U.S. deports Indians as Trump tightens immigration rules

U.S. deports Indians as Trump tightens immigration rules

Major crackdown: A file photo of detained immigrants being boarded on a U.S. C-17 military aircraft last month.reuters

U.S. military aircraft takes off with 200 people; Indian side said to have confirmed nationality of all individuals before they were put on the plane

THE HINDU 

Kallol Bhattacherjee  05.02.2025

NEW DELHI

Days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s expected visit to the U.S., the Donald Trump administration has started the process of deporting illegal Indian immigrants.

Sources confirmed that a wide-bodied military aircraft took off from the U.S. early on Tuesday morning carrying around 200 Indian nationals. Official sources here said that the Indian side confirmed the nationality of all the individuals before the U.S. authorities went ahead with the deportation.

Mr. Modi had spoken to President Donald Trump last week following which the White House announced that the Prime Minister was expected to visit Washington DC in February. “We will work together for the welfare of our people and towards global peace, prosperity, and security,” Mr. Modi said after the telephone conversation.

Shortly thereafter, Mr. Trump addressed the issue of illegal immigration from several countries, including India, and said, “He [Mr. Modi] will do what’s right when it comes to taking back illegal Indian immigrants from America.”

The conversation was held against the backdrop of reports that the two sides were in discussion over the presence of at least 18,000 Indian nationals in the U.S. who were being viewed as illegal immigrants by the Trump administration.

“The United States is vigorously enforcing its border, tightening immigration laws, and removing illegal migrants. These actions send a clear message: illegal migration is not worth the risk,” a U.S. Embassy spokesperson said here on Tuesday in response to a question on the deportation of the Indian nationals.

Indian sources, however, pointed out that while the deportation of Indian nationals who had landed in the U.S. through dubious means was not new, the use of a military aircraft to carry out the task was a new method.

Visa firm sends 2 to Philippines for dud MBBS degree

Visa firm sends 2 to Philippines for dud MBBS degree 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 01.01.2025

Ahmedabad : A Viratnagar businessman, aged 50, was allegedly defrauded of Rs 27.18 lakh by four individuals from a visa consultancy firm who allegedly arranged for his son and nephew to study MBBS in the Philippines despite the degree not being recognised for practice in India. The victim on Monday filed a complaint with Nikol police against owners of the firm and three others, alleging forgery and breach of trust. In 2022, the businessman had sought admission for his son and nephew at Lyceum Northwestern University in Dagupan City, Philippines, and approached a local visa consultancy where he met the managers. The management team, including a woman, presented a fee structure for the MBBS course in Manila, Philippines, quoting Rs 17.50 lakh for each student, with additional charges for accommodation, food, visa extensions and miscellaneous expenses. After agreeing to send both students, the family received offer letters confirming admission. Before the students’ departure, the consultancy collected Rs 9.5 lakh as course fees. In Feb 2023, after the programme commenced, the students discovered that the MBBS qualification from the Philippines was not valid in India due to licensing restric tions. The family later learned that whilst they were told the course would last five and ahalf years, the college indicated a sevenyear duration. 

Despite raising concerns, the consultant allegedly continued making false promises and provided written confirmation that the Dagupan City Lyceum Northwestern University certificate would be recognised in India. Upon consulting the Indian Embassy, the family confirmed that Philippines-issued practice licences were invalid in India. When the family requested the students’ return due to the course’s non-recognition in India, the consultant informed them that college fees were non-refundable. A complaint was filed on Monday

Visa Rule Changes Reshape Students’ Edu Plans Abroad

Visa Rule Changes Reshape Students’ Edu Plans Abroad

LOOKING@ 2024 to DECODE 2025  TIMES OF INDIA HYDERABAD 28.12.2024

Students, especially from the two Telugu states, are looking at global destinations other than US & Canada for higher education following crucial regulatory developments in 2024 We look at how changes in visa rules will affect students heading abroad 

Amisha.Rajani@timesofindia.com 

The global education landscape has undergone seismic shifts in 2024 as leading destinations for international students — namely the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia — grapple with evolving visa regulations. Last year, nearly 10.3 lakh Indian students ventured abroad for higher education, with Telangana and Andhra Pradesh contributing a significant share of approximately 1.5 lakh students. While experts had anticipated a rise in these numbers for 2024, abrupt changes in visa policies have prompted many students to reassess their plans for studying overseas, and the effect will be seen in 2025.

Canada’s Stricter Policies Canada, one of the most sought after destinations for Indian students, has introduced a cap on international student intake, limiting it to 35% of total admissions, with an additional 10% reduction planned for 2025. The financial documentation requirement for living expenses has also been significantly increased from $10,000 to $20,635 (approximately ₹6.1 lakh to ₹12.6 lakh). “Additionally, Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has delisted several colleges and universities from its Designated Learning Institution (DLI) roster,” said Chirandeep Patnaik, from Lemma One, a registered Consultancy in the city. “These institutions were reportedly admitting students with below-average profiles, prompting concerns over the  quality of education and employability. With these changes and reduced job opportunities and political issues, we expect a significant drop in enrolment for Canada next year by as much as 30% at least. We already are seeing a drop from the last two months.” 

The US: A Mixed Picture The US, traditionally the top choice for Indian students, has not introduced any major visa policy changes recently. However, modifications to the H-1B visa process — such as increased scrutiny and a shift to a wage-based selection system — have created uncertainty. These changes particularly impact Indian students, who form a large share of H-1B applicants. “While students still prefer the US for STEM courses, many are anxious about job prospects post-graduation due to increased competition for H-1B visas,” explained Vandana Mahajan, founder and director of Futures Abroad, a registered consultancy in the city. However, even experts are unsure of the 2025 outlook once presidentdesignate Donald Trump swears in. “Even as Trump won with a majority, there is already a reduction in demand for the US for the upcoming May Intake,” said Arvind Manduva, from a registered consultancy in the city. 

UK and Australia Gearing Up In contrast, the UK and Australia are poised to benefit from these shifts in 2025, despite implementing their own caps and policy revisions, predict experts. Australia, for instance, has limited its international student intake to 2.7 lakh, while the UK is contemplating a similar cap. “However, both nations are expected to attract more Indian students next year due to strained India-Canada relations and better post-study work opportunities. 

With a high rejection rate in Australia and fewer university seats in the UK, these countries are seeing a temporary dip in applications. But given their stable job markets and attractive post-study options, the trend could reverse in the coming year,” Manduva added. Europe’s Rising Appeal Amid geopolitical tensions, visa delays, and housing shortages in traditional destinations, Europe is emerging as a preferred choice for Indian students, share experts. “Countries such as Ireland, Finland, France, and Germany are gaining popularity due to streamlined visa processes, growing international student support, and favourable post-study work opportunities,” said Aritra Ghosal, founder and director of OneStep Global, an educational consultancy. Abhijit Zaveri, founder and director of Career Mosaic, a consultancy, which has partnership with over 900 universities across the world, shared, Germany and France, in particular, are leading the way in offering opportunities in fields such as engineering and technology, while countries like Georgia and the Czech Republic are attracting medical students.

“Canada’s loss is Europe’s gain as policy shifts and increased competition push students to explore alternatives,” Zaveri added. Experts also highlighted that European institutions offer affordable education in fields beyond STEM, such as arts, humanities, and education, making them increasingly attractive. Focus on Skills Over Degrees Given the fluctuating visa policies and limited job prospects, universities worldwide have observed a rise in students prioritising skill-building through certifications alongside their degrees, which will help them in gaining employability anywhere around the world. 

They expect this trend to take over in 2025. “Short-term courses such as Generative AI for Marketers and Machine Learning with Python are becoming popular, as global companies increasingly value skills over traditional qualifications,” noted K Agarwal, dean at the University of California Santa Cruz Silicon Valley. “This trend is expected to grow in 2025, particularly as industries evolve with advancements in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and sustainable technologies,” he added

China lengthens visa-free stays for tourists

China lengthens visa-free stays for tourists 

Sara Ruberg 19.12.2024

China’s govt opened its country’s doors a little wider this week by extending the period that tourists visiting the country can stay without a visa to up to 10 days. It’s the latest effort in China’s push to welcome tourists back amid geopolitical tensions and after strict pandemic policies froze all travel to the country. The transit policy is among a few changes China has made to entice visitors since it reopened its borders in 2023. 

The Chinese govt said in a statement that it “invites more foreign friends to come to China and experience the beauty of the country in this new era firsthand.” Tourists can stay up to 10 days Starting in 2023, China allowed travellers from 54 countries, including the United States, to enter the country without prior visa approval if they were in transit to another country. Tourists were originally allowed to stay three to six days depending on which port of entry they had used. 

Under the new policy, tourists can stay up 240 hours, or 10 days, for those who arrive at one of the country’s approved airports. China also added 21 locations to its 39 ports of entry and exit and relaxed travel restrictions across the provinces. Previously, travellers were limited to the specific region where they had entered the country. But in its updated policy, China will let people entering via the transit programme to travel across the 24 provinces where visa-free travellers are allowed. 

How the programme works To take advantage of the new programme, visitors will need to book at least two flights: one to any of the 60 Chinese ports allowed under the visa-free transit policy, and a flight to a third country that departs within 10 days of arriving to China. Chinese border authorities will look for proof of an already purchased airline ticket for a departing flight upon arrival. Passengers will also be asked to fill out an application for access at the airport. As with other international trips, travellers will need to provide a valid passport, pass through airport security checks and answer questions from immigration authorities. NYT

Jobs tough to come by, Indian students in US turn babysitters

Jobs tough to come by, Indian students in US turn babysitters

Nirupa.Vatyam@timesofindia.com 22.11.2024 

TIMES OF INDIA BANGALORE 

Hyderabad : It was once the best of times. But for students in the US now, it appears to be getting worse by the day. While as per US norms students are allowed to take up only on-campus work, many used to find part-time (illegal) work outside to cover their expenses. But with such part-time work too becoming difficult to find in the current market, to make ends meet a lot of students have turned to finding jobs next door — babysitting. Students from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and elsewhere are now tapping into the Indian community settled there to find a way out of a financial hole. This is also a preferred option for many girls as it provides for a safer work environment and they get paid anywhere between $13 and $18 per hour, with some even covering food, accommodation, or both. 

“I babysit a six-year-old boy for about eight hours a day and get paid $13 an hour. I also get a meal for taking care of the boy,” said a student from the Hyderabad studying in Ohio, adding that it was way better than working in a local store or gas station as the job is within the community she lives in.

Another Telugu student in Connecticut said she is provided with food and accommodation by her employer. “I have to take care of a two-and-a-half-year-old six days a week. For those six days, food and accommodation are taken care of by the girl’s parents. On Sundays, I stay in my friend’s room,” the 23-year-old said. 

She said she gets paid only about $10 an hour, but was more than happy to take the job as her rent was covered. On an average a student spends about $300 per month on rent in the US. According to the Open Doors 2024 report, there are about 39,000 Indian students in Texas, 20,000 in Illinois, 13,500 in Ohio, and 7,000 in Connecticut. Of these, about 50% are Telugu students.

Jobs tough to come by, desi students in US turn babysitters

Jobs tough to come by, desi students in US turn babysitters

Nirupa.Vatyam@timesofindia.com 22.11.2024 

 Hyderabad : It was once the best of times. But for students in the US now, it appears to be getting worse by the day. While as per US norms students are allowed to take up only on-campus work, many used to find part-time (illegal) work outside to cover their expenses. But with such part-time work too becoming difficult to find in the current market, to make ends meet a lot of students have turned to finding jobs next door — babysitting. 

Students from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and elsewhere are now tapping into the Indian community settled there to find a way out of a financial hole. This is also a preferred option for many girls as it provides for a safer work envi ronment and they get paid anywhere between $13 and $18 per hour, with some even covering food, accommodation, or both. “I babysit a six-year-old boy for about eight hours a day and get paid $13 an hour. I also get a meal for taking care of the boy,” said a student from the Hyderabad studying in Ohio, adding that it was way better than working in a local store or gas station as the job is within the community she lives in. 

Another Telugu student in Connecticut said she is provided with food and accommodation by her employer. “I have to take care of a two-and-a-half-year-old six days a week. For those six days, food and accommodation are taken care of by the girl’s parents. On Sundays, I stay in my friend’s room,” the 23-year-old said. She said she gets paid only about $10 an hour, but was more than happy to take the job as her rent was covered. 

Indian students in Nepal get licence to practice

Indian students in Nepal get licence to practice 

Ayushi.Gupta1@timesofindia.com 19.11.2024

After several weeks of tussle, the Nepal Medical Council (NMC) issued an official notification declaring that all international medical students in the country are now eligible to obtain a licence to practice in local hospitals. The announcement comes as welcome news to Indian students planning to pursue medical education in Nepal. 

In April 2023, the NMC had scrapped the licence to practice in Nepal for international students after the completion of MBBS course in the medical colleges. Following this, several Indian medical students had decided against studying in Nepalese medical colleges due to the lack of compliance with India’s Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) Regulations, 2021. With the recent NMC notification, students are relieved and are moving forward with their admissions.

The deadline to submit the course fees and complete the admission process is November 14, 2024. The official notification states, “The Nepal Medical Council (NMC) recognizes undergraduate degrees, including MBBS/BDS and equ ivalent courses with a minimum academic duration of 5.5 years, which includes a mandatory one-year internship. All foreign nationals are eligible to take the licensing examinations according to NMC Regulations. Upon passing the licensing examinations, foreign candidates can obtain a license equivalent to that of Nepalese citizens. This licensing procedure does not require a good standing certificate from the candidate’s home country council.” The notice also mentioned that NMC grants provisional registration to all MBBS/BDS students in Nepal during their internship period. 

According to NMC internship guidelines, students must complete their internship in hospitals affiliated to their respective medical colleges. This provisional registration is at par with that of Nepalese citizens, allowing both Nepali and international students equal opportunities to practise medicine. The Global Medical Society (GMS), an association representing Indian MBBS students in Nepal, expressed appreciation for the recent NMC notice, which has provided reassurance to students from previous MBBS and BDS batches in Nepal.

Canada stops fast-track visa, decision will also impact Indian students

Canada stops fast-track visa, decision will also impact Indian students 

TIMES OF INDIA AHEMADABAD 10.11.2024

Ottawa : In a major policy decision that is likely to impact scores of international students, including from India, Canada on Friday ended with immediate effect a popular fast track study visa programme. Under the Student Direct Stream (SDS), which was launched in 2018, the processing time for eligible post-secondary students from selected countries, including India, was significantly shorter and approval rates higher. “Canada is committed to giving all international students equal and fair access to the application process for study permits,” the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said in a statement on Friday. Canada’s goal is to “strengthen programm e integrity, address student vulnerability, and give all students equal and fair access to the application process, as well as a positive academic experience,” it added. 

However, the IRCC said prospective students can still apply through the regular study permit stream. The move comes amid a diplomatic row between India and Canada. According to the Indian high commission here, India is the largest source country of foreign students with some 4,27,000 Indians studying in Canada. According to a news portal, immigrationnewscanada.ca, the SDS was launched with the goal of simplifying and expediting study permit processing for students from selected countries. The streamlined process allowed eligible applicants from countries such as India, China to enter Canada faster, typically within a few weeks, rather than waiting for the standard processing time, which could take several months, it added. 

Under SDS, Indian students’ applications were processed within 20 business days and now it may take up to eight weeks, said the moving2canada.com portal. PTI

Family sends ₹6L to wrong US bank a/c, unable to retrieve it Amount Was For Term Tuition Fee

Family sends ₹6L to wrong US bank a/c, unable to retrieve it Amount Was For Term Tuition Fee 

Sushil.Rao@timesofindia.com 31.10.2024 

Hyderabad : A family in Miryalaguda lost ₹6 lakh tuition fees when they mistakenly sent it to a wrong US bank account over 2 months ago. Despite efforts, they’ve been unable to recover the funds from the bank. Dongari Pavan, hailing from Miryalaguda in Nalgonda told TOI that his younger brother, Dongari Chakravarthi, was pursuing a Master’s degree in Advanced Data Analytics from the University of North Texas College in Denton, Texas, US. 

He joined the college last year. As he needed to pay the term fee for this year, the family sent $7,100 (₹5,97,095) to meet the requirement. The money was sent on Aug 27 through an State Bank of India (SBI) wire transfer from the Miryalaguda branch to a bank in the US to pay for the tuition. But due to an error in the account number, the funds went to someone else’s account instead of Chakravarthi’s account. “My parents are farmers. It was with great difficulty that we managed to secure a loan for the money needed to pay my brother’s fees,” Pavan said.

Chakravarthi reportedly approached the bank where his account was held to obtain details of the person whose account received the money by mistake. The bank refused to disclose any details about the account holder on grounds of privacy. Meanwhile, the university has been asking him to clear his fee dues. Bank authorities in India too have not been able to help them recover the lost money. Pavan said he approached authorities at the Miryalaguda branch of SBI to help trace the account holder to whose account the money was credited, but the staff reportedly informed him that those details needed to be obtained from the beneficiary bank in the US.

“Despite numerous attempts to get a resolution from the bank, we have not received any favourable response. The situation is stressful 

for us,” Pavan said. Pavan had immediately brought the matter to the notice of SBI Miryalaguda on Aug 30 and also got an acknowledgement from it. “It has been 64 days since the problem arose. I have been appealing to the authorities of both the banks but we have not been able to get our money back,” he added. In response to an ‘X’ post by Pavan about his problem, SBI, on Oct 5, advised him not to post banking or personal information publicly for security reasons.

7 Aus varsities join hands, keen to open joint campus in India

7 Aus varsities join hands, keen to open joint campus in India

26.10.2024

New Delhi : Innovative Research Universities (IRU), a consortium of seven Australian universities has expressed interest in opening a joint campus in India. Discussions on the same took place between education ministry and IRS officials on Thursday and Friday, reports Manash Gohain. Deakin University welcomed its inaugural batch of students to its GIFT City campus in Gujarat in July 2024, thus becoming the first foreign university to start its India operations. 

University of Wollongong (UOW India) is the second Australian university which started offering programmes from its GIFT City campus. As per IRU website, it is “a coalition of public universities across Australia committed to inclusive education and innovative research that advances our communities”, established in July 2003. It comprises of Flinders University, Griffith University, James Cook University, La Trobe University, Murdoch University, University of Canberra, and Western Sydney University. According to govt sources, it expressed interest in an India campus during Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s visit. 

Apart from attending 2nd Australia-India Education and Skills Council (AIESC) meeting in Sydney Thursday, Pradhan interacted with high level administrators from IRU. He was apprised of collaborative approaches to education delivery and efforts to facilitate impactful research for society. “The deliberation which started on Thursday during interaction with Pradhan, extended to Friday with officials discussing details of possible research and other academic collaboration. Post further meetings, an announcement is likely to be made later this year,” said the source. “India-Australia have a strong bilateral connection, especially in education sector and with the minister’s (Pradhan) second visit, more engagements are likely to happen, which include more Australian universities looking at option of setting up campuses, and offering joint/dual/twinning degrees,” said the source.

Germany ups visas for skilled Indian workers 4.5x to 90k

Germany ups visas for skilled Indian workers 4.5x to 90k 

26.10.2024 

New Delhi : Germany has decided to increase the number of visas for skilled Indians from 20,000 to 90,000 per year, PM Narendra Modi announced on Friday. “I am confident this will further boost Germany’s economic growth,” he said, speaking at the Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business. Participating in the conference along with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Modi said Germany’s holistic approach and commitment to pursuing the strategic partnership are clearly evident. “Especially noteworthy is the trust that Germany has expressed in the skilled workforce of India,” he said. 

NUS, Indian univs to explore joint degree courses: Edu min

NUS, Indian univs to explore joint degree courses: Edu min 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK  22.10.2024

New Delhi : National University of Singapore (NUS) will explore collaborations with Indian higher education institutions in areas such as joint and dual degree programmes as well as academic and research initiatives, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan said during his visit to the country on Monday. He also met Singapore PM Lawrence Wong. 

According to senior education ministry officials, discussions at the meeting were centred around enhancing cooperation in school education, vocational training, and research between India and Singapore. The focus was on advancing partnership through the key pillars of “talent, resource, and market”. Pradhan also met his counterpart Chan Chun Sing to explore ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation across various education sectors, and Singapore foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan to discuss enhancing the India-Singapore Knowledge Partnership. In his meeting with Wong, Pradhan emphasised India’s view of Singapore as a trusted knowledge partner, particularly in the realms of deep tech, startups, and innovation ecosystems.

Visa delays cast a shadow on Diwali travel plans

Visa delays cast a shadow on Diwali travel plans 

CANADA VISA NOW HAS WAITING OF FOUR MONTHS; US, EUROPE HOPEFULS TOO FACE DELAYS 

Bharat Yagnik, Niyati Parikh & Nimesh Khakhariya TNN 

Rajkot/Ahmedabad : Four months. That’s the current processing time for a Canadian visa. Usually, tourists holding a US visa would get a Canadian visa within a fortnight, but that’s no longer the case, travel agents say, adding that tourists’ dreams of exploring foreign lands during Diwali are being overshadowed by anxiety and the prospect of having to cancel plans.

 “After completion of the biometric process, the embassy would, within seven to eight days, ask for passport for visa stamping. Now, there is no communication for four five months,” said Dilip Masaani, a travel agent in Rajkot. He added, “Many travellers going on a US tour also wish to visit Canada. Getting a Canadian visa was earlier easier if the applicant had a US visa. Now, the word from the embassy on visa stamping arrives quite late, many a times after the applicant has left for the US.”

Ronak Shah, Gujarat chapter chairman of Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) said, “Canada recently stated that they have 2 million pending visa applications. The process is very slow. Those who had applied in the first week of June are getting visas now.” The delays are affecting other preferred international visas as well. Hiral Rathod (name changed), a senior citizen who applied for a Schengen visa to visit her friend in Europe, faced rejection. “I had applied for the visa and my friend, who was to host me at her residence, had sent all the necessary documentation. However, my visa application was rejected,” she said. This not only led to disappointment but also significant financial losses for Rathod.

Lalit Advani, a visa consultant, said, “Diwali is a time when people love to travel, and bookings are not always made in advance. Despite providing all necessary documents, including return tickets, hotel reservations and travel insurance, many applicants are facing rejection. “One of my clients had applied for a travel visa to Switzerland. Even 15 days after his visa interview, the embassy did not clarify if the application had been approved or rejected. Tired, the applicant wrote to the embassy to retrieve his passport. He will now apply for a visa to another  destination for his Diwali break.” The situation is also dire for those planning to travel to Europe during Diwali. 

According to travel company owners, family appointments for Schengen visa interviews are not available. Every member is required to apply individually, further complicating the process and increasing the likelihood of delays and rejections. The wait for US visas is nearly a year-long. “The backlog of applications, particularly for the US, leads to fresh appointments, which has resulted in wait times stretching for a year. This has significantly impacted students, professionals and tourists alike, who are unable to plan their future travels with certainty,” said Ankit Bajaj, a travel company owner from Ahmedabad. Visa consultant Parthesh Thakkar said, “One of my clients – an IIM Kolkata student – was scheduled to travel to Italy for academic purposes. However, he was refused a visa. Lastminute rush, lack of adequate staff at visa facilitation centres as well as embassy offices, is a key reason for rejections as well as delay in appointment availability.” 

He also attributed the higher rejection rates to incomplete documentation, particularly by first-time applicants

US opens 2.5L visa interviews in India amid surging demand

US opens 2.5L visa interviews in India amid surging demand

Saurabh.Sinha@timesofindia.com 01.10.2024

New Delhi : The US embassy has opened an additional 2.5 lakh visa appointments for Indian citizens to “facilitate timely interviews and streamline the travel process.” The US has been taking a number of steps since late 2021 to cut waiting period for interviews, following a postCovid surge in visa applications across all categories. But the sheer volumes meant a waiting period of over a year for interview required for visitor visa in many US missions in India. 

However, there has been a significant improvement from a wait of almost three years witnessed in end-2021. This year, for instance, a record number of student visas has been issued, for the fourth time in a row. While the exact number is not yet known, it is more than the over 1.4 lakh student visas issued last year — which was the most for any country globally then. “During our student visa season this (2024) summer, we processed record numbers, and all firsttime student applicants were able to obtain an appointment at one of our five consular sections around India,” the US Embassy said Monday. 

The 2.5 lakh visa appointments were opened as the US missions in India crossed 10 lakh nonimmigrant visa applications for the second consecutive year. Over 12 lakh Indians travelled to the US in 2024, representing a 35% increase from the same period in 2023. And 60 lakh Indians hold valid non-immigrant visas, with thousands more being issued daily, the embassy said. Speaking about the collaborative efforts between PM Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden to expedite the visa process, US ambassador to India Eric Garcetti said: “PM Modi and President Biden set an ambitious goal to improve and expedite the visa process and we have delivered on that promise. Our consular teams at the embassy and four consulates work tirelessly to ensure that we meet the surging demand.” 

The US visa demand is so high that the wait period for an interview-required visitor visa was 477  days in Kolkata, 466 in Delhi, 433 in Chennai, 352 in Hyderabad and 312 in Mumbai (as on last Thursday as per US State Dept website).

CANADA STUDENT VISA APPLICATIONS

 

Changes in visa regulations leave students in limbo, many reconsider plans to study abroad

Changes in visa regulations leave students in limbo, many reconsider plans to study abroad 

Amisha.Rajani@timesofindia.com 22.09.2024 

Hyderabad : The global education landscape is facing an upheaval as key international destinations for students — namely the US, Canada, UK, and Australia — undergo shifts in visa regulations. With nearly 10 lakh Indian students venturing abroad last year, the twin Telugu states (Telangana and Andhra Pradesh) contributed a substantial number, averaging around 1.5 lakh students. While expectations for a rise in this year’s numbers were high, sudden visa rule changes have left students re-evaluating their study abroad plans. 

Although the US, a top destination, hasn’t implemented any major regulatory changes, the other three most sought-after locations — Canada, the UK, and Australia — have introduced a series of alterations, sparking concerns among students. Canada, a favoured destination for Indian students, has introduced a cap on the number of international students, setting the limit at 35%. This move has left many students, like Danish Patel from Afzalgunj, uncertain about their plans. 

“Just a few months ago, they raised the financial requirements, and now this cap. Unemployment is already high among graduates, so I’m not sure if applying there is the best choice anymore,” Patel shared. Study abroad consultancies share that the US and Canada continue to see an influx in applications. “However, the UK and Australia have seen a drop in applications, especially after the recent cap set at 2.7 lakh. The rejection rate is also very high for Australia,” said Chirandeep Patnaik from Lemma One Consulting.

 “However, these alterations encourage students to consider other emerging destinations like Germany, Singapore, Italy, and Ireland, which are becoming increasingly attractive as top education choices. While countries like Canada and the US remain leading destinations, these  changes underscore the expanding array of global opportunities for Indian students,” said Saurabh Arora, founder of University Living, a global accommodation service provider.

Man tries to fly to Canada on fake visa twice

Man tries to fly to Canada on fake visa twice 

REPEAT OFFENDER Was First Nabbed In Mumbai In 2019; Tried Flying Again From Delhi In Aug 

Ashish.Chauhan @timesofindia.com 

Ahmedabad : In a brazen display of defiance of the law, a 24-year-old man from the city unsuccessfully attempted to fly to Canada from Delhi on the same counterfeit visitor’s visa for which he was charged with forgery in 2019 after his first failed attempt to fly from Mumbai. 

REPEAT

According to sources in the bureau of immigration, a man identified as Krupesh Patel from the Ranip area of the city was apprehended at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport in Delhi on Aug 22 on charges of forgery and cheating. “Patel had approached the immigration authorities seeking departure clearance. He intended to board flight AI 187 and presented a Canadian vi sa with the number E731696672 to support his request.

During the scrutiny of Patel’s travel documents, the authenticity of the Canadian visa was called into question,” according to the FIR lodged with the IGI airport police in Delhi. The FIR further elaborates, “The matter was brought to the attention of the Canadian official due to the suspicious nature of the visa. Subsequently, the ALO confirmed via email that the visa in Patel’s possession was counterfeit.” Sources within the IGI police in Delhi revealed that Patel had previously be en denied boarding on April 10, 2019, from a Canada-bound flight at Mumbai airport, and a case of forgery had been registered with the Mumbai police. 

This information has been corroborated with the bureau of immigration. “The case in Mumbai was registered when Patel attempted to depart for Canada using the same counterfeit Canadian visitor’s visa,” the FIR filed with the IGI airport

 police in Delhi states. Sources in Delhi Police disclosed that despite being released on bail and facing an ongoing trial in Mumbai, Patel had the audacity to attempt travelling on the same forged visa from the IGI airport in Delhi. Delhi law enforcement authorities are currently trying to trace the visa agent who provided Patel with the counterfeit visa. The IGI airport authorities have charged Patel under the provisions of cheating, forgery and presenting forged documents as genuine under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, in addition to charges under the Passports Act.

Stalin signs MoU with Google to set up AI labs

Stalin signs MoU with Google to set up AI labs

The Hindu Bureau

CHENNAI 01.09.2024 

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who is touring the U.S. to attract investments, signed a memorandum of understanding with Google to set up Artificial Intelligence (AI) laboratories in Tamil Nadu.

He met officials of the company on its Mountain View campus and discussed expanding manufacture of Pixel 8 phones and launching other products of the company in the State.

Industries Minister T.R.B. Rajaa said, ‘‘With this partnership, we look forward to skilling two million youth in AI through the Naan Mudhalvan [a State government scheme], and collaborate with start-ups. We want our youth to be a future-ready workforce.”

Singapore’s Changi Airport is going passport-free in 2024 but you’ll still need your passport

Singapore’s Changi Airport is going passport-free in 2024 but you’ll still need your passport

By Euronews TravelPublished on 26/09/2023 - 14:50•Updated 14:53

The changes are designed for a "more seamless" system at the Asian hub, which processed more than 5 million passengers last month.

Soon, you won’t need your passport to travel through Singapore’s Changi Airport.

Starting in 2024, the busy transport hub will replace passport checks with automated immigration and boarding processes.

Biometric technology and facial recognition will be used to allow passengers to fly without passports or boarding passes.

However, passengers will still need to carry their travel documents for boarding and landing in other countries.

How is Singapore Airport’s technology changing?

Changi has long been one step ahead in the airport stakes.

With the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, a spacious butterfly garden and a rock climbing wall, it consistently ranks as one of the best airports in the world.

Biometric technology is already part of the big airport’s futuristic feel. It uses the tech to an extent in automated lanes at immigration.

But the move to full biometrics again puts Singapore’s airport ahead of the crowds.

More than 5 million passengers travelled through Changi Airport in August this year - almost a return to 2019 levels.AP/Wong Maye-E

“Biometrics will be used to create a single token of authentication that will be employed at various automated touchpoints, from bag-drop to immigration and boarding,” the country’s communications minister Josephine Teo says.

“This will reduce the need for passengers to repeatedly present their travel documents at these touchpoints, allowing for more seamless and convenient processing.”

More than 5 million passengers travelled through Changi Airport in August this year, so speed and efficiency is key.

Teo adds that Singapore will become “one of the first few countries in the world” to introduce such changes, which are set to launch in the first half of 2024.

Singapore also has the world’s strongest passport

Singaporeans can feel particularly proud of their passports, even as the physical documents start to become less important at home.

Their country took first place in the Henley Passport Index rankings this year, knocking Japan off the top spot.

That’s because people from Singapore enjoy visa-free access to 192 travel destinations out of 227 worldwide.

The country has been rising up the ranks, gaining visa-free access to an additional 25 nations over the past 10 years.

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