The new DHS rule replaces the purely random H‑1B cap lottery with a wage‑weighted selection system that significantly improves the odds for higher‑paid, higher‑skilled positions starting with the FY‑2027 cap season. Employers will need to adjust registration, wage, and compliance strategies now to remain competitive and avoid misrepresentation findings in future cap filings. Key features…

Following a U.S. Presidential Proclamation issued on December 18, 2025, the U.S. Mission to India has announced updated closure dates for the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi and all Consular Posts across India. Revised Holiday Schedule In addition to the previously scheduled closure for Christmas Day on Thursday, December 25, 2025, the U.S. Embassy and…

The U.S. Department of State has announced significant visa and entry restrictions under Presidential Proclamation 10998, titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.” These measures take effect January 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. EST.  Full Suspension of Visa Issuance Visa issuance is fully suspended for nationals of the…

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a significant policy shift aimed at enhancing national security and ensuring the integrity of identity documents. Effective December 12, 2025, the agency has tightening the rules regarding the photographs used for official immigration documents, such as Green Cards and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). Key Changes to Photo…

In a significant development affecting thousands of U.S.-bound professionals, U.S. consular posts across India have begun cancelling H-1B visa appointments scheduled for December 15, 2025, or later in wake of the addional vetting including social media presence. These appointments are being automatically rescheduled to March 2026 or later, according to notifications received by applicants. Several H-1B applicants…

Effective December 15, 2025, the U.S. Department of State will expand its online presence review to include all H-1B visa applicants and their H-4 dependents. This vetting requirement, already applied to F, M, and J student and exchange visitor visas, now extends to a major employment-based category. Key Requirement All applicants in the H-1B, H-4, F, M, and J visa categories are…

All U.S. visa applicants need to attend a personal interview except certain category of non-immigrant visa applicants who are eligible for the interview waiver program. Visa application process in India has two parts, first the biometric appointment and the second is the actual visa interview.  Biometric Appointment at the Visa Application Center Applicants under the…

The U.S. Department of State has issued updated guidance requiring most nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applicants to schedule their visa interviews in their country of nationality or in their country of legal residence. This update replaces earlier guidelines on third-country processing and is intended to streamline the global visa appointment system. Key Policy Changes 1. Applicants Must…

The U.S. Consular Exchange Rate has been adjusted to INR 92 per US dollar. This modification will impact both non-immigrant and immigrant visa fees, as well as charges for services provided to U.S. citizens.It may be recalled that the previous rate was INR 87 per US dollar and this was revised in Jan 13, 2025.This…