Best printers for Home

Best Mixer Grinder

Best wired Earphones

Best 43 Inch TV in India

Best Wi Fi Routers

Best Home Theatre in India

Smart Watch under 5000

Best Laptops for Education

Best Laptop for Students

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>Andres Pico, a software engineer from Ecuador, navigated the US education system to land a job at Microsoft.</li><li>Pico faced challenges adapting to US standardized tests and sought scholarships to fund his education.</li></ul>This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Andres Pico, a 29-year-old software engineer in Seattle. The following has been edited for length and clarity.I grew up in a small beach town called Manta in Ecuador with my dad, mom, and two sisters. My dad always taught me that there was nothing I couldn't do.I became interested in computers and technology because of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/playstation-plus">PlayStation</a>. Sometimes, I couldn't finish a game because the dialogue and options were in English, so I became very motivated to learn computers and English.<h2 id="aea16f41-f4aa-4e6e-926f-62684543751d">After graduating from high school, I decided I wanted to pursue my education in the US</h2>To apply to a university in the US, you must pass either the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/do-colleges-require-standardized-testing-sat-admissions-what-it-means-2024-3">SAT or ACT</a>. I bought an ACT book and prepared for many months to ensure I could get a good score.I knew I couldn't attend college in the US without a scholarship, so I began investigating scholarships and programs. I found the University of South Florida in Tampa offered a scholarship for students from Latin American countries that would get me a student visa.I was awarded the scholarship, which allowed me to receive a stipend of $1,000 a year to cover textbooks and resident status for tuition purposes.<h2 id="1ea4606f-8ed1-484d-bf1a-b39e05b12a66">I began a bachelor's degree in computer engineering in 2012</h2><a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-and-uk-life-biggest-differences-after-moving-home-space-2024-7">Coming to the US</a> at 17 was very challenging. It was my first time leaving home, and there was a lot I didn't understand about the US. I had no close friends or family here for support or guidance.It was also very exciting, as it was an opportunity to push myself. It took some time to get used to classes in English. I studied hard from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day.<h2 id="d640f046-61e6-4e77-9c39-669f1b3f751d">In my second semester, I found the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers</h2>The SHPE is a national organization that empowers Hispanics and offers mentorship programs in STEM. Classmates told me they offered free pizza. I'm really glad I was feeling hungry that day.They were welcoming and taught me the basics of the school system, how to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-this-is-an-excellent-resume-2013-11">create a résumé</a>, conduct interviews, and apply to grad school. It was a blessing to find them — suddenly, I had a community of people who wanted to help me succeed.<h2 id="e2632ea8-177e-49a0-b62a-e961cc3cb10a">A fellow student advised me to get as many internships as possible</h2>That was the best advice I received for navigating the US system. If I had just focused on the school material and not gained practical experience, I'm not sure I would've been able to find a job after graduating.I had multiple internships as a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/recruiter-how-filter-applications-software-engineering-job-post-atl-interview-2024-5">software engineer</a> with local companies in data centers and startups via student work permits. These internships allowed me to gain experience and earn some money.I was extremely fortunate to count on my dad's support to cover any difference between my earnings and expenses.<h2 id="f9d3935c-b09d-48b2-9bb8-dfcaa291a51f">I went on to pursue a master's degree in computer science at Virginia Tech</h2>I sought universities with good computer science programs and scholarships or assistantships. Virginia Tech had an amazing program and great tenured professors, and it offered me an opportunity as a TA, so the decision was obvious.My teaching assistantship paid for all my tuition and also paid me around $20,000 each semester.<h2 id="c9fdec8c-c770-4f06-a7af-8a6bb5f26c51">I started applying for jobs in 2017</h2>I must've applied for over 100 of them. When you apply, employers ask you if they'll need to sponsor you at some point in the future, as not every employer can cover the financial costs associated with the process when the time comes.I received four offers from Microsoft, Verizon, Deutsche Bank, and Disney. Microsoft had the best offer and was willing to sponsor my visa.<h2 id="a93721cf-c9e0-46f2-bd96-3071c98b4800">I started as a software engineer with Microsoft in 2018</h2>When I started my job at Microsoft in Seattle, I could work thanks to a student work permit that lasts one year after graduation and is granted to all F-1 visa students. While working on the student permit, your employer helps you apply for an <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/h1b-visa-lottery-changes-benefit-startups-hiring-immigrants-2024-2">H-1B</a> visa.I applied for a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/big-tech-green-card-applications-pause-2024-5">green card</a> after working on my H-1B visa for a year. By this point, I had lived in the US for about six years and created a whole life here, but the green card process was very painful.<h2 id="a2b4001a-c572-41e4-89cb-053b4e3c883a">The process makes life pretty horrible</h2>Having a work visa and going through the green card process are privileges, but it is very hard to separate the emotional component.There's no guarantee that you'll get to stay. If something goes wrong at any given time, you have to be ready to pack your bags and leave everything behind. I know some people who tried to get it three times and ran out of chances and had to return home.The first few years working were also difficult because I wasn't around anyone who looked like me. I wanted to grow and challenge myself, but at the same time, it made me wonder if I belonged, and doubt and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/managing-imposter-syndrome-when-you-are-the-boss-2021-10">imposter syndrome</a> crept in.Luckily, Microsoft paid for the attorneys in the green card process, and no cost came out of my pocket.<h2 id="1eb526a5-91be-4063-bec1-58a529e97297">I had to constantly review what they were putting on the application forms</h2>My key takeaway is that, even if you're working with lawyers, you still have to assume complete ownership of the application process and remember the lawyers supporting you, being human, can make mistakes.I was audited because some of the information that had been submitted was incorrect. It took me six to eight months to provide supplemental information and pass the audit.In 2022, I finally received my green card after three years.<h2 id="bd375841-9305-458d-bfb3-92ac255d1675">Last year, I decided to move into product management and took a new job at Starbucks</h2>In software engineering, you work on problems created by engineers for engineers. I wanted to learn how to build products that our customers actually love, so I ended up becoming a technical product manager.I love the US, I love the city I live in, and I love its people. I try to make it a better place by providing value through my career and volunteering in my local community.I even recently <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/millennial-couple-left-nyc-bought-vermont-house-slow-life-2024-9">bought a house</a> here — I don't have plans to move anywhere else.Want to share your story? Email Lauryn Haas at lhaas@businessinsider.com.

I got my green card after working at Microsoft on an H-1B visa. The process was very painful, but I love the US and don't plan to leave.

<ul><li>The US approved more number of H1-B visas this year — both entry level and extension on work visas. </li><li>According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), it extended over 389,000 visas in 2019 fiscal — higher than 335,000 visas approved last year. </li><li>However, the number of approved L1 visas — which are given to existing employees at technology firm to relocate to the United States — dropped to 71.9%, as compared to 77.8% last year. </li><li>In a recent update, the US embassy said that the visa applicants should apply at least three months before the start of their employment.</li></ul>In good news to Indians, the US approved more H1-B visas this year — both entry level and work visa extensions. According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), it extended over 389,000 visas in 2019 fiscal — higher than 335,000 visas approved last year. In the last four years, as many as 100,000 more visas rolled out. This is despite Trump government tightening visa norms. In spite of stricter norms, the demand for work visas continues to be high. "It used to be that if the job requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree (or foreign equivalent) and the beneficiary (whose H-1B visa was being sponsored by the employer) possessed this qualification, the H-1B application was likely to be approved. Not anymore, as is reflected in the spate of requests for evidence (RFEs) and lower approvals post an RFE," Snehal Batra, Managing Attorney, NPZ Law Group<a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/more-scrutiny-but-more-h-1b-visas-okd/articleshow/71572241.cms"> told </a>TOI. However, the number of approved L1 visas — which are given to existing employees at technology firm to relocate to the United States — dropped to 71.9%, as compared to 77.8% last year. Technology companies like Amazon, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) have been most impacted by the new immigration rules. The renewal of work visas has also thrown up hurdles, has hurt Indian IT majors. According to an ET <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/visa-and-immigration/decline-in-us-visa-approvals-continues/articleshow/71546846.cms">report</a>, the rejection rate for work visas has been increasing — with over 50% rejections during the first six months. While last year, TCS, Cognizant and Infosys faced the most <a href="https://tech.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/corporate/indian-it-firms-see-higher-h-1b-visa-extension-rejections-us-firms-get-more-visas/68310179">rejections </a>in extension of H1-B work visas, as per the Centre for Immigration Studies, a US-based think tank. H1-B work visas are initially provided for three years — but can be extended for a similar term later. The US embassy also said that applicants should apply at least three months before the start of their employment. <div type="twitter" handle="USAndIndia" handlename="U.S. Embassy India" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/624159508307185664/CyuUQx2F_normal.jpg" favoritecount="36" retweetcount="8" status="Applying for your work #USvisa? You can apply up to 90 days before the employment start date noted on your I-797. #USVisas" createdat="1570684441000" id="1182162345121861632"></div>

 See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/the-us-government-wants-to-check-social-media-handles-before-giving-a-green-card/articleshow/71003314.cms">The US government wants to check social media handles before giving a green card</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/indians-studying-in-the-uk-have-doubled-in-the-last-three-years/articleshow/70804829.cms">Indians studying in the UK have doubled in the last three years</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/usa-has-passed-a-bill-to-help-indian-it-professionals-get-permanent-residency/articleshow/70170952.cms">Indians can get permanent residency easily in the US, if the Senate clears the Bill</a>

Despite tighter norms, the US approves 389,000 H1-B visas this year

<ul><li>The <keyword id="6354458" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="US">US</keyword> government has given a grace period of 60 days to <keyword id="6358066" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="h-1b-visa">H-1B visa</keyword> holders and Green Card applicants.</li><li>According to the statement, the USCIS will consider a Form I-290B received up to 60 calendar days from the date of the decision before it takes any action.</li><li>The relaxations come in view of the coronavirus outbreak.</li></ul>The US government has given a grace period of 60 days to H-1B visa holders and Green Card applicants, who have been served notices for submission of various documents, in view of the novel coronavirus outbreak. The US Citizenship and <keyword id="361298" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Immigration-Services">Immigration Services</keyword> (USCIS) on Friday said the 60-day grace period for responding to its requests will include requests for evidence; continuations to request evidence (N-14); notices of intent to deny; notices of intent to revoke; notices of intent to rescind and notices of intent to terminate regional investment centers; and filing date requirements for Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion. "USCIS will consider a response to the above requests and notices received within 60 calendar days after the response due date set in the request or notice before taking action," it said. According to the statement, the USCIS will consider a Form I-290B received up to 60 calendar days from the date of the decision before it takes any action. "USCIS is adopting several measures to protect our workforce and community and to minimise the immigration consequences for those seeking immigration benefits during this time," it said. The relaxations come in view of the coronavirus outbreak, which first surfaced in China's Wuhan city in December last. So far, the virus has claimed over 65,000 lives in the US and over 235,000 lives globally.

H-1B visa holders and green card applicants in the US heave a sigh of relief as government announces relaxations

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The US government issues <keyword id="11754526" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="special-immigrant-visas" source="Orion">Special Immigrant Visas</keyword> to those who worked for US-backed organizations.</li><li>The Biden administration inherited a backlog of more than 17,000 SIV applications.</li></ul>As an employee of a US-funded organization that promoted women's rights, he was expecting to receive a visa allowing him and his family to escape <keyword id="11892774" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="afghanistan" source="Orion">Afghanistan</keyword> long before the <keyword id="11892778" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="taliban" source="Orion">Taliban</keyword> took over in August. But in a lawsuit filed Thursday, the man says he's been waiting nearly two and a half years without a response - and that his two young children have now been forced into hiding after receiving threatening messages at their home in Kabul."Every day, I fear for the lives of my sons," the man, identified only by his first name, Mohammad, said in a statement.The <a href="https://refugeerights.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/2021-10-07_Protection-Complaint.pdf">lawsuit</a>, filed by the <keyword id="6356001" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="international" source="Orion">International</keyword> Refugee Assistance Project with the US District Court for the Northern District of California, accuses the US <keyword id="11899384" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="state-department" source="Orion">State Department</keyword> and Secretary Antony Blinken of failing to fulfill their legal obligation to quickly process applications for Special Immigrant Visas, which are issued to those who worked for the US mission in Afghanistan.Mohammad applied for that visa back in May 2019. Under federal <keyword id="11899820" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="law" source="Orion">law</keyword>, the US is supposed to process such applications within nine months. But the Trump administration - which sought to limit all forms of <keyword id="11940510" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="immigration" source="Orion">immigration</keyword> to the US - allowed a backlog of more than 17,000 applications to build up, its failure to process the claims <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/immigration/trump-admin-broke-law-visa-delays-afghans-iraqis-who-worked-n1057846">ruled illegal</a> after another lawsuit brought by IRAP.An estimated 50,000 Afghans were ultimately evacuated by the US immediately following the Taliban takeover in August - months after refugee advocates had <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/airlift-vulnerable-people-out-of-afghanistan-refugee-group-urges-2021-4">urged the Biden administration</a> to begin airlifting them out. But many were admitted to the US on the basis of "<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-us-will-help-afghans-coming-to-the-country-parole-2021-9">humanitarian parole</a>," which denies them access to many of the same assistance programs available to SIV holders and <keyword id="6391453" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="refugees" source="Orion">refugees</keyword>.Mohammad is himself currently living in California. On a trip there in 2019, the lawsuit says, he learned that the Taliban had left threatening notes at his former home. He decided not to return, instead applying for asylum.His wife and children were left behind. If he had received his visa, they would have been able to come to the US too. And that was the plan. But the visa never came.In October 2020, the Taliban found his wife and children and threatened them. According to the lawsuit, his wife died of a heart attack soon after - leaving his children, ages 9 and 11, without a parent. They are currently in hiding and, per the lawsuit, the State Department made no attempt to evacuate them."Right now, my greatest wish is to hug my kids again," Mohammad said. "I ask that the United States government stand by its promises to Afghans like me who supported the US mission, and protect the lives of my children."Alexandra Zaretsky, a litigation fellow at IRAP, said in a statement that the US has a duty to help those who are now at risk because of their connection to Washington."Tens of thousands of Afghan allies and their families were separated or left behind after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan," she said, "and the US government has yet to take meaningful action to help them get to safety."A spokesperson for the State Department declined to comment.Have a news tip? Email this reporter: <a href="mailto:cdavis@insider.com">cdavis@insider.com</a>

Refugee group sues Antony Blinken, alleging State Department forced father to leave his children behind in Afghanistan

<ul><li>Over 200,000 H1-B visa holders in the US are left stranded because they would lose their legal status by the end of June. </li><li>This will largely impact those working in tech companies since almost a third of the visas are obtained by the IT employees. </li><li>The move comes as the US President <keyword id="6354484" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Donald-Trump">Donald Trump</keyword> halted the green card issuance process for 60 days as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic. </li><li>The US issued 8.7 million non-immigrant visas in 2019, according to the State department. </li></ul>After US President Donald Trump suspended <keyword id="361298" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Immigration-Services">immigration services</keyword> to ‘protect American jobs’, over 2<a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/over-200-000-h-1b-workers-could-lose-legal-status-by-june/story-Xmfoatk8Y2n1LKlVqF8i1N.html">00,000 H1-B visa holders in the US</a> are left stranded because they would lose their legal status by the end of June. According to Jeremy Neufeld, an immigration policy analyst at a think tank, Niskanen Center, nearly 250,000 temporary workers in the US are trying to obtain green cards, including those on <keyword id="931341" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="H1-B-visas">H1-B visas</keyword>. But all of them might be asked to go home. Days after the<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/covid-19-delays-extensionchange-status-filings"> Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)</a> relaxed H1-B visa deadlines and delayed other immigration activities, Trump halted the green card issuance process for 60 days as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic. While the move does not imply that the workers seeking non-immigrant visas won’t be granted one, it will impact those seeking permanent residency. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services said that it may extend special support to some people — those affected by the Coronavirus chaos largely. Earlier, the USCIS said that non-immigrants can now apply for an extension of stay or change of status permit. “US Citizenship and Immigration Services continues to accept and process applications and petitions, and many of our forms are available for online filing,” it said. In the meanwhile, the unemployment rate in the US is surging. The <keyword id="122427" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="US-Labor-Department">US Labor Department</keyword> reported that a lot of Americans are filing claims for unemployment benefits. The claims have now reached 22 million and the Federal Reserve anticipates that nearly <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/trump-hints-temporary-suspension-of-immigration-to-the-us-to-protect-american-jobs/articleshow/75263785.cms">47 million jobs are on the line</a>. But, those on H1-B visas are more vulnerable. This is because they can not avail unemployment benefits in the US. They have no social security benefits either. So, if they lose jobs, they will have to return to India along with their families. The US issued 8.7 million non-immigrant visas in 2019, according to the State department. If their employers refuse to pay a certain minimum salary, send them on unpaid leaves or ask them to work in a remote setup, that is equivalent to violating the visa norms. “Even if they don’t lose their jobs, workers can find themselves in a dilemma if they can’t get their visas renewed during this period of disruption, the Bloomberg <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/over-200-000-h-1b-workers-could-lose-legal-status-by-june/story-Xmfoatk8Y2n1LKlVqF8i1N.html">report said</a>. This will largely impact those working in tech companies since almost a third of the visas are obtained by the IT employees. Given that, TechNet, a group whose members include Apple, Amazon, Facebook, Google and Microsoft, appealed for some relief for the foreign workers. They are seeking extension of the expiration dates until September. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/china-is-making-the-most-of-the-coronavirus-to-dislodge-the-us-as-the-worlds-main-superpower/articleshow/75443360.cms">China is making the most of the coronavirus to dislodge the US as the world’s main superpower</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/trump-hints-temporary-suspension-of-immigration-to-the-us-to-protect-american-jobs/articleshow/75263785.cms">Trump hints temporary suspension of immigration to the US to protect American jobs</a>

200,000 H1-B visa holders hope US will extend status to September as June deadline comes to a close

<ul><li>As unemployment swells to over 22 million in the United States, President <keyword id="6354484" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Donald-Trump">Donald Trump</keyword> hints at a temporary suspension of immigration to the country in light of the Coronavirus pandemic. </li><li>“I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States,” Trump said in a tweet. </li><li>However, it is still unknown for how long the suspension would last. </li><li>The Federal Reserve anticipates that nearly 47 million jobs are on the line and over 700,000 jobs were lost in March. </li></ul>As unemployment swells to over 22 million in the United States, President Donald Trump hints at a temporary suspension of immigration to the country so as to ‘protect jobs’ of American citizens. “In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy, as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens, I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States,” Trump said in a tweet. <div type="twitter" handle="realDonaldTrump" handlename="Donald J. Trump" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/874276197357596672/kUuht00m_normal.jpg" favoritecount="126449" retweetcount="37302" status="In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy, as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citi… https://t.co/4eufzv6Ng9" createdat="1587434782000" id="1252418369170501639"></div> However, it is still unknown for how long the suspension would last and might also impact those who already hold green cards. Recently, the<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/covid-19-delays-extensionchange-status-filings"> Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)</a> relaxed <keyword id="399506" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="H1-B-visa">H1-B visa</keyword> deadlines and delayed other immigration activities, as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The USCIS said that non-immigrants can now apply for an extension of stay or change of status permit. “US Citizenship and Immigration Services continues to accept and process applications and petitions, and many of our forms are available for online filing,” it said. This comes on the backdrop of the<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/us-oil-prices-turn-negative-for-the-first-time-in-history/articleshow/75263224.cms"> falling oil prices in the US</a>, which turned negative for the first time in history. That may be because of the shrinking demand after countries closed borders, restricting movement and disrupting global supply chains. 47 million jobs on the line The US Labor Department reported that a lot of Americans are filing claims for unemployment benefits. The claims have now reached 22 million and the Federal Reserve anticipates that nearly 47 million jobs are on the line. As public life comes to a standstill, hospitality jobs are the worst hit in the US. The Labor department reported that over<a href="https://qz.com/1832789/bars-and-restaurants-account-for-60-percent-of-all-us-jobs-lost-in-march/"> 700,000 jobs were lost in March</a> — and nearly 60% of them were the professionals employed at the restaurants and bars as hotel chains like Mariott, DoubleTree axed thousands of jobs. This is a first for the US since the Great Depression. According to a recent national survey, over a third of Americans said that they or someone in their family lost jobs due to the global pandemic — impacting women the most. Alarmingly, the nationwide tally for Coronavirus infections surged to 792,759 leaving 42,514 dead, as per the data by Worldometer on April 21. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/us-oil-prices-turn-negative-for-the-first-time-in-history/articleshow/75263224.cms">US oil prices turn negative for the first time in history</a>

Trump hints temporary suspension of immigration to the US to protect American jobs

The United States has formally notified the increase in H1B and L1 visa fee. Now, applicants will have to shell out additional $4,000 for certain categories of H1B visas post December 18, 2015. 
 
The US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) said applicants of certain L-1A and L-1B will have to submit an additional amount of $4,500. 
 As per the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016, signed into law by <keyword id="67474" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="US-President-Barack-Obama">US President Barack Obama</keyword> on December 18, 2015, additional fees has to be paid by petitioners who employ 50 or more employees in the US, with more than 50 per cent of those employees in H1B or L (including L-1A and L-1B) non-immigrant status. 
 
This will remain effective through September 30, 2025, USCIS said. 
 
In a statement, USCIS warned that it will begin rejecting H1B and L1 visa petitions received on or after February 11, 2016 that do not carry the information required under the new law. 
 
USCIS has also revised the necessary forms in this regard. 
 
During the 30-day period immediately following this web alert, USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) to determine whether the additional fee applies to the petition.

H1B visa applicants will have to shell out additional fee of $4000 now

<ul><li>The United States’ Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is planning to loop in the citizens already in the US in its social media identification process. </li><li>It will include people applying for citizenship, green cards or H1-B visas along with the existing green card holders seeking re-entry into the country. </li><li>The proposal, which was laid out in the <keyword id="1966555" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Federal-Register">Federal Register</keyword> on 4 September, is out for public opinion for two months. </li><li>Previously, the US government said that the visa applicants will have to submit the social media handles that they have used in the past five years.</li></ul>The <keyword id="6354484" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Donald-Trump">Donald Trump</keyword> government may add a new layer to its immigration rules for foreign citizens. The United States’ Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is planning to loop in the citizens already in the US as a part of its social media identification process. The proposal will require the citizens in the country to fill in several forms to obtain a green card or permanent residency in the US. The proposal will cover those applying for citizenship, green cards or H1-B visas along with those who are green card holders and are seeking re-entry into the country, TOI<a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/green-card-or-us-citizenship-applicants-may-have-to-provide-social-media-identity/articleshow/71001746.cms"> reported </a>citing Rajiv Khanna, managing attorney at Immigration.com. In cases where social media handles are not provided in the form, applications will still be processed. But, they might get delayed. “It is yet to be seen how the forms will be designed to accommodate those who do not provide social media identification,” he added. The proposal, which was laid out in the Federal Register on 4 September, is out for public opinion for two months. It is likely to affect Indians opting for <keyword id="149761" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="us-citizenship">US citizenship</keyword>. In 2017, 50,000 Indians received US citizenship, while 60,000 successfully obtained green cards. Previously, the US government said that visa applicants will have to<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/us-visa-seekers-will-now-have-to-submit-their-social-media-handles/articleshow/69632144.cms"> submit social media handles</a> hey have used in the past five years. This is to give access to their account information, photos, location and publicly shared data on their profiles. It was for applicants seeking visa for work-related opportunities and studying at American universities. The Trump government, in fact, permitted the immigration officials to fabricate new accounts in order to access the social media profiles of those applying for green cards and citizenship, TOI <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/green-card-or-us-citizenship-applicants-may-have-to-provide-social-media-identity/articleshow/71001746.cms">noted</a>. The idea of tracking social media accounts was proposed last year. "We are constantly working to find mechanisms to improve our screening processes to protect US citizens, while supporting legitimate travel to the United States,” the department earlier <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-48486672">said</a>. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/indias-human-resource-development-ministry-wants-to-link-students-social-media-accounts/articleshow/70138862.cms">The Indian government wants a handle on students' social media profiles —and that has sparked an outrage</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/us-visa-seekers-will-now-have-to-submit-their-social-media-handles/articleshow/69632144.cms">US visa seekers will now have to submit their social media handles</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/us-donald-trump-plans-a-15-cap-on-h-1b-visas-for-selective-nations-including-india/articleshow/69869965.cms">Trump plans a 15% cap on H-1B visas — and Indians will be hurt the most</a>

The US government wants to check social media handles before giving a green card

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="110656" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="estonia">Estonia</keyword> has officially launched its new Digital Nomad <keyword id="6359421" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="visa">Visa</keyword>.</li><li>The visa would allow remote workers to live and work in the European country for up to a year.</li><li>The application costs between $94 and $117 (or €80 and €100) depending on how long you plan on staying.</li><li>It's important to note that, according to the CDC, "<keyword id="6354692" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Travel">travel</keyword> increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19." Estonia, as part of the European Union, is also closed to Americans for the time being.</li></ul>If you've ever dreamt of packing up and moving to <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/europe">Europe</a>, you might have a chance to do that in the near future.On Wednesday, the Republic of Estonia officially launched its new <a href="https://e-resident.gov.ee/nomadvisa/">Digital Nomad Visa</a>, which it says is the first of its kind in the European Union.<a href="https://e-resident.gov.ee/nomadvisa/">According to the Republic of Estonia's e-Residency website</a>, the visa allows remote workers to live and legally work in the northern European country, right across the Baltic Sea from Finland and Sweden, for up to a year. The website states that applicants must prove that they can do their job remotely, and that they are either employed by a company that's registered outside of Estonia, self-employed with a business that is registered outside of the country, or that they are freelancers that work mostly with clients based outside of the nation. They must also meet a minimum gross income requirement of $4,130 (€3,504) per month for six months preceding their application, according to the website.Applicants must then fill in the <a href="https://vm.ee/en/visa-application-forms">application form</a> online and make an appointment at their nearest <a href="https://vm.ee/en/estonian-representations-which-are-handling-visa-applications">Estonian embassy or consulate</a> to submit the form and documents proving the aforementioned employment and income requirements, the website says.It notes that an application costs between $94 and $117 (or between €80 and €100) depending on how long you plan on staying, and that applications should be processed within 30 days. Spouses and dependents will also be issued a visa, according to <a href="https://medium.com/e-residency-blog/faqs-about-estonias-digital-nomad-visa-b04f12551e30">e-Residency's Medium blog post</a> about the visa.Currently, due to the coronavirus pandemic, Estonia, which is part of the European Union, is only open to a limited group of approved countries outside the EU, Schengen Zone, and the UK.See the full list of who can enter Estonia <a href="https://vm.ee/en/information-countries-and-self-isolation-requirements-passengers">on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website.</a> According to the Ministry, the list is updated every other week.Visitors from countries on that list that show no symptoms of the coronavirus can, for the most part, enter freely, as long as they've arrived from a country where the number of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 inhabitants does not exceed 15 cases in the last 14 days, <a href="https://www.kriis.ee/en/travelling-and-border-crossing">according to the Estonian government's website.</a> However, the government's website says that those showing symptoms or from countries with a higher infection rate in the last 14 days must quarantine for two weeks upon arrival.Americans — who are <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/europe-travel-ban-americans-official-eu-coronavirus-covid-19-2020-6">currently banned from entering EU member states</a> — will be able to apply as soon as the travel ban lifts, a representative for Estonia's e-Residency told Insider.One caveat, <a href="https://medium.com/e-residency-blog/faqs-about-estonias-digital-nomad-visa-b04f12551e30">per the e-Residency blog</a>, is that if a Digital Nomad Visa holder is in the country for a significant amount of time — "more than 183 days in a consecutive 12-month period" — then they will have to declare and pay tax in the country.It is important to note that while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention no longer advises against nonessential travel, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html">it does warn</a> that "travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19."<ul class="read-more-links"><li>Read more:</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/work-remote-live-caribbean-barbados-new-visa-2020-7">Barbados is officially letting people move there to work remotely for a year, and all you need to do is fill out an application</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/cancun-free-hotel-overnights-discounts-tourism-incentive-2020-5">Cancun is offering to pay half of your hotel costs and give you other steep discounts if you visit this year</a><a href="https://www.insider.com/cheap-flights-greece-tax-cuts-reopening-tourism-june-2020-6">Greece is offering cheaper flights as it reopens to international travelers</a><a href="https://www.insider.com/what-are-health-risks-plane-air-travel-2020-6">The risk of getting sick on a plane is lower than you might think — if you know what to watch out for</a><a href="https://www.insider.com/live-and-work-remotely-in-bermuda-residency-certificate-2020-7">You could move to Bermuda and work there remotely for a year</a></li></ul>

You could move to Estonia and work there remotely for a year thanks to a new incentive

Indian-origin US Senator <keyword id="180909" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kamala-Harris">Kamala Harris</keyword> is in favour of lifting the existing per-country caps for employment based green cards, her presidential campaign has said, asserting that 95 per cent in line for legal permanent residency are primarily from China, India, the Philippines and <keyword id="13486" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Vietnam">Vietnam</keyword>. Harris' presidential campaign, which started early this year, in recent weeks is not doing well and has been polling low among more than a dozen and half Democratic presidential aspirants. On Tuesday, she reached out to over 24 million Asian Americans, <keyword id="6841557" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Native-Hawaiians">Native Hawaiians</keyword>, and Pacific Islanders in the US and collectively called the Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) community, which is the fastest growing demographic group in the country. A plan of action for Asian Pacific Islanders Americans released by her presidential campaign said the current policies like per-country caps for employment-based green cards effectively penalise immigrants for their country of origin. The vast and growing employment-based visa backlog has an outsized impact on the APIA community, it said. As of 2018, 95 per cent of the over 825,000 individuals in line for the chance to apply for their green cards come from Asia - China, India, the Philippines and Vietnam, it said. At the same time, demand for immigrant workers shows no signs of abating. For six consecutive years, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) received so many petitions that it has hit the annual cap for H-1B visas (for high-skilled workers) within five business days of opening the filing period, her campaign said. "Kamala believes we must do more to eliminate discriminatory backlogs and protect immigrant workers so they can stay in our country and continue to contribute to the economy," said her campaign. That's why she'll push overdue reforms to visa programs, including for high-skilled and low-skilled workers, to streamline the immigrant labour force and stimulate entrepreneurship, it added. "Her Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act, for example, would lift existing per-country caps for employment-based green cards and also raise per-country caps for family-sponsored green cards from seven percent to 15 per cent," said her Campaign. "As a member of the APIA community, Kamala understands firsthand the unique and wide-ranging concerns facing the rich tapestry of ethnicities, languages, and cultures that form this diverse community. Kamala knows our country is stronger for this diversity and will fight for equal opportunity, access to justice, and human rights for all API Americans," the campaign said in its policy paper. "As president, Harris will clear the family visa backlog as part of her plan for a fair and just immigration system," the campaign said. Most of the immigration backlogs are for family-sponsored applicants (314,000 from the Philippines, 299,000 from India, 232,000 each from Vietnam and China); more than 40 per cent of individuals stuck in the family visa backlog or approximately 1.5 million people are from Asia, it noted. If elected, Harris will immediately reinstate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme and expand DACA by eliminating the requirement that DREAMers apply before they turn 31 years old, raising the age at time of entry from 15 years old and under to 17 years old and under. "She'll protect the parents of US citizens and legal permanent residents from the prospect of deportation by expanding the deferred action programme. She'll also extend deferred action eligibility to other law-abiding immigrants with ties to our communities," it said. Harris as president would immediately rescind Muslim ban, public charge rule and the proclamation denying immigrants a visa unless they have "approved health insurance" or can prove they have "the financial resources to pay for reasonably foreseeable medical costs", it said.

Senator Kamala Harris bats for lifting caps on green cards

<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>

You Searched For "visa application form" and got 12 results

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

PTI

I got my green card after working at Microsoft on an H-1B visa. The process was very painful, but I love the US and don't plan to leave.

Elle Hardy

Despite tighter norms, the US approves 389,000 H1-B visas this year

Prerna Sindwani

H-1B visa holders and green card applicants in the US heave a sigh of relief as government announces relaxations

PTI

Refugee group sues Antony Blinken, alleging State Department forced father to leave his children behind in Afghanistan

Charles Davis

200,000 H1-B visa holders hope US will extend status to September as June deadline comes to a close

Prerna Sindwani

Trump hints temporary suspension of immigration to the US to protect American jobs

Prerna Sindwani

H1B visa applicants will have to shell out additional fee of $4000 now

BI India Bureau

The US government wants to check social media handles before giving a green card

Prerna Sindwani

You could move to Estonia and work there remotely for a year thanks to a new incentive

Sophie-Claire Hoeller

Senator Kamala Harris bats for lifting caps on green cards

PTI

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

BI India Bureau

Popular Keywords

Buying Guides