VISA INTERVIEWS
Why Harvard is easier to crack than IITs or IIMs for Indian students
U.S. President Donald Trump has suspended funding to ideologically opposed universities and paused student visa interviews, affecting Indian students, who form a third of international students in the U.S. Applications from India may drop 25%. With Ivy League admission rates higher than top Indian institutes, many families are reconsidering U.S. education, shifting interest to Germany, France, and the Middle East.
Trump promised to welcome more foreign students, now, they feel targeted on all fronts
President Trump's shift in policy has created an environment of fear and uncertainty for international students in the US. Policies such as visa restrictions and potential termination of study permits have disrupted their academic pursuits and future plans.
Can Donald Trump legally deport Tesla CEO Elon Musk? A look at what U.S. immigration law says
Steve Bannon has called for Elon Musk's deportation, alleging illegal immigration. Bannon claims Musk worked unlawfully while on a student visa. Despite being a naturalized US citizen since 2002, questions about Musk's past visa status have resurfaced.
Portugal considers sweetening incentives for Golden Visa program
Less than two months after Spain ended its golden visa, Portugal is considering enhancing its own program and associated tax benefits to attract foreign investment and global talent. Minister of the Presidency Antonio Leitao Amaro said the government aims to improve the visa and tax regimes to make Portugal a more appealing investment destination, while ensuring the system remains economically and socially fair.
UK hubs for exploited migrant carers are of little help
A UK government initiative to help displaced migrant care workers find new jobs has assisted fewer than 4% of those affected, raising serious concerns about its effectiveness. Between May 2024 and April 2025, over 28,000 migrant care workers were referred to government “hubs” after their employers lost sponsorship licenses due to exploitation. Yet only 941 workers (3.4%) reported finding new employment, according to a Freedom of Information request by the Work Rights Centre.
No MBA. Mumbai auto-driver earns Rs 8 lakh monthly through his side-business outside US Consulate
Near the US Consulate in Mumbai, an autorickshaw driver has ingeniously solved a problem for visa applicants: bag storage. Recognizing the lack of facilities, he offers a secure service, earning between ₹5 to ₹8 lakh monthly. His operation, supported by a local police officer, showcases remarkable street smarts and entrepreneurial spirit, proving that innovation can thrive without formal business training.
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Trump administration proposes $1,000 fast-track fee for US tourist visas: memo
The Trump administration is contemplating a new $1,000 fee. This is for tourists and others seeking faster visa interviews. State Department lawyers have concerns about legality. The program might start as early as December. This is in addition to the existing $185 processing fee. The team fears it might face rejection or legal challenges.
Trump promised to welcome more foreign students. Now, they feel targeted on all fronts
President Trump's initial promise to grant green cards to foreign graduates never materialized, leading to policies that restrict international students' opportunities. These policies, including visa restrictions and enrollment blocks, have created fear and uncertainty among students. Many are reconsidering their plans to build a life in America, feeling expendable and unwelcome, and some are even contemplating leaving the country.
Delays across categories: Wait for US visa now extends to over a year
US visa seekers, including tourists and business travelers, are encountering significant obstacles with appointment wait times exceeding a year in some regions. Rescheduling has become more difficult, and interviews are more detailed. Applicants who miss appointments face a 120-day booking ban, and rescheduling is limited to once from January 2025, leading some to seek appointments in other countries.
This Indian consulate has the shortest wait time for a US visa right now. It's not Delhi or Mumbai
Visitor visa appointment wait times at the US consulate in Kolkata have eased to six months, the shortest in India. In contrast, delays persist at other consulates—Delhi (8 months), Mumbai (9.5), Hyderabad (7), and Chennai (14 months). The B1/B2 visa, meant for business and tourism, remains in high demand post-pandemic, with wait times exceeding a year in many cities.
PM, EAM 'totally quiet ' on Indian students being affected badly by Trump's actions: Congress
The Congress party has voiced concerns over the potential impact of US decisions on Indian students pursuing higher education in America, highlighting the significant financial investments made by Indian families. Jairam Ramesh criticized Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar for their silence on the matter, contrasting it with China's strong response regarding its students.
Now, lack of a social media profile could prompt US visa denial
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ordered intensified social media vetting for all foreigners seeking to visit Harvard University, including students, faculty, and tourists. Rubio’s directive, part of a broader Trump administration crackdown on elite universities, allows visa denial based on limited or private online presence. Legal experts and free-speech advocates have condemned the move as unconstitutional and excessive.
US' student visa pause makes no sense and does real harm
International students in the U.S. are facing heightened uncertainty after Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered a pause on student visa interviews while new, unspecified social media vetting guidelines are developed. The move builds on Trump-era policies that scrutinize applicants’ online activity, initially for security threats, and now potentially for signs of antisemitism—raising concerns over free speech and vague enforcement.
For Indian students, dreams of America are suddenly in doubt
Amidst the Trump administration's tightened visa policies, Indian students aspiring to study in the U.S. face uncertainty, prompting them to reassess their plans. Concerns over social media scrutiny and potential political questioning during visa interviews have led students to explore alternative academic paths in Britain and Singapore.
Adnan Sami opens up about Pakistan denying visa to attend mother’s last rites after Indian citizenship: ‘Janaza video call pe dekha’
Singer Adnan Sami revealed that Pakistan denied him a visa to attend his mother’s funeral in October 2024. Despite India granting him immediate permission to travel, Pakistan refused, forcing him to watch the last rites via WhatsApp video call. The emotional incident highlights his strained ties with Pakistan, which he left after gaining Indian citizenship in 2016.
US: Pause on student visa interviews faces criticism from LinkedIn co-founder
Reid Hoffman has criticized the Trump administration's suspension of student visa interviews, warning of damage to the U.S. education system and its ability to attract global talent. The policy, described as a security measure, has sparked concerns about reduced competitiveness and potential gains for countries like Canada and the UK in attracting international students.
Trump’s $5 million ‘Gold Card’ visa draws skepticism after delay in launch date
The Trump administration's 'Gold Card' visa program, promising US citizenship for a $5 million investment, faces skepticism as its launch deadline passes without an official website or documentation. Experts doubt the program's viability, citing the limited number of individuals willing to invest such a substantial amount and concerns over data security.
Indian-American Congressman criticises Trump administration's freeze on student visa interviews
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has denounced the Trump administration's halt on student visa interviews and proposed social media screening. He argues this "reckless decision" harms the US economy and national security by hindering research and innovation. Krishnamoorthi emphasizes international students' vital role in driving technological advancements and maintaining America's global leadership.
Federal officials to vet social media accounts of visa applicants heading to Harvard
US officials will now review visa applicants’ social media for antisemitism if they plan to visit or work at Harvard. The move, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, follows accusations against Harvard of failing to address campus antisemitism. The measure could expand beyond Harvard in future.
Encourage students to regularly check when interview slots might open: US
The Trump administration has paused scheduling new student visa interviews, potentially implementing social media vetting for applicants. The State Department advises students to regularly check for appointment openings, suggesting the delay may be temporary. Officials emphasize that visa approval is a privilege, not a right, and all applicants undergo thorough security vetting to protect national security.
Since Jan 2025, 1080 Indians have been deported; 62% have come on commercial flights: MEA on US deportations
Speaking in a weekly briefing on Thursday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that, "We have close cooperation between India and the United States on migration issues, on deportation of Indian nationals who are either in illegal status there or who travel illegally; we take them back once we receive details about them."
Trump administration halts new student visa interviews, causing anxiety among Indian aspirants
The Trump administration's halt on student visa interviews is causing anxiety among Indian students, especially those who quit jobs. Experts advise caution with social media and exploring alternative study destinations in Europe. The situation may impact US universities financially and talent-wise, prompting potential legal challenges and institutional pushback against the directive.
US to revoke visas of Chinese students linked to Chinese Communist Party or critical fields, Marco Rubio announces
The US government announced it will start revoking visas of Chinese students linked to the Chinese Communist Party or studying sensitive fields, intensifying a crackdown on foreign students. This follows suspensions of new visa interviews and growing tension over international enrolments. President Trump also criticised Harvard for admitting too many foreign students, calling for caps. The moves have stirred anxiety among students and universities, raising concerns about America’s appeal as a global education hub and the future of international academic exchange.
Need more electricians, plumbers and less LGBTQ graduate majors from Harvard University: White House
The Trump administration is attempting to cancel federal contracts with Harvard, redirecting funds to trade schools, as stated by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. This move prioritizes vocational skills over certain academic pursuits, like LGBTQ graduate majors, and addresses concerns about anti-Semitism and "anti-American" ideology at the university. Simultaneously, the State Department is tightening visa rules for foreign students, citing national security concerns.
What is social media vetting? The new policy that could decide international students’ futures in the US
The US State Department has suspended student visa processing globally, as directed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This action precedes an expansion of social media vetting for applicants, impacting F, M, and J visa categories. The move, linked to national security concerns and combating antisemitism, follows increased scrutiny of international students amid campus protests.
US halts new student visa interviews. What happens to existing appointments?
The US State Department, under Secretary Rubio, has temporarily suspended scheduling new student visa interviews globally, pending expanded social media screening implementation. Existing appointments will proceed, but new slots are unavailable until further notice.
Raghuram Rajan warns US risks future by curbing foreign students
Former Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan has warned that U.S. policies threatening the flow of international students could harm long-term economic growth and innovation. In a Bloomberg interview, he emphasized that foreign students have historically driven American success, citing figures like Google co-founder Sergey Brin.
'We're going to be looking at you': US State Dept plans to use 'every tool' to conduct strict vetting for student visas
The US State Department highlights the importance of visa vetting. This comes amid reports of potential strict social media checks for student visas. Tammy Bruce states the US will continue to vet visa applicants. Marco Rubio ordered embassies to pause student visa interviews. The Trump administration considers stricter vetting of social media profiles.
US pauses new student visa interviews amid plans for social media screening
US State Department has temporarily suspended scheduling new student visa interviews worldwide. This action precedes anticipated stricter social media checks for foreign students under the Trump administration. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's directive aims to tighten entry rules, citing national security concerns and campus unrest, though scheduled interviews will proceed as planned.
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