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London: Universities and student groups on Tuesday urgently lobbied British Prime Minister <keyword id="19906889" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rishi-Sunak" source="keywords">Rishi Sunak</keyword> to safeguard the country's <keyword id="21659184" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="post-study-visa" source="keywords">post-study visa</keyword> offer, which has been dominated by Indians to gain work experience for around two years at the end of their university degree. Amid reports that Sunak is considering either restricting or ending the <keyword id="20616105" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Graduate-Route" source="keywords">Graduate Route</keyword> to curtail soaring migration statistics ahead of a general election, a group of nearly 30 university vice-chancellors and the <keyword id="21760521" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="national-indian-students-and-alumni-association" source="keywords">National Indian Students and Alumni Association</keyword> (NISAU) UK have issued detailed letters of appeal to 10 Downing Street. They list a series of factors in favour of keeping the Graduate visa scheme unchanged, including the benefits that international students bring to the UK economy in a competitive global higher education marketplace. "Modelling by consultancy London Economics shows that a single cohort has a net economic benefit of GBP 37 billion to the UK economy; as well as through the soft power that Britain's international graduates generate for the country over time, including through furthering ties of trade and diplomacy," reads the NISAU UK letter addressed to Sunak. "Indeed, 70 per cent of <keyword id="19971660" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-students" source="keywords">Indian students</keyword> have told us that the ability to gain meaningful work experience is a critical element in their decision to choose between competing international destinations, of which the UK is one... the Graduate Route allows the opportunity to gain this work experience for a temporary period. It is non-extendable and does not count towards permanent settlement. This means that neither students nor Graduate visa holders should be considered 'immigrants' in the context of the long-term picture of migration," it notes. Their appeal comes a week after the influential <keyword id="20609895" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Migration-Advisory-Committee" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Migration Advisory Committee" meta.hostid="83" meta.entityid="Migration Advisory Committee">Migration Advisory Committee</keyword> (MAC) advised the government to let the scheme continue as it found no abuse of this post-study work offer. It also confirmed that Indians topped its tally, accounting for 89,200 visas between 2021 and 2023, or 42 per cent of the overall grants, and were likely to be "most affected by any restriction on the Graduate Route". In their letter to Sunak, universities in the north of England — from Sunderland to Sheffield, Leeds to Lancaster, Liverpool to Teesside, Bradford to Huddersfield, and York to Newcastle — said they will all be harmed by the removal or reduction of this visa as it is an "intrinsic part of the educational offer that has made the UK so attractive to brilliant students from all around the world". "The Graduate Visa Route is regarded by students in key markets like India as an integral part of their educational experience. The MAC review made clear that the removal of this route would make the UK less attractive and thus would cause considerable financial detriment to universities around the country," reads their joint letter. "International student tuition fee income has long cross-subsidised underfunded research and has increasingly become critical to cross-subsidise the teaching of UK undergraduate students because of the frozen tuition fee. Universities cannot continue to absorb the costs of teaching UK undergraduates without some form of alternative funding source," they caution. On top of their visa fees, international students who find work and start businesses contribute billions of pounds in income tax, national insurance and VAT annually. The university chiefs point out that they are also usually net contributors to the National Health Service (NHS) through the NHS surcharge. The Russell Group of the UK's leading universities issued its appeal over the weekend, with CEO Tim Bradshaw warning that there has already been a 10 per cent decline in international applications for post-graduate courses starting this September in the wake of the clampdown on students being able to bring dependant family members. "A further restriction on international students would not only be unnecessary — as numbers are already falling — but also damaging, resulting in less spending in local communities, fewer opportunities for domestic students and less UK research," he noted in a letter to Sunak. Members of his own Cabinet are believed to be opposed to any changes to the Graduate scheme, but the British Prime Minister is having to balance pressures from the right of the governing Conservatives who are single-minded in their demands to curb all forms of legal as well as illegal migration levels ahead of an election later this year.

Universities, student groups lobby PM Sunak to keep UK's post-study visa scheme unchanged

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Americans traveling to Europe next year will need to receive <a href="https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/what-etias_en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ETIAS authorization</a> and pay an $8 fee.</li><li>Most applications will be approved within minutes — but the process could take up to 30 days. </li></ul>If <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-z-american-dream-ideas-by-europe-work-life-balance-2023-6">traveling to Europe</a> is on your bucket list for next year, you better make a checklist too. Starting in 2024, travelers from 60 visa-exempt countries, including the United States, will have to follow new rules for traveling to the European Union, according to the EU's official <a href="https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/what-etias_en">travel website</a>. That means Americans will need to complete a short online application and pay a €7 fee (just under $8) in order to enter the 30 countries in the region. Known as "ETIAS," the special travel authorization essentially serves as a background check, allowing the European Union to pre-screen travelers for security, health and migration risks and share that information between countries, according to a press release. "When COVID-19 travel restrictions are not in place, at least 30 million people travel to the EU without a visa every year and, currently, we know little about them," Jeroen Lenaers, a European parliament member from the Netherlands, said in 2021. "By checking EU, Europol, and Interpol databases, we can identify individuals that pose security, irregular migration, or high epidemic risks, and prevent them from traveling to the European Union."<h2>How to apply for ETIAS authorization </h2>Right now, the ETIAS application portal isn't open. But once the program launches, US travelers with a valid passport can apply online or via a mobile app. The application should only take <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_18_4367" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10 minutes</a>, per a press release.The application will ask for your travel plans, personal information, travel document details, your level of education and current occupation, any past criminal convictions, and any past travels to war or conflict zones, according to the EU's travel website.Most applications are approved "within minutes," the website says, but that doesn't mean you should leave it until the last minute: travelers are advised to apply for ETIAS before purchasing accommodations or airfare. That's because the approval process can take up to 30 days if you're asked to submit additional documentation or called in for an interview. Once approved, the ETIAS authorization is valid for up to three years or until your passport expires. Every time you get a new passport, you'll need to re-apply. An ETIAS application might be refused if you miss submission deadlines or an interview, if "there are reasonable doubts about the reliability and veracity of the data, statements or documents provided by the applicant," or if you're considered to "pose a security, illegal immigration or high epidemic risk," the website says.If you're rejected, you'll receive an email explaining why and will have the option to appeal. However, the European Commission estimates that over 95% of applicants should receive automatic approval. Countries that require the application: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Americans traveling to Europe will need to fill out an application and pay a fee starting in 2024

<ul><li><keyword id="10591" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="samsung" source="Orion">Samsung</keyword> has announced the launch of its co-branded credit cards in partnership with Axis Bank.</li><li>The company has launched two credit cards – Signature and <keyword id="101580" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="infinite" source="Orion">Infinite</keyword>.</li><li>The company has announced a cashback of 10% on Samsung products and services on transactions done using its credit cards.</li></ul>Co-branded credit cards have become quite popular over the years and several companies like Amazon, Flipkart, Zomato, Tata Neu among others have partnered with banks to offer their own credit cards. Now, Korean smartphone giant Samsung is now entering the Indian credit card market with its own Visa co-branded credit card in partnership with Axis Bank, one of the largest private lenders in the country. Co-branded credit cards offer additional benefits on the company’s platform. For example, the Amazon Pay ICICI credit card offers extra cashback on all purchases on its platform. Similarly, Samsung’s co-branded credit cards offer a 10% cashback on Samsung products and services. The Samsung Axis Bank Credit Card, powered by Visa, is our next big India-specific innovation that will change the way our customers buy Samsung products and spend on services through a series of industry-leading features. We’re excited to be able to put the control into our consumers’ hands," said Ken Kang, president and chief executive office, Samsung South-West Asia. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Samsung Signature and Infinite credit cards – joining fees and welcome benefits" comment="subhead" text="Samsung Signature and Infinite credit cards – joining fees and welcome benefits">Samsung Signature and Infinite credit cards – joining fees and welcome benefits</cmsannotation> Samsung has announced two credit cards in partnership with Axis Bank – Signature and Infinite. While the Signature will be the entry-level card, Infinite will be the premium offering. Users who sign up for the Signature credit card will get 2,500 Edge rewards worth ₹500 and users who sign up for the Infinite credit card will get 30,000 Edge rewards worth ₹6,000. While the Signature credit card has a joining fee and an annual fee of ₹500, the premium Infinite credit card has a joining fee and annual fee of ₹5,000. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Flat 10% cashback on all Samsung products and services" comment="subhead" text="Flat 10% cashback on all Samsung products and services">Flat 10% cashback on all Samsung products and services</cmsannotation> Samsung has announced several offers for its upcoming credit cards but the highlight of the cards is the flat 10% cashback on all Samsung products and services, including purchase of extended warranty, device repairs and Samsung Care+ purchase. The Signature credit card will have a cashback limit of ₹2,500 per month with an annual cap at ₹10,000. The premium Infinite credit card will offer a monthly cashback of up to ₹5,000 with an annual cap of ₹20,000. The cashback will be available across Samsung online store purchases, offline store purchases, Flipkart and Samsung authorized service centres across the country throughout out the year. On non-Samsung spends, users will receive 5 Edge reward points per ₹100 on both Signature and Infinite cards for domestic transactions. If you use the Infinite card for international transactions, you will get 15 Edge reward points. Apart from this, Samsung has also partnered with Zomato, Myntra, Tata 1MG, Big Basket and Urban Company to offer additional rewards. Users will receive 10 Edge rewards and 15 Edge rewards on every ₹100 spent on these platforms using the Signature and Infinite credit cards respectively. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Samsung Signature and Infinite credit card application" comment="subhead" text="Samsung Signature and Infinite credit card application">Samsung Signature and Infinite credit card application</cmsannotation> The Samsung Signature and Infinite credit cards will soon be available. The registrations for the card are now live on Samsung’s website and the application process will begin soon. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/ecommerce/news/amazon-great-indian-festival-sale-best-deals-and-offers/articleshow/94004700.cms">The best Amazon Great Indian Festival deals and offers</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/the-zepto-boys-competition-that-amazon-never-saw-coming/articleshow/94399979.cms">The Zepto Boys: Competition that Amazon never saw coming</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/nifty50-sensex-start-on-a-negative-note-ahead-of-rbi-policy-meeting-this-week/articleshow/94445282.cms">Nifty50, Sensex start on a negative note ahead of RBI policy meeting this week</a>

Samsung announces co-branded credit card in partnership with Axis Bank and Visa

As part of its revised selection process, the US has hiked by USD 10 the application fee of the H-1B work visa, the most sought-after among Indian IT professionals. The H-1B programme allows companies in the United States to temporarily employ foreign workers in occupations that require the application of a body of highly specialised knowledge and a bachelor's degree or higher in the specific specialty, or its equivalent. This non-refundable fee will support the new electronic registration system to make the H-1B cap selection process more efficient for both petitioners and the federal agency, said the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on Thursday. "This effort will help implement a more efficient and effective H-1B cap selection process," said USCIS Acting Director Ken Cuccinelli." The electronic registration system is part of an agency-wide initiative to modernise our immigration system while deterring fraud, improving vetting procedures and strengthening program integrity," he said. Upon implementation of the electronic registration system, petitioners seeking to file H-1B cap-subject petitions, including those eligible for the advanced degree exemption, will first have to electronically register with the USCIS during a designated registration period, unless the requirement is suspended, the USCIS said. The federal agency is slated to implement the registration process for the fiscal year 2021 H-1B cap selection process, pending completed testing of the system. It will announce the implementation time frame and initial registration period in the federal register once a formal decision has been made, and the USCIS will offer ample notice to the public in advance of implementing the registration requirement. The USCIS published a notice of proposed rulemaking highlighting a registration fee on September 4, 2019, which included a 30-day public comment period.The USCIS received only 22 comments during that time, and has considered all submissions and offered public responses ahead of announcing the final rule, which is effective on December 9.

US hikes H1-B visa application fee by another $10

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The tech industry relies on skilled-work visas for foreign hires in a system critics say is broken.</li><li>Now the USCIS is proposing fee hikes for visa applications, at a time when it's already challenging.</li></ul>Strict rules around the system for H-1B visas — which the tech industry relies on to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-google-twitter-speak-out-against-trump-h1b-visa-freeze-2020-6">hire skilled foreign workers</a> to fill critical roles in fields like engineering and data science — already stymie the American tech industry's ability to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/flawed-h1b-visa-system-layoffs-undermining-americas-tech-industry-2022-12">remain competitive on the global stage</a>, especially amid the recent wave of layoffs.Now, US Citizenship and Immigration Services plans to <a href="https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2023-01-03/biden-immigration-fees-h1b-asylum" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hike the fees</a> that companies have to pay to sponsor those visas by as much as $600 an applicant. It would be the first such fee increase since 2016, but experts and industry insiders say that the timing couldn't be worse, likening the situation to pouring gasoline on a burning fire."We are already operating in an environment where there are very, very few jobs. We're already existing in an environment where jobs are at risk," Hiba Mona Anver, an immigration attorney at Erickson Immigration Group, said. "We are really hoping that things will start to get better, but this sort of increase in filing fees is only going to be another step in discouraging companies from sponsoring foreign talent."While the proposed fee hikes are presented as a solution to end backlogs and address bureaucratic headaches, experts say they would make it more difficult to hire foreign talent. That would especially affect smaller companies, universities, and startups, which would, in turn, undermine Silicon Valley's innovation pipeline.The proposal is in the middle of a 60-day comment period for people to officially weigh in on the idea. Immigration lawyers are encouraging their corporate clients to submit comments about how this would hurt their ability to hire people on these skilled-work visas. "Businesses are getting back to normal right now right after COVID, and really, I think this could impact the amount of workforce and potentially foreign employees that they want to hire," Cristina Perez, an immigration lawyer at the law firm Leech Tishman, said. "I think that's not a good thing. There's study after study that shows H-1B beneficiaries really are a benefit to this country."<h2>Why the USCIS wants to raise fees — and why experts are skeptical </h2>Experts aren't surprised that the USCIS wants to raise fees, especially since it's been so long since the last increase.Under President Donald Trump's administration, the USCIS attempted to dramatically raise fees for naturalization and looked to collect $50 from asylum seekers. The changes would have also ended many fee-waiver programs for low-income visa applicants. Those changes were blocked in federal court in 2020.The Biden administration is taking a different approach, with the USCIS now saying that it intends to use the $600 in additional fees for specialized visa programs like H-1B to keep the process free for those seeking asylum at the border.<h2>Critics say the fee hikes wouldn't solve any problems</h2>Critics say the planned fee increase would make life harder for visa seekers, without addressing any of the problems with the immigration process, including the massive backlog of visa applicants."Our system is definitely not working. It is not efficient. It is riddled with inconsistencies," Perez said. "Fix the problem first, then raise the fees."Some in the industry hope it starts a discussion about what it takes to retain global talent. Sunny Shuoyang Zhang, a founding partner at Born Global Ventures, said she hoped this could be used to educate employers about what it takes to keep global talent in the US, when they have the option to go places with friendlier immigration policies, like Canada. Manan Mehta of Unshackled Ventures, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/immigrant-founders-visas-venture-capital-startup-sponsorship-2022-12#unshackled-ventures-1">which helps immigrants found companies</a>, had a more-positive outlook. He said given that people on H-1B and other specialized visas often earned high salaries, the fee hikes for visa applications could just be factored into that overall cost.The timing of it all is what presents a challenge, given the state of the economy. Additionally, lawyers are skeptical that the USCIS would be able to turn things around and fix broken systems with the additional money it would be bringing in. "I just don't see how this breaks the vicious cycle that we're in right now," Anver of Erickson Immigration Group said. Are you an H-1B visa holder and have a story to share? Contact this reporter via email at <a href="mailto:pzaveri@businessinsider.com" rel=" nofollow">pzaveri@insider.com</a> or Signal at 925-364-4258. (PR pitches by email only, please.)

A proposed H-1B visa fee increase threatens to kneecap Silicon Valley's ability to hire the foreign talent it needs to compete

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The European Union has pushed back its new "ETIAS" travel authorization to 2025.</li><li>The new rules will require US travelers to pay a $7.50 fee and fill out an entrance form.</li></ul>US tourists will get an extra year of free travel to Europe after the European Union pushed back its plans to charge a fee for entry.European officials <a target="_blank" href="https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/jha/2023/10/19-20/">confirmed on Friday</a> that the EU's "ETIAS" travel authorization, which will require travelers from the US to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/application-requirements-for-americans-traveling-to-europe-etias-2024-2023-7">complete an application form and pay €7 ($7.50)</a> to enter the bloc, has been delayed until 2025.The new rules, which were expected to roll out in 2024, will apply to 60 visa-free countries, including the US, UK, and Canada.The EU has said that the application for entry will not take more than 10 minutes to process, but some travelers could be kept waiting up to 30 days if they are required to do an interview or submit extra documentation.The new authorization will last for up to three years, or until your passport expires. US visitors can currently travel to the 27 countries within Europe's Schengen zone for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/places-to-visit-in-europe-in-your-lifetime-2015-10">90 days without a visa.</a>While tourists traveling to Europe can soon expect to pay a fee, one thing they won't get back is a physical passport stamp, with the EU planning to replace manual passport stamping with a digital system that relies on fingerprint and face scans by 2024.US tourists have flocked to Europe this year as international travel continues to recover from the pandemic slump. The number of passengers traveling between the US and Europe in July <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/american-travelers-are-shunning-the-u-s-for-europe-5b5e08ea">was up 14% compared to 2019</a>, according to data from trade group Airlines for America.

Americans won't have to pay Europe's new entrance fee until 2025 

The UK's new post-Brexit points-based visa and immigration system, described by the government as "simple, effective and flexible", opened for applications from Tuesday. The UK Home Office said applicants for the new <keyword id="302785" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="skilled-worker">Skilled Worker</keyword> Visa can now apply to work and live in the UK from January 1, 2021, when the Brexit transition period ends to bring European Union (EU) migrants in line with non-EU countries, such as India. Under the new points-based immigration system unveiled earlier, points will be awarded for a job offer at the appropriate skill level, knowledge of English and being paid a minimum salary. "This government promised to end free movement, to take back control of our borders and to introduce a new points-based immigration system. Today, we have delivered on that promise," said Home Secretary Priti Patel. "This simple, effective and flexible system will ensure employers can recruit the skilled workers they need, whilst also encouraging employers to train and invest in the UK's workforce. We are also opening routes for those who have an exceptional talent or show exceptional promise in the fields of engineering, science, tech or culture," she said. People will normally need to be paid at least 25,600 pounds per year unless the "going rate" for that job in the wider economy is higher. Applications are made online, and as part of this, people will need to prove their identity and provide their documents. "Once someone outside the UK has gone through all these steps, they will usually get a decision within three weeks," <keyword id="4731590" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="the-home-office">the Home Office</keyword> said. Applicants will need to have enough money to cover the application fee will range between 610 pounds to 1,408 pounds, plus a healthcare surcharge (usually 624 pounds per year) and be able to support themselves (usually by having at least 1,270 pounds available). The Skilled Worker visa lasts for up to five years before it needs to be extended. Alongside the work visa, a number of other routes are also now open for applications, including Global Talent Visa, for people who can show they have exceptional talent or exceptional promise in the fields of science, engineering, humanities, medicine, digital technology or arts and culture. <keyword id="10362070" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="an-innovator-visa">An Innovator Visa</keyword> will be open to those seeking to establish a business in the UK based on an innovative, viable and scalable business idea, a start-up visa for someone seeking to establish a business in the UK for the first time, and an Intra-company <keyword id="10361837" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="transfer-visa">Transfer Visa</keyword> for established workers who are being transferred by the business they work for to do a "skilled role" in the UK. <keyword id="10362069" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="the-student-route-and-child-student-route">The Student Route and Child Student Route</keyword> under the new system opened earlier, in October, to eligible international students for the next academic year. The Home Office said its new system will encourage employers to focus on training and investing in the UK workforce, driving productivity and improving opportunities for individuals, especially those impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Indian industry and students' groups had broadly welcomed the new post-Brexit points-based regime unveiled by Patel earlier this year as a means to attract the "brightest and the best" from around the world. Under the system, workers from the EU will be at par with those from outside the economic bloc once its free movement of people rules stop applying to the UK at the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/kunal-shah-cred-raises-80-million-valuation-doubles-to-800-million-for-the-just-two-year-old-startup/articleshow/79502864.cms">Kunal Shah’s CRED raises $80 million – valuation doubles to $800 million for the just two-year old startup</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/top-stocks-to-watch-dr-reddys-indiabulls-housing-mm-tata-motors-bajaj-auto-maruti-hero-moto-pnb-and-others/articleshow/79502563.cms">Top stocks to watch — Dr Reddy’s, Indiabulls Housing, M&amp;M, Tata Motors, Bajaj Auto, Maruti, Hero Moto, PNB, and others</a>

New immigration rules: Visa applications open under UK's post-Brexit 'simple' points-based system

<ul><li>The UK’s new post-Brexit points-based <keyword id="184172" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="immigration-system">immigration system</keyword>, described by the government as “simple, effective and flexible” will bring home “the brightest and the best” from around the globe.</li><li>Indian-origin Britain’s home secretary Priti Patel also brought back the post-study work visa last year, after Theresa May scrapped it in 2012.</li><li>These are the key rules in the UK’s new points-based visa and immigration.</li><li> Alongside the skilled worker visa, a number of other routes have opened today — here are the details.</li></ul>Indians now will be able to find it easy to work and study in the UK as applications for new <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/points-based-immigration-system-opens">points-based visa and immigration</a> systems kicks in today (December 1). The UK’s new post-Brexit points-based immigration system, described by the government as “simple, effective and flexible” will bring home “the brightest and the best” from around the globe, including India. Although the applications are now open, the UK Home Office said applicants for the new Skilled Worker Visa could work and live in the UK from January 1, when the Brexit transition period ends to bring European Union (EU) migrants in line with non-EU countries. This brings in the country’s biggest immigration change in the last 50 years. Indian-origin Britain’s home secretary Priti Patel also brought back the post-study work visa last year, after Theresa May scrapped it in 2012. “The new immigration rules will ensure that businesses can recruit the most highly qualified from across the globe to drive the economy forwards and keep the UK at the frontier of innovation,” the UK Home Office said in a statement. These are the key rules in the UK’s new points-based visa and immigration <ul><li>Points will be awarded for a job offer at the appropriate skill level, knowledge of English and being paid a minimum salary. And, the visas will be awarded to those who gain enough points.</li><li>People will normally need to be paid at least £25,600 per year unless the ‘going rate’ for that job is higher.</li><li>Applications are made online, and as part of this, people will need to prove their identity and provide their documents.</li><li>Once someone outside the UK has applied after finishing all these steps, they will usually get a decision within 3 weeks. The visa lasts for up to 5 years before it needs to be extended.</li><li>You will also need to have enough money to pay the application fee (ranging from £610 to £1,408), the healthcare surcharge (usually £624 per year) and be able to support themselves (usually by having at least £1,270 available in their accounts).</li></ul> Alongside the skilled worker visa, a number of other routes have opened today. <ul><li>UK Global Talent visa: The Global Talent visa is for people who can show they have exceptional talent or exceptional promise in the fields of science, engineering, humanities, medicine, digital technology or arts and culture.</li><li>UK Innovator visa: The Innovator visa is for a person seeking to establish a business in the UK based on an innovative, viable and scalable business idea.</li><li>UK Start-up visa: The Start-up visa is for a person seeking to establish a business in the UK for the first time.</li><li>UK Intra-company Transfer visa: The Intra-company Transfer visa is for established workers who are being transferred by the business they work for to do a skilled role in the UK.</li></ul>The <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/education/news/uks-new-visa-rules-make-it-easier-for-international-students-to-study-and-work-now/articleshow/78127748.cms">student route opened up on October 5</a> this year and replaced the old Tier 4 visa route. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/heres-what-to-expect-from-maruti-mm-hero-bajaj-auto-in-november-car-bike-sales/articleshow/79489474.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink"> November auto sales estimates — Here’s what to expect from Maruti, M&amp;M, Hero, Bajaj Auto, and other automakers</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/centre-invites-agitating-farmer-unions-for-talks-on-december-1-two-days-ahead-of-a-scheduled-meeting/articleshow/79502391.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Centre invites agitating farmer unions for talks on December 1, two days ahead of a scheduled meeting</a>

Visa application for UK’s new points-based immigration system kicks in today — here’s all you need to know

<ul><li>The US Labour Secretary said that they are proposing a <keyword id="7606333" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="H1-B-Visa-fee-hike">H1-B visa fee hike</keyword> to the Senate.</li><li>The current cost of H1-B visa can range from $1,600 to $7,000 after the last hike in December 2016.</li><li>H1-B visa fee increase will affect top IT companies like TCS, Infosys and Wipro.</li></ul>Within three years of <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/U.S.-hikes-H1B-L1-visa-fee-to-hit-Indian-IT-companies/article13997358.ece">doubling the H1-B visa </a>application fees, the US administration is considering yet another hike, which will affect the top IT companies like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, and Wipro in India. In a testimony to a Congressional Committee, US Labour Secretary Alexander Acosta said [hyperlink] that they are proposing a hike in this visa application fees, and the money obtained will be used to fund an apprentice programme to train the country’s youth in technology. Acosta however did not mention the extent of the hike, and has not mentioned the categories where this increased fee will be applicable. After the last hike made during the Barack Obama administration, the visa filing fee has varied between $1,600 and going up as high as $7,000, depending on the application. During the last change in December 2016, the government altered the fees for companies which have more than 50 employees or more than 50% of its staff working in the US. This made life tougher for tech majors from India. Indian IT companies form the biggest chunk of applicants for the non-immigrant H1-B visa that allows foreign workers to gain employment in the country, in occupations that require expertise. The higher revenue from the hike in H1-B visas will go into expanding the number of activities under the apprentice programme, Acosta told US Congressmen. For the current fiscal year, The Trump administration has budgeted $160 million to expand its apprentice programme. Any change in this regard will affect the already dwindling visa applications by Indian IT companies. In the last few years, the number of visa approvals has also gone <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/visa-and-immigration/h-1b-extension-rejections-rob-indian-it-firms-of-visa-power/articleshow/68312136.cms">down by half</a>. Hire American policies Soon after <keyword id="6354484" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Donald-Trump">Donald Trump</keyword> came into power, he signed the Buy American and Hire American Executive <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/legal-resources/buy-american-hire-american-putting-american-workers-first">order </a>which seeks to increase employment rates for its workers, and increase their wages. This is to be done by the way of rigorously enforcing and administering their immigration laws. The government has been following a three point agenda to aid their workers---via rulemaking, policies and making operational changes. Adding to the hurdles, the government has also disallowed these companies to move visa holders from one client to another, making life tougher for large outsourcing companies. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/us-immigration-denial-of-h1-b-visas-raises-legal-questions/articleshow/68844794.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">US Immigration is denying more H1-B visas than ever before — without notice or authority</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/the-uae-government-is-wooing-indian-teachers-offering-10-times-higher-pay-than-their-current/articleshow/69021762.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">The UAE government is wooing Indian teachers — offering 10 times higher pay than their current</a>

Now, Trump administration wants to hike H1-B visa fees to train Americans in technology

Some foreign guest workers in the US will be able to re-submit their applications for the H1-B visa, the most sought-after non-immigrant visa among Indian IT professionals, if their petition was solely rejected because it was based on the initial registration period, according to a federal agency. According to the <keyword id="368921" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="US-Citizenship-and-Immigration-Services">US Citizenship and Immigration Services</keyword> (<keyword id="137642" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="USCIS">USCIS</keyword>), such re-submission of applications is for those whose applications have been rejected or administratively closed solely because the requested start date was after October 1, 2020. The <keyword id="54093" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="H-1B">H-1B</keyword> visa allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like <keyword id="3658" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword> and <keyword id="1334" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="China">China</keyword>. If your FY 2021 petition was rejected or administratively closed solely because your petition was based on a registration submitted during the initial registration period, but you requested a start date after Oct. 1, 2020, you may re-submit that previously filed petition, with all applicable fees, USCIS said on Wednesday. Such petitions must be re-submitted before October 1, 2021. If properly resubmitted, we will consider the petition to have been filed on the original receipt date, the USCIS said. In 2020, USCIS implemented an electronic registration process for the H-1B cap. Prospective petitioners seeking to file H-1B cap-subject petitions, including for beneficiaries eligible for the advanced degree exemption, must first electronically register and pay the USD 10 H-1B registration fee for each beneficiary. The electronic registration process has streamlined processing by reducing paperwork and data exchange and provided overall cost savings to employers seeking to file H-1B cap-subject petitions, it said. According to USCIS, for fiscal 2021, the number of petitions filed during the initial filing period was below the number projected as needed to reach the numerical allocations. This discrepancy was likely related to multiple factors, including the economic, political, and public health uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the fact that FY 2021 was the first year that we implemented the electronic registration process. Therefore, in August 2020, we selected additional registrations that were held in reserve. The filing period for registrations selected in August ended on November 16, 2020, it said. Some petitioners indicated a start date after October 1, 2020. We rejected or administratively closed those petitions because they were based on registrations submitted during the initial registration period but indicated a start date after October 1, 2020. Upon reconsideration, we no longer believe that the regulations required us to reject or administratively close those petitions, the USCIS said. The move comes days after the powerful <keyword id="420863" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="US-Chambers-of-Commerce">US Chambers of Commerce</keyword> launched a massive campaign to address the acute shortage of skilled and professional workforce in America. The demand to increase the H-1B quota, which currently is at 65,000 and another 20,000 for those who have higher studies from the US, is part of the America Works campaign launched by the US Chambers of Commerce early this month. As we stand on the cusp of what could be a great American resurgence, a worker shortage is holding back job creators across the country, US <keyword id="6693414" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chamber-of-commerce">Chamber of Commerce</keyword> president and CEO Suzanne Clark said. We must arm workers with the skills they need, we must remove barriers that are keeping too many Americans on the sidelines, and we must recruit the very best from around the world to help fill high-demand jobs, Clark said. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/cryptocurrency/news/heres-how-chinas-2021-crypto-crackdown-in-2021-differs-from-the-2017-ban/articleshow/83802778.cms">Here’s how China’s 2021 crypto crackdown in 2021 differs from the 2017 ban</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/zomato-is-seeking-a-8-billion-valuation-in-its-ipo-does-it-make-sense/articleshow/83801848.cms">There are a few reasons why Zomato wants $8 billion valuation from its IPO -- here's a look at if it makes sense</a>

US allows some H-1B visa seekers to re-submit their applications, according to federal agency

Taxpayers in India were required to file their income tax returns (<keyword id="6374875" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="itr" source="Orion">ITR</keyword>s) for the financial year 2021-2022 (assessment year or AY:2022-2023) by July 31, 2022. While there were a few extensions of the ITR filing deadline over the past few years due to Covid-19 pandemic, Revenue Secretary Tarun Bajaj said earlier in July that the government had no plans to extend the July 31 deadline. Throughout the month of July 2022, the Income Tax Department has been sending reminders urging the taxpayers to file their ITR before the deadline and not to wait till the last date to avoid the heavy rush on the ITR filing portal. The Income Tax Department’s Twitter account said on July 31, that till 1 pm on the day, 19,53,581 ITRs were filed – of which 4,67,902 were filed during the last one hour. As of July 30, over 5.10 crore ITRs were filed. More than 57.51 lakh ITRs were filed on July 30 alone. During each assessment year, the government gives a four-month window to the taxpayers to consolidate their income details for the given financial year before filing their ITR. This four-month period begins on April 1 and ends on July 31, provided there has not been any extension in the said year. ITR filing has now been simplified to such an extent that it takes only a few minutes to file, thanks to the features provided on the ITR filing portal. Not filing the ITR before the deadline will invite some fines, penalties and consequences, which we will discuss here. What are the penalties and fines for late filing of ITR? <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#bdd7ee;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Sl. No. </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#bdd7ee;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">ITR filing category </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#bdd7ee;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Due date </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:top;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">1 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:top;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">ITR filing for persons and entities for which tax audit is not applicable </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:top;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">July 31, 2022 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:top;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">2 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:top;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">ITR filing for persons and entities covered under tax audit (other than the cases in which transfer pricing is involved) </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:top;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">October 31, 2022 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:top;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">3 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:top;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">ITR filing for persons covered under transfer pricing </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:top;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">November 31, 2022 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:top;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">4 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:top;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Last date for filing revised ITR returns and late filing of ITR for FY 2021-22 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:top;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">December 31, 2022 </td></tr></tbody></table> Since the government had no plans to extend the ITR filing deadline, late filing after the July 31 deadline in 2022 will attract a fine up to ₹5,000, if the filing is done before December 31, 2022. Section 234F of the Income Tax Act says that late filing of income tax returns after the due date of July 31 will invite a late fee of ₹5,000 if your annual income is above ₹5 lakh, provided you file your ITR by December 31 of the same assessment year. This late fee fine can go up to ₹10,000 if you file your ITR after December 31 but before March 31, 2023. Section 234F also says that individuals who have not filed their ITR before March 31 will be liable to a late fee of ₹1,000, if the income slab is below ₹5 lakh. The late fee remains unchanged even if the filing is made before December 31 of this year. Section 234A of the Income Tax Act says that if a person has not filed the ITR before the due date and if there is an outstanding tax to be paid, then the amount outstanding will be charged at 1% per month from the due date prescribed. If an individual with a taxable income has not filed the ITR or if the income is understated in the returns, he or she is liable to pay a fine of 50% of the total tax that is applicable on the income for which return was not furnished. Summary of Section 234F <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#bdd7ee;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Sl. No. </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#bdd7ee;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">ITR filing category </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#bdd7ee;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Late fee for filing up to July 31, 2022 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#bdd7ee;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Late fee for filing from August 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:top;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">1 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:top;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Persons whose total income is below ₹5,00,000 per annum </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:top;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Nil </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:top;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹1,000 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:top;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">2 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:top;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Persons whose total income is above ₹5,00,000 per annum </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:top;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Nil </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:top;padding:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹5,000 </td></tr></tbody></table> What to do if you have not filed the ITR for the previous financial year? With a late fee, you can file your ITR for FY2021-22 (AY 2022-23) till March 31, 2023. If you have missed out <keyword id="3524456" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="filing-itr" source="Orion">filing ITR</keyword> within this deadline, you need to apply for condonation of delay and then file the ITR online. Condonation of delay can be applied for through the e-filing portal of the Income Tax Department. Follow the steps below to do this. <ul><li>Log in to your account on the IT e-filing website. </li><li>Scroll the mouse on the ‘Services’ tab and click on ‘Condonation Request’. </li><li>Select the option, ‘Allow ITR filing after time barred’. Click on the ‘Continue’ button. </li><li>On the next page, click on ‘Create Condonation Request’. </li><li>Fill in all the columns with the relevant details. After uploading the ITR, click on ‘Submit’. </li></ul>Once you have submitted the ITR successfully, choose the option, ‘e-verify’. Once the condonation request is approved, the ITR will be processed. You can also track the status of the condonation request you have sent. Alternatively, you may also find out who is your assessing officer to submit a condonation of delay request letter in person and then do the ITR filing online. Refund Filing ITR on time is essential if you want to claim an income tax refund from the IT department; if you have made foreign asset investments during the financial year; if you want to apply for a loan or visa; or if you are an entity making either profit or loss. Since late filing of ITR can invite a number of consequences you will want to avoid, it is necessary that you keep track of the ITR filing deadline year on year and file the ITR on time. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/5g-spectrum-auctions-fetch-1-5-lakh-crore-more-than-half-of-it-comes-from-reliance-jio/articleshow/93274946.cms">5G spectrum auctions fetch ₹1.5 lakh crore – more than half of it comes from Reliance Jio</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/bengaluru-hyderabad-and-chennai-are-hiring-the-most-number-of-it-digital-skill-experts/articleshow/93273851.cms">Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai hired the most number of IT digital skill experts</a>

You Searched For "visa application fee" and got 11 results

Universities, student groups lobby PM Sunak to keep UK's post-study visa scheme unchanged

PTI

Americans traveling to Europe will need to fill out an application and pay a fee starting in 2024

Hannah Towey

Samsung announces co-branded credit card in partnership with Axis Bank and Visa

Sourabh Jain

US hikes H1-B visa application fee by another $10

PTI

A proposed H-1B visa fee increase threatens to kneecap Silicon Valley's ability to hire the foreign talent it needs to compete

Paayal Zaveri

Americans won't have to pay Europe's new entrance fee until 2025

Tom Carter

New immigration rules: Visa applications open under UK's post-Brexit 'simple' points-based system

PTI

Visa application for UK’s new points-based immigration system kicks in today — here’s all you need to know

Navdeep Yadav

Now, Trump administration wants to hike H1-B visa fees to train Americans in technology

BI India Bureau

US allows some H-1B visa seekers to re-submit their applications, according to federal agency

PTI

Missed filing your tax returns? Here’s what you pay in late fee & penalties

BI India Bureau

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