The administration is tightening visa screening, adding more in-person interviews and post-issuance checks of social media, law-enforcement and foreign immigration records, plus any US law violations
US visa
Latest in US visa
immigration law
US to launch visa bond pilot of up to $15,000 for visitors from ‘high-risk’ countries
The pilot begins on August 20 and will run for a one-year period, according to the Federal Register notice
Donald Trump
Trump administration orders US to halt student visa interviews for foreigners
US embassies around the world told to put immediate halt to visa interviews for foreign students
Donald Trump
Donald Trump announces $5m ‘gold card’ US visa plan
Donald Trump aims to boost US economy by selling ‘gold card’ visas with route to residency
Qatar
Qatar announces visa-free travel to the US; 90-day visits permitted
Qatari citizens can visit the US for 90 days without needing a visa
UAE visa
US begins fast-track entry for UAE citizens
UAE citizens can now fast and simple entry into the US with streamlined visa services
UAE visa
UAE and US announce fast-track visa entry for citizens
UAE agrees speedy entry to US with fast-track visa offer
H1-B visas
US delays H-1B visa system overhaul, F-1 student protection rules
The next phase, slated for December 2024, will enhance cap-gap protections for F-1 students, revise the H-1B specialty occupation definition
H-1B visa
US kicks off domestic H-1B visa renewals
The facility is to be offered to 20,000 H-1B visa holders in the initial phase
H-1B visa
US visa fee hike postponed: Report
The deferral offers relief to US employers hiring H-1B visa holders, as the application fees were projected to rise by 70 percent, reaching $780
US government
USA plans paperless visa, looks to scrap document in passport for passengers around world
US begins trial to introduce paperless visas for all passengers
H-1B visa
Indians will be a major beneficiary as US to begin domestic H-1B visa renewals this December
Currently, H-1B visa holders are required to travel to their respective countries to have their US visa stamped after it has been approved for extension by US authorities
B1 visa
US extends visas for Saudi nationals to 10 years
The joint announcement was made during Joe Biden’s visit to Saudi Arabia, where both countries also saw a number of deals and investments across various sectors
Covid restrictions
Saudi Arabia reopens visa on arrival for travellers who have valid UK, US, or Schengen visas
Citizens of any country who hold one of the three visas, and who are travelling on one of the country’s national carriers – Saudi, Flynas, or Flyadeal – can now receive a 12-month tourism visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia without needing to apply in advance
Immigration
Why the US immigrant investor programme is making headlines again
Preeya Malik discusses the future of the programme first created in 1990 to fuel the American economy via incoming foreign capital and job creation
