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Business Standard
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
US F-1, J-1 visa crisis: Agents can't get you interview slots, warn experts
Yes, there is a crisis in getting US visa slots for Indian students. But, no, agents, lawyers or even your college can't get you an appointment. Nearly two weeks after the US consulates resumed student visa interviews on June 26, Indian applicants are still scrambling. Appointments remain scarce, delays continue, and August travel plans are hanging by a thread. 'Right now, even though the US finally started releasing visa appointments again, it's honestly a mess. Slots open at random times, and they're gone in seconds,' Kajal Dave, co-founder of LaunchEd told Business Standard. 'Students with courses starting in August are freaking out because they've already paid lakhs in tuition, booked flights, and arranged housing—but can't get a visa appointment in time.' She added, 'We're talking about ₹10–30 lakh in tuition, another lakh or two for housing deposits, and at least ₹75,000 on flights. If they can't make it on time and the college won't let them defer, that's potentially ₹12–35 lakh down the drain. That's a huge hit for any family.' But there's little help available. Students desperate for a way out risk being targeted by agents who claim they can secure visa appointments. Experts say this is not only false, but dangerous. "Students should avoid unofficial representatives or shortcuts because these are more likely to result in scams or additional problems," said Mamta Shekhawat, founder at Advocate Sharanya Tripathi, associate at Jotwani Associates, echoed the caution. 'Students should book exclusively through official US portals such as since no agent has the authority to expedite or guarantee visa approvals,' she said. Tripathi explained that students should: • Check if the consultancy is registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs • Look for affiliations like AAERI • Avoid anyone claiming 'special access' or asking for cash payments without receipts • Confirm that the university is certified under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) • Keep records of every transaction and conversation • Contact the US Embassy if in doubt • Plan early to avoid last-minute scams If you've been scammed, here's what you can do Students who have already fallen prey to fake agents can still act. Tripathi advised the following legal steps under Indian law: • File an FIR at the local police station under Section 316 (criminal breach of trust) and Section 318 (cheating) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita • Lodge a complaint at [ with all emails, messages, and payment proofs • Approach the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 • Seek remedies under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 if personal data was misused • Send legal notices and consider civil suits for refund recovery • Report the fraud to US agencies like the Federal Trade Commission or Department of Homeland Security • Inform the US college involved, as they may offer guidance or support What support can students expect from universities? 'What's important right now is for students to stay disciplined in how they engage: avoid falling for misinformation, keep checking official portals consistently, and maintain a direct line with their university's in-country staff or representatives,' said Siddharth Iyer, chief operating officer at OneStep Global. 'If the current situation doesn't ease in the coming days, we may see more institutions proactively step in with bridging solutions but clarity on that will only come closer to the course start window,' he added. Shekhawat said most US colleges try to support students affected by visa delays. 'They might request students to postpone their admissions by a semester or an academic year while keeping their acceptance intact,' she said. 'Some colleges even correspond directly with US consulates for urgent cases or issue new I-20 forms.' Is there a legal or emergency route for those stuck? 'There are a few pathways, though none are easy,' said Iyer. 'Students with fast-approaching course start dates can apply for emergency appointments provided they have the necessary documentation and proof of urgency. But approvals aren't guaranteed, and availability remains thin.' Some universities are offering remote start or temporary deferrals, but not all programmes, especially undergraduate ones, are structured to support that. Why are US visa slots still so scarce? Several factors have created a bottleneck in the visa process: • Peak demand for fall semester in August • Limited consular staff and processing capacity • Enhanced vetting, including social media checks Can education consultants help? Sanjog Anand, co-founder of Rostrum Education, said consultants can play a support role but not fix the root issue. 'Reputable education consultants can't fast-track a visa appointment, but they can prepare documents properly, help with emergency requests, and liaise with universities for deferrals,' he said. 'They can also guide students through the interview process, which is crucial given the current scrutiny,' Anand added. 'It's important to only work with well-established firms to avoid misinformation and fraud.'
Mint
07-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
Indian applicants struggle to get US visa appointments despite consulates resuming interviews
Nearly two weeks since the United States consulates in India resumed F-1 student visa interviews on June 26, chaos still reigns for thousands of hopeful students. Appointments are still scarce, 221 (g) notices are on the rise, and the mounting uncertainty is threatening to derail August travel plans for students heading to American universities. Speaking to Business Standard, LaunchEd co-founder Kajal Dave said that despite resumption of visa appointment, things have been 'a mess' and added that students with start dates in August have paid tuition, booked flights, and secured housing, 'but cannot get a visa appointment in time'. The financial risk is steep. Dave estimated that students will be facing potential losses ranging from ₹ 12 to ₹ 35 lakh covering tuition, housing deposits, and airfare, if they are unable to travel in time and the university does not permit deferrals. A student, in their post, wrote, 'I am panicking so much right now. They are still not opening the visa slots in India. What do I do? My course starts August 20 and I have not even packed or bought airplane tickets. I feel so lost and hopeless right now.' Another user said their university suggested they defer their enrolment to next fall. To make matters worse, many students who have secured interviews are now facing 221(g) administrative processing notices which place visa approvals on indefinite hold. Another student wrote that they were handed a 221(g) notice after their interview, and added, 'I have no idea when my visa will be approved.' Adding to the concern, the US Embassy website recently warned, 'We cannot guarantee that student or exchange visitor visa applicants without an existing appointment will be able to schedule an interview this summer.' As per the Business Standard report, this situation was caused due to a month-long visa freeze during peak student season (May 27 to June 26) and broader systematic issues. COO of OneStep Global Siddharth Iyer told the publication that there was a 'huge backlog and an evolving adjucation policy'. He added increased scrutiny of digital footprints and social media has introduced additional friction in processing of visas. As a result, appointment wait times are currently averaging 45 to 60 days in India with Kolkata being the slowest and many students are missing key university dates. Experts suggested that students who are stuck can either apply for emergency appointments via UStraveldocs or ask their university's Designated School Official (DSO) for deferral or temporary online study options. Moreover, the students can ensure their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and I-20 documents are updated if deferring. The shortage is due to a combination of a month-long freeze during peak season and stricter visa vetting processes introduced in recent years. Yes. Students can request emergency slots on the official UStraveldocs website, but they must provide documentation from their university. The US Embassy has stated that it cannot guarantee additional appointments for Summer 2025. It's uncertain if more slots will be released.
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Business Standard
07-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
US student visa slots still scarce; Indian students risk losing lakhs
It's been nearly two weeks since the US consulates resumed student visa interviews on June 26, but for Indian applicants, the scramble hasn't eased. Appointments remain scarce, delays continue, and growing uncertainty is throwing August travel plans into disarray. 'Right now, even though the US finally started releasing visa appointments again, it's honestly a mess. Slots open at random times, and they're gone in seconds,' Kajal Dave, co-founder of LaunchEd told Business Standard. 'Students with courses starting in August are freaking out because they've already paid lakhs in tuition, booked flights, and arranged housing—but can't get a visa appointment in time.' According to her, the potential financial hit is huge. 'We're talking about ₹10–30 lakh in tuition, another lakh or two for housing deposits, and at least ₹75,000 on flights. If they can't make it on time and the college won't let them defer, that's potentially ₹12–35 lakh down the drain. That's a huge hit for any family,' she said. The anxiety has spilled over to online forums. One student posted on Reddit: 'STILL NO F1 VISA SLOTS in INDIA. Guys, I am panicking so much right now. They are still not opening the visa slots in India. What do I do? My course starts August 20 and I have not even packed or bought airplane tickets. I feel so lost and hopeless right now.' The post, now widely circulated among student communities, captured the broader mood. Another user replied, 'My orientation is on August 15 and my tickets are for August 13. If I reschedule, the fare difference is almost double.' Others highlighted a rising number of 221(G) notices issued to students whose interviews had already taken place. These administrative holds leave applicants waiting indefinitely, with little clarity on timelines. One user wrote, 'Even those who have given the interview are worried because they're being issued 221(g)s, and no one knows when the visas will actually be approved.' Another added, 'I can't find any available slots anywhere in India. The official US Embassy website even states, 'We cannot guarantee that student or exchange visitor visa applicants without an existing appointment will be able to schedule an interview this summer.' Does this mean there won't be any more bulk slot openings before Fall 2025?' US visa freeze during peak season caused cascading backlog The freeze, which began on May 27, halted visa appointment scheduling during one of the busiest periods for US-bound students. The effects are now being felt across the education sector, from summer exchange programmes to postgraduate admissions. 'Several students are struggling to secure US visa appointments despite repeated attempts. Slots are either booked in seconds or unavailable,' Mamta Shekhawat, founder of told Business Standard. 'This is not just a few isolated cases. It's affecting students across India, regardless of their location or the university they plan to attend.' Siddharth Iyer, chief operating officer at OneStep Global, confirmed that the problem extends to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where access to alternate consulates is limited. 'Even in metro locations, the pace of slot release hasn't matched the demand. This is particularly concerning given that most courses begin mid-August, and many students have already paid tuition and signed leases,' Iyer told Business Standard. He described the delays as part of a larger pattern. 'What we're witnessing is less about individual delay and more about systemic bottlenecking,' he said. Some avoided delays by applying early Sanjog Anand, co-founder of Rostrum Education, said some students avoided the mess altogether. 'As soon as they received their acceptance letters, they immediately completed their visa applications and related paperwork. This proactive approach helped them bypass the uncertainty and delays that arose later in the season,' Anand told Business Standard. What's causing the continued shortage of student visa slots? According to experts, the root of the problem lies in a combination of backlog and policy changes under the Trump administration. 'There are two layers to this,' said Iyer. 'The immediate issue is the backlog created by the month-long freeze on new appointments during peak season no less. But the second, more structural issue is the evolving US visa adjudication policy. Increased scrutiny of digital footprints and social media history has introduced friction in processing timelines.' Applicants are reportedly being asked to make their social media accounts public so consular officers can review them before granting entry. The increased vetting is labour-intensive and time-consuming. 'There's a broader recalibration happening in how visas are being assessed globally. So, it's not just about volume, but also the processing time per case,' Iyer added. What can students do if they don't get a visa in time? Anand said students have a few options if they're unable to secure an appointment in time. Emergency appointment requests: Students can apply for expedited visa appointments through the UStraveldocs website, with documentation showing urgent need to begin a course. University support: Students should notify their university's Designated School Official (DSO) immediately to explore deferral, online study options, or temporary leave. Updated I-20 and SEVIS records: If deferral is granted, the DSO can issue a new I-20 and update the SEVIS record. 'The best thing to do right now is to get in touch with your university's international student office as soon as possible,' said Dave. 'Explain what's happening, ask if you can defer, and request an official letter explaining the urgency. That can support your emergency visa request, but don't fall for agents promising guaranteed appointments—that's just not how it works.' She also advised students to check for slots late at night, between midnight and 3 am, when cancellations are sometimes released. Iyer added that current wait times for F-1 visa interviews in India range from 45 to 60 days depending on the city, with Kolkata averaging 60 days and Chennai 45. This does not include any additional processing time after the interview. What is the financial cost if a visa is not granted in time? According to Anand, the potential losses vary but can be considerable: Application fees: Non-refundable Tuition deposits: Refund policies vary by university Tuition fees: Partial or no refund depending on when the student withdraws Housing deposits: Often non-refundable or charged with cancellation fees, especially in private rentals Airfare: Non-refundable tickets usually incur cancellation charges or are converted into credits with added fees Other expenses: Including F-1 visa fee ($205), SEVIS I-901 fee ($350), transcripts, and test costs 'The losses, unfortunately, depend on various factors,' Anand said. Is there a legal or formal route for help? 'There are a couple of formal and legal methods by which students can address emergencies, especially visa procedures,' said Shekhawat. Students can use the 'Request Expedite' option on the official US visa site, submit supporting documents from their university, and contact consulates through official channels. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) may also provide guidance, although it does not intervene in appointment scheduling. 'Credible education consultants should also be able to guide students, but they must steer clear of unofficial agents or promises of guaranteed slots. That's where scams begin,' she warned.
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Business Standard
07-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
India-UK FTA: How Indian techies will save on salary for three years
After nearly three and a half years of negotiations, India and the United Kingdom announced on Tuesday the conclusion of talks for a free trade agreement (FTA) that could reshape the way Indians work and do business in Britain. The deal, which covers strategic and economic ties between the fifth- and sixth-largest economies, includes an agreement on social security contributions that is expected to benefit thousands of Indians working in the UK on a temporary basis. Kajal Dave, Co-Founder of LaunchEd Global, a study abroad and e-learning platform, said, "Although trading in products and services is the primary objective of the FTA, discussions have also included the ability to move by qualified professionals. The regulations are expected to enable short-term business and professional visas, support mutual recognition of qualifications, and facilitate easier migration pathways in high-demand sectors. Even though they might not immediately change student visa restrictions," Dave told Business Standard. How Indians could benefit Under the Double Contribution Convention Agreement (DCCA), Indian workers temporarily in the UK and their employers will be exempt from paying social security contributions for three years. India's commerce ministry said this would make Indian service providers more competitive. 'In an unprecedented achievement, India has secured an exemption for Indian workers who are temporarily in the UK and their employers from paying social security contributions in the UK for a period of three years under the Double Contribution Convention,' it said. Business Standard reported earlier, citing estimates from the commerce ministry, that the agreement is expected to save around 20 per cent of an employee's salary. More than 60,000 employees, mainly from the IT sector, are expected to benefit. The total financial benefit to Indian companies and employees is estimated to exceed Rs 4,000 crore. Presently, Indian professionals working temporarily in Britain pay compulsory National Insurance (NI) contributions but cannot claim benefits once they return to India. Industry experts believe the deal could offer wider advantages beyond immediate cost savings. "The agreement is anticipated to help Indian professionals. Better post-study career prospects, increased acceptance of Indian degrees, and a more hospitable work environment for long-term employment in industries like technology, finance, and healthcare might all result from this for students and aspiring professionals," said Dave. "For Indian professionals working in the UK, the FTA has the possibility to greatly reduce tax costs and simplify employment laws. If well executed, it may save up to 20 per cent of salaries, which is a significant advantage that improves financial security and increases the UK's appeal to Indian talent," he added. Varun Singh, Managing Director of XIPHIAS Immigration, said the FTA represents more than a commercial agreement. "The India-UK FTA is more than just a trade pact — it's a gateway for skilled Indian professionals to dream bigger. While the full text is still under wraps, both sides have signalled a strong intent to include provisions that ease mobility for Indian workers, particularly in sectors like IT, healthcare, and finance," Singh told Business Standard. He added, "For Indians already in the UK, this could translate to faster pathways to permanent residency and broader career prospects. For those aspiring to move, especially young graduates and tech talent, it opens doors to smoother visa processes, potentially even a dedicated mobility scheme." India already has similar social security agreements with countries including Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, France, Denmark, South Korea and the Netherlands. Workers posted abroad to these countries continue contributing to India's Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) without double deductions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was pleased with the outcome. 'Delighted to speak with my friend PM Keir Starmer. In a historic milestone, India and the UK have successfully concluded an ambitious and mutually beneficial free trade agreement, along with a double contribution convention. These landmark agreements will further deepen our comprehensive strategic partnership and catalyse trade, investment, growth, job creation, and innovation in both our economies. I look forward to welcoming PM Starmer to India soon,' Modi wrote on X. In the UK Parliament, Douglas Alexander, Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade, said the agreement preserves Britain's existing rules on immigration. 'The deal does not affect the points-based system. It only covers business mobility, which is different from immigration, as it is about travel for specific and temporary business purposes," he said. Alexander further said that UK businesses would also benefit from increased mobility routes as they expand into India. UK Opposition slams govt The announcement drew criticism from opposition parties in Britain, particularly concerning the treatment of British and Indian workers under the new arrangement. Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper tweeted, 'It is very worrying to hear concerns that Indian workers coming over here, companies may not have to pay taxes on those workers,' calling for MPs to be given a vote on the deal. Conservative MP Harriett Baldwin raised concerns in the House of Commons about the potential cost to the British taxpayer. She said, 'Will the convention really mean that, for example, an Indian-owned restaurant chain in the UK could pay no national insurance here for its chef, while the British pub next door pays full national insurance for its curry chef? This government is literally putting up taxes for British workers but cutting them for Indian workers.' Baldwin questioned whether it would be 20 per cent cheaper for companies to hire Indian workers instead of British ones. Alexander responded that the arrangement is reciprocal and will benefit British workers posted in India. He said the exemption covers only a specific and limited group of Indian businesspeople, for three years, and pointed out that the UK already has similar agreements with the EU, the US and South Korea. What about student visas and immigration rules? The government clarified that student visas were not part of the negotiations. Alexander said: 'Student visas remained off the table.' He also confirmed that the UK has not created new visa routes under the FTA. While some business mobility routes have been expanded to cover additional sectors, they will only be available to highly skilled and experienced professionals. Applicants must still meet strict criteria on qualifications and experience. — No changes have been made to the UK's points-based immigration system — No new general visa categories have been introduced for Indian citizens — Business mobility provisions are strictly temporary and sector-specific The government reiterated that Indian workers benefiting from the agreement will still have to pay the immigration health surcharge, which funds the NHS. The United Kingdom's points-based immigration system is the framework used to decide who can work, study, or settle in the UK. In this, applicants must earn at least 70 points to qualify for most work visas. Points are awarded based on specific criteria such as: Having a job offer from an approved UK employer (20 points) Speaking English at a required level (10 points) Job being at an appropriate skill level (20 points) Salary level (0–20 points depending on the salary band) Occupation being in a shortage field (extra points) Having a relevant PhD (extra points if related to the job, especially in STEM fields) Types of visas under the system include: Skilled Worker visa: For people with an eligible job offer. Health and Care Worker visa: For doctors, nurses, carers, etc. Global Talent visa: For leaders or potential leaders in fields like science, engineering, the arts.
