visa services

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced that all available EB-2 immigrant visas for Indian applicants in fiscal year 2026 have been issued. Embassies and consulates will cease issuing these visas until the annual limits reset on October 1, 2026, marking the start of fiscal year 2027.

Over four million Indians in the UAE will experience a significant overhaul in passport and visa services starting July 1, 2026. Kerala-based Alhind Group has secured a major contract, launching 16 new service centers across the Emirates. This move aims to make services more affordable and accessible, replacing BLS International after a decade.

Meta has initiated another round of significant layoffs, impacting nearly 8,000 employees globally, with notifications starting in Singapore. While many are let go, over 7,000 will transition to AI initiatives. The company is providing immigration guidance and severance packages, including 16 weeks' pay plus two weeks per service year, and 18 months of COBRA coverage for affected staff.

Many Indian immigrants on employment and student visas rely on getting their green card while they’re still in the US. The new rule adds further uncertainty to the process.

Data from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) shows that nearly 540,000 family-sponsored green card applications and about 170,000 employment-based applications are currently pending.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a new 'America First' visa scheduling system in India, prioritizing business professionals and investors crucial to US economic and strategic interests. This initiative aims to strengthen bilateral ties and expedite travel for those contributing to trade and investment, while also emphasizing stricter security screenings for all applicants.

USCIS has clarified a new Green Card policy. This policy could have required many to apply from abroad. However, USCIS now states that applicants with national interest or economic benefit may continue their current process. This offers relief to many H-1B visa holders and tech industry workers. The agency is reasserting its interpretation of immigration law.

USCIS has issued a new policy memo requiring most foreigners seeking a green card to apply from their home country, shifting from adjustment of status within the U.S. This stricter standard emphasizes weighing negative factors like immigration violations and inconsistent conduct, demanding stronger evidence of "unusual or outstanding" positive ties to the U.S. for those applying domestically.

In a significant policy update, the US government has categorized green card adjustments as a scarce discretionary privilege, a decision that may force many Indian H-1B visa holders to pursue their applications outside the country. Immigration attorneys foresee a rise in legal battles, warning that this could jeopardize the residency journey for numerous individuals, leaving them facing increased risks.

Foreign nationals in the US seeking permanent residency must now return to their home countries to apply for Green Cards, according to a new USCIS policy. This change, effective immediately, aims to restore the original intent of immigration law and streamline the process. Exceptions will be made only in extraordinary circumstances, freeing up agency resources for other critical cases.

USCIS reports significant changes in the H-1B visa season, with a focus on higher-skilled foreign workers. This year, 71.5% of selected applicants hold U.S. master's degrees or higher, a notable increase from last year. The agency also noted a substantial drop in registrations within the lowest wage category, indicating a successful effort to curb low-wage applications and protect American jobs.

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