US Consulates Release Fresh H-1B, H-4 and F-1 Interview Slots Across India
Canada Cuts Visa Processing Times for Indian Visitors, Students and Parents
Analysts Split on Whether US$100,000 H-1B Filing Fee Has Curbed New Indian Entrants
Latest News
Saudi Arabia Tightens Hajj & Umrah Visa Rules for 2026 Pilgrims from India
Saudi Arabia has shortened Umrah visa entry validity to one month, barred Umrah or tourist-visa holders from staying in Makkah after 18 April 2026, mandated all bookings through the Nusuk app, and retained India’s 175,025-person Hajj quota while adding a new 20-day short-Hajj package. Violations can attract SAR 10,000 fines, deportation and bans. Indian travel planners must verify pilgrims’ visa types, vaccination proof and Nusuk reservations to avoid penalties and denied boarding. ([goodreturns.in](https://www.goodreturns.in/news/saudi-arabia-new-hajj-visa-umrah-visa-rules-2026-validity-fines-everything-indian-pilgrims-1503369.html))
Fast-Track Immigration Programme Now Active at 13 Indian Airports
The Bureau of Immigration has expanded the Fast Track Immigration–Trusted Traveller Programme to 13 Indian airports, allowing enrolled Indian citizens and OCI card-holders to clear immigration through biometric e-gates. The free, ten-year membership trims peak-hour queues and reduces the risk of delayed connections, making it attractive for frequent business travellers. Corporates should prompt staff to enrol early and capture biometrics before travel. ([economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/visit/fast-track-immigration-in-india-eligibility-registration-and-key-details-explained/articleshow/130382580.cms))
US Warns of Imminent EB-5 Retrogression for Indian Investors
The May 2026 US Visa Bulletin cautions that Indian demand for EB-5 investor visas may soon exceed annual quotas, triggering priority-date retrogression. A cut-off would end same-day filing of green-card applications, extending timelines for Indian investors and their families. Stakeholders are advised to file petitions immediately—preferably in the still-current “Reserved” categories—before any retrogression takes effect. ([business-standard.com](https://www.business-standard.com/immigration/eb-5-visa-warning-india-may-face-green-card-delays-as-risks-emerge-126042000416_1.html))
France Ends Annual Visa Renewals and Introduces Visa-Free Airport Transit for Indian Students
From the 2026 academic year, France will grant Indian students visas that last the full duration of their degree, scrap the Airport Transit Visa requirement, speed up biometric appointments and widen post-study work options. The only new hurdle is an A2-level French requirement at residence-permit conversion. These reforms materially cut red-tape and cost for Indian corporates financing study-abroad programmes in France. ([collegedunia.com](https://collegedunia.com/france/news/france-ends-yearly-student-visa-renewals-for-indian-students))
Mumbai International Airport to Shut Both Runways for Six Hours on 7 May
Mumbai’s CSMIA will close both runways from 11 AM to 5 PM on 7 May 2026 for mandatory pre-monsoon maintenance. Airlines have received six months’ notice to re-schedule flights but travellers face potential re-timings and capacity crunches before and after the six-hour halt. Corporates should reconfirm tickets and build buffer time into connections. ([newkerala.com](https://www.newkerala.com/news/a/mumbai-airport-halt-flight-operations-hours-may-crucial-508.htm))