Core Viewpoint - The U.S. government has implemented new social media review requirements for certain visa applicants, leading to significant delays in the visa processing times at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad, with some appointments being postponed for up to a year [1][3]. Group 1: Visa Processing Delays - The new social media review process has extended the review time for visa applications, resulting in a drastic reduction in daily appointment slots available for visa processing at U.S. embassies [3]. - Google and Apple have advised their foreign employees holding specific work visas to avoid international travel to prevent potential long-term stays outside the U.S. due to these delays [1][2]. Group 2: Visa Types Affected - The delays impact various visa types, including H-1B, H-4, F, J, and M visas, with the H-1B visa being a temporary work visa that allows U.S. companies to employ foreign professionals to fill skill gaps [5]. - The annual cap for H-1B visas is set at 85,000, and the visa is typically valid for three years with the possibility of renewal [5]. Group 3: Government Response - The U.S. State Department has indicated that it may adjust appointment times based on staffing levels, and applicants can request expedited processing depending on their circumstances [4].

Core Points - The U.S. Department of State announced that starting December 15, all H-1B visa applicants and their families will be subject to expanded social media scrutiny, requiring them to set their accounts to public for review [2] - The H-1B visa program is crucial for U.S. tech companies to hire foreign professionals, particularly in high-demand fields like software development [3] Group 1 - The new visa policy will significantly impact major tech companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, which rely heavily on the H-1B visa program to employ foreign talent [3] - In the fiscal year 2024, 64% of approved H-1B visa applications were for computer-related positions, highlighting the program's importance in the tech sector [3] - Amazon is the largest employer of H-1B visa holders, with over 9,000 approvals in the fiscal year 2024, followed by other tech giants like Google and Microsoft [3]

Core Points - The European Commission announced stricter visa regulations for Russian citizens, stating that they will no longer be able to obtain multiple-entry visas [1] - Russian citizens will now need to apply for a new visa each time they plan to travel to the EU [1] - There has been no response from the Russian side regarding this announcement [1]

Core Insights - The article discusses the increasing number of Indian individuals seeking blessings at a temple in Ahmedabad for visa approvals, particularly in light of new U.S. regulations affecting H-1B visa applications [1][3]. Group 1: Visa Application Trends - Many young students and potential immigrants are turning to the "Visa God" at the Chamathkar Hanuman Temple in Ahmedabad, hoping for favorable outcomes in their visa applications [1][2]. - The temple has become a popular destination for those applying for various international visas, especially to the U.S., U.K., and Canada [3][4]. Group 2: Impact of U.S. Policy Changes - Recent changes in U.S. policy, including an increase in fees for H-1B visa applications to $100,000, have caused anxiety among Indian families who aspire to work in the U.S. [3][4]. - Approximately 70% of the 730,000 H-1B visa holders in the U.S. are from India, highlighting the significance of this visa category for Indian professionals [3]. Group 3: Cultural Practices and Beliefs - The temple is frequented by individuals who not only bring their passports but also visa applications and university acceptance letters, reflecting a deep cultural belief in divine intervention for visa success [2][5]. - The temple has gained popularity on social media, with many visitors sharing their positive experiences and attributing their visa approvals to the blessings received there [4][5].

Group 1 - The unexpected announcement by President Trump to significantly increase H-1B visa fees has raised concerns about punitive tariffs on India, leading to a record low for the Indian Rupee [1][4] - The Indian Rupee depreciated approximately 3.5% this year, making it the worst-performing currency in Asia, but this trend may enhance the competitiveness of Indian goods in trade [4] - The new $100,000 fee for H-1B applications could negatively impact India's technology service exports, which account for 6%-7% of India's GDP [4][5] Group 2 - The H-1B visa is crucial for hiring foreign professionals in specialized occupations, with a significant portion of approvals coming from the IT sector, particularly from India [5][6] - The new fee applies only to new H-1B applications and does not affect existing visa holders, but it poses a significant challenge for U.S. tech giants and Indian outsourcing firms [5][6] - The Indian IT outsourcing industry, valued at over $280 billion, will need to adjust its strategies for sending skilled professionals to U.S. tech companies due to the new visa fee policy [6]

Core Viewpoint - The proposed rule by the Trump administration aims to change the visa regulations for international students and scholars, likely leading to a more restrictive environment for foreign nationals in the U.S. [1] Summary by Relevant Sections Visa Regulations Changes - The current "Duration of Status (D/S)" for F, J, and I visa holders will be replaced with fixed stay periods, limiting F and J visa holders to a maximum of 4 years and 240 days respectively [1][2] - The new rule will require students to apply for an extension of stay (EOS) directly to the USCIS after their fixed period ends [2][3] Impact on Students - The proposed changes will significantly affect graduate students, as many programs exceed the new maximum stay limits, potentially requiring more frequent visa renewals [2][4] - F-1 students will no longer be allowed to change majors or levels of education during their studies, which restricts academic flexibility [2][3] Public Response and Concerns - Various educational organizations have expressed opposition to the proposed rule, arguing it will create unnecessary burdens and uncertainties for international students [6][7] - The decline in international student enrollment is already evident, with a reported 28.5% drop in new international students arriving in the U.S. compared to the previous year [7] Future Process - The proposed rule is currently in a public comment phase, which will conclude on September 29, after which the Department of Homeland Security will review feedback and potentially modify the draft before finalizing the rule [5][6]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article is that India will resume issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens starting from July 24, 2025, marking the first time in five years since the suspension in 2020 [1] - Prior to this, India had also imposed restrictions on business visas for Chinese citizens, which have recently been eased to some extent [1]

Core Points - Starting from November 2025, holders of Chinese passports will be able to enter New Zealand visa-free if they arrive from Australia and possess a valid Australian tourist, work, student, or family visa, allowing for a maximum stay of 3 months [1]