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, All The President's Men and Ordinary People, has passed away at the age of 89.

Foreign visitors may need to pay $15,000 bond to enter US

Foreign visitors may need to pay $15,000 bond to enter US

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

The Trump administration is implementing a pilot program requiring visitors from countries with high visa overstay rates to pay a bond of up to USD 15,000.

Trump-Netanyahu announce Gaza peace plan, await Hamas nod

Trump-Netanyahu announce Gaza peace plan, await Hamas nod

Rediff.com30 Sep 2025

The peace plan included that Gaza will be a deradicalised, terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbours and will be redeveloped for the benefit of the people of Gaza. The peace plan stated that if both sides agree to this proposal, the war will immediately end. Israeli forces will withdraw to the agreed upon line to prepare for hostage release.

New I-T rules to be notified by Dec-end

New I-T rules to be notified by Dec-end

Rediff.com25 Aug 2025

The Income Tax department is working on simplified I-T forms and aims to notify new rules by December-end to give effect to the new I-T Act, which will come into force from April 1 next year, a senior tax official said on Monday.

US to limit visas for foreign students, journalists

US to limit visas for foreign students, journalists

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

The Trump administration is proposing to limit the duration of visas for foreign students and media personnel in the US, potentially impacting their ability to stay in the country.

Pak turns to ADB for $7 bn railway funding after China backs out

Pak turns to ADB for $7 bn railway funding after China backs out

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

Pakistan has approached the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for a USD 7 billion loan to upgrade a major railway line after China apparently declined to support the project. The development of Mainline-I (ML-I) railways between Peshawar and Karachi is stuck due to a lack of funds.

HAL Boosts Tejas as MiG-21 Era Ends

HAL Boosts Tejas as MiG-21 Era Ends

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

HAL aims to raise output from the current ceiling of 24 aircraft a year to 30 by the end of 2027

Want A US Visa? Unlock Your Social Media First

Want A US Visa? Unlock Your Social Media First

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

To 'protect national interest', US now require all F, M, and Jvisa applicants (students/exchange visitors) to make socialmedia profiles public for nationalsecurity vetting.

India's Oil Reforms Aim To Counter US, EU Pressure

India's Oil Reforms Aim To Counter US, EU Pressure

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

The government has no say in where the country's refiners source oil from because these are commercial transactions.

'We don't want them': Trump bars entry to US from 12 countries

'We don't want them': Trump bars entry to US from 12 countries

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

Trump has partially restricted and limited the entry of nationals from the seven nations: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.

US Visa Shocker: Make Social Media Public Throughout!

US Visa Shocker: Make Social Media Public Throughout!

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

The US Embassy has directed all international students aspiring to study in the United States to adjust privacy settings on their social media profiles to 'public' not just while applying for a visa but also during their entire course of study, effective immediately.

No visa on 'omitting' social media info: US embassy

No visa on 'omitting' social media info: US embassy

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

Outlining each visa adjudication as a 'national security decision', the United States has asked applicants to share their social media usernames or handles of each platform they have used in the last five years.

'My Book Is Not Even About Terrorism'

'My Book Is Not Even About Terrorism'

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

'I'm sure those few terrorists who are continuing to operate in the Valley are not reading books.' 'Are they trying to tell us that there are certain people who first intellectualise themselves and then go about picking up guns?' 'It is absolutely absurd.'

'Nothing Will Affect Taxpayers' Benefits'

'Nothing Will Affect Taxpayers' Benefits'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

'There is no retrospective changing of the law, only its simplification.'

Tax officer who arrested Kejriwal, Soren resigns

Tax officer who arrested Kejriwal, Soren resigns

Rediff.com19 Jul 2025

Kapil Raj, a former Enforcement Directorate (ED) officer who supervised the arrests of two chief ministers under the anti-money laundering law, has resigned from government service after serving for about 16 years, citing personal reasons.

Omit social media, risk visa denial: US tightens screening rules

Omit social media, risk visa denial: US tightens screening rules

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

Outlining each visa adjudication as a "national security decision", the US has asked applicants to share their social media usernames or handles of each platform they have used in the last five years.