US Consulates quietly release fresh H-1B and F-1 interview slots across India
Thailand hikes visa fees but keeps 60-day visa-free entry for Indians from 27 April
IRCC data shows Canada now processing Indian study permits in just 3 weeks
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Airlines warn Indian travellers to Schengen of new biometric Entry/Exit System now live
Emirates’ 22 April bulletin confirms the EU Entry/Exit System is now live: Indian short-stay visitors must provide fingerprints and a facial scan on first arrival and should pre-register via the official app to save time. The digital system strictly counts the 90/180-day rule, so employers must monitor staff travel days to avoid overstays and sanctions.
US Consulates Release Fresh H-1B, H-4 and F-1 Interview Slots Across India
US consulates have started releasing limited batches of H-1B, H-4 and F-1 interview appointments after a months-long freeze caused by enhanced social-media vetting. While the move will help thousands of stranded Indian tech workers and students, slots remain scarce and are snapped up within minutes, meaning travel plans should remain flexible. Companies and universities are urged to monitor the portal closely and avoid non-essential trips until capacity normalises.
Canada Cuts Visa Processing Times for Indian Visitors, Students and Parents
IRCC’s mid-April data show visitor-visa decisions for Indians now take 23 days, study permits three weeks and most work permits eight weeks. The faster timelines restore Canada’s competitiveness for short-term business trips and the September 2026 academic intake, although super-visa and some work-permit categories remain slower than service standards.
Analysts Split on Whether US$100,000 H-1B Filing Fee Has Curbed New Indian Entrants
A new study claims the US$100,000 surcharge on H-1B petitions filed abroad has not reduced total visa issuances because most winners were already in the US, while other analysts argue it still restricts fresh foreign entrants. Indian employers may need alternative mobility routes—L-1 transfers, Canada staging or remote GCCs—to maintain talent pipelines.