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Time of India
29 minutes ago
- Business
- Time of India
New-age IPO frenzy; Hoping against H-1B hope
New-age IPO frenzy; Hoping against H-1B hope Want this newsletter delivered to your inbox? Also in the letter: Startups aim for over Rs 18,000 crore in IPO frenzy Leading the pack Long queue: Pine Labs and Groww are targeting Rs 2,600 crore and Rs 1,735 crore, respectively. Others, such as Boat, Wakefit, Capillary Technologies, and Urban Company, are planning smaller issues of under Rs 1,000 crore each. These figures exclude any offer-for-sale (OFS) component, which will increase the overall IPO size further. Rush hour: How it stacks up: In 2021-22, startups like Zomato (now Eternal), Paytm, Delhivery, Nykaa, and PB Fintech raised over Rs 25,000 crore in fresh capital. Zomato and Paytm alone brought in Rs 17,000 crore. The two years that followed saw a dip, with a string of sub-Rs 1,000 crore issues from the likes of Ixigo, Awfis, Blackbuck, MobiKwik, and Honasa Consumer. Also Read: Early Nykaa investor to sell stake in block deal Founders stay put: H-1B hopefuls brace for longer wait times, delays in Trump 2.0 Numberwise: 85,000 applicants made it through the H-1B lottery this March. In 2018, denial rates under the first Trump administration hit 15% overall—24% for new applications and 12% for renewals, according to Pew Research. During Biden's presidency, rejection rates fell sharply, dropping to just 3%, Pew noted. Between 2016 and 2020, H-1B processing times increased by 12-36 months, according to data from immigration platform Jeelani Law Firm. Imminent scrutiny: Workarounds and detours: Applications for the EB-5 investor visa have jumped 50% since January. There's also growing demand for L-1 and O-1 visas. The EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver), which allows highly qualified individuals working in areas of US national interest to stay and work in the country, is another option gaining traction. Also Read: Sponsor ETtech Top 5 & Morning Dispatch! Why it matters: The opportunity: Reach a highly engaged audience of decision-makers. Boost your brand's visibility among the tech-savvy community. Custom sponsorship options to align with your brand's goals. What's next: Venture capital funding inches up to $4.9 billion in H1 2025 VC favourites: Big ticket investments: Innovaccer: $275 million $275 million Meesho: $270 million $270 million Groww: $200 million $200 million Porter: $200 million 2025 unicorns: IPOs in line: Also Read: Other Top Stories By Our Reporters Micron shifts gears in AI era: IEA throws weight behind India's digital energy stack: Global Picks We Are Reading Happy Thursday! Startups are lining up to list in a reinvigorated public market. This and more in today's ETtech Morning Dispatch.■ VC funding on the rise■ Micron's AI focus■ Support for India Energy StackA dozen new-age companies that have filed draft IPO papers are looking to raise over Rs 18,000 crore ($2 billion) through fresh share issues, signalling renewed momentum in India's public markets.: Ecommerce platform Meesho , which is set to file confidentially, is eyeing the biggest primary raise at Rs 4,250 crore. Close behind is edtech player PhysicsWallah , aiming for Rs 4,000 and bankers point to strong public market valuations and growing confidence among startups, many of which now see local listings as a viable Singh Banga, founder, The Caravel GroupHarindarpal Singh Banga, founder of the Hong Kong-based Caravel Group and an early investor in Nykaa, plans to sell a 2–2.5% stake in the company through a block deal worth $150 million (approximately Rs 1,200–1,300 crore), sources told the Nayar family, which founded Nykaa, still owns 52% and has not sold any shares since the company listed in November H-1B application window for this fiscal year has shut. Now begins the long wait—and possibly a tougher ride. Experts are already warning of higher rejection rates, slower processing and more paperwork under a Trump administration that is deeply sceptical of immigration.'We do expect to start seeing increased scrutiny of H-1B petitions eventually. Given what we saw during Trump's first term in office, and the administration's general scepticism of the positive impact of immigration, it is important to be prepared for what is very likely coming,' said immigration attorney Joel to the H-1B route are seeing a spike in noted that while this demand usually picks up after the H-1B lottery season, this year's surge also reflects a broader trend – more applicants are now actively looking to sidestep the scrutiny they anticipate Top 5 and Morning Dispatch are must-reads for India's tech and business leaders, including startup founders, investors, policy makers, industry insiders and Reach out to us at spotlightpartner@ to explore sponsorship capital funding in Indian startups showed early signs of a rebound in the first half of 2025, with total deal value rising slightly to $4.95 billion across 410 deals, according to data analytics platform Venture a modest improvement on the same period last year, when startups raised around $4.54 billion from 418 deals. Ecommerce led the charge this year, pulling in $1.3 billion, followed by fintech with $1 billion. Enterprise software, deep tech, and health tech also attracted strong investor interest. India minted five unicorns in the first half of 2025— Netradyne BlueStone , and Jumbotail —compared to only six in the entire previous public markets are beginning to beckon again. Several startups have filed their draft red herring prospectuses (DRHPs) this year, lining up for new listings in the coming months. Expect to see Shadowfax Wakefit , and Curefoods on that Sadana, chief business officer, MicronMicron Technology is focusing on data centre and artificial intelligence (AI) opportunities in a shift from product-oriented to market segment-oriented business units, said its chief business officer Sumit International Energy Agency (IEA) is backing the India Energy Stack , a vital digital public infrastructure aimed at standardising and improving interoperability across the power sector, said the IEA executive director Fatih Birol.■ A group of young cybercriminals poses the 'most imminent threat' of cyberattacks right now ( Wired ■ Taiwan is creating an offshore wind industry to fuel its semiconductor factories ( Rest of World ■ Can the music industry make AI the next Napster? ( The Verge
Time of India
an hour ago
- Business
- Time of India
H-1B aspirants brace for longer waits, denials
Academy Empower your mind, elevate your skills ETtech With the deadline to file the H-1B filing for this fiscal passed on June 30, the applicants need to brace for increased denial rates, longer processing time, and demand for more documentation under the Trump administration's second term, say immigration deadline to file H-1B application filing for FY26 was June 30, after the 85,000 applicants were selected through the lottery in March this year.'We do expect to eventually start seeing increased scrutiny of H-1B petitions. Given what we saw during Trump's first term in office, and the administration's general skepticism of the positive impact of immigration, it is important to be prepared for what is very likely coming," Joel Yanovich, immigration attorney, Murthy Law Firm to a report from Pew Research Center, under the first Trump administration, denial rates went by as high as 15% in 2018 as they implemented stringent measures for H-1B applicants. In addition, denial rates went as high as 24% for new H-1B applications and 12% for renewal. The report noted that this went to 3% under the Biden affected the Indians significantly considering that they are the largest beneficiaries of the visa, which is used by both Indian as well as American companies to send workers to Wang, founder, Boundless Immigration, said that they are seeing indications that wait times might go up, like what happened during the first Trump to a note from Jeelani Law Firm, an immigration platform, USCIS processing times took 12-36 months longer between 2016-2020, when Trump first became the from wait times, Wang said that they are also tracking requests for evidence (RFE), which refers to demand for additional documentation, that went up. Experts are preparing for this as Senthurjothi, founder of The Visa Code, a US immigration firm, earlier told ET that in addition to RFEs, stamping and issuance of visa post approval is also taking more time, from a couple of days to as much as four who was cited earlier, concurred that they are seeing additional challenges during visa stamping and sudden changes in how H1B petitions are adjudicated like the need for end-client documents.'Perhaps more concerning, however, was how novel issues started popping up during Trump's first term. For instance, in 2017, the administration issued a memo that resulted in the USCIS routinely questioning H1B petitions for wage level 1 positions. My recommendation is to operate under the assumption that the H-1B petition will face added scrutiny and prepare accordingly,' he the scrutiny increases, people are also looking for alternatives such as L-1 and to immigration experts, demand for EB-5 has gone up by 50% since January, and there are an increasing number of people seeking L-1 and O-1 in recent who was cited earlier, said that while this demand is seasonal from people who were not selected for the H-1B lottery, this is also from employers and individuals who are looking to avoid H-1B scrutiny, he are also considering EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver), which is for individuals possessing advanced degrees that are working for national interest in the US.
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
No H-1B visa? No problem: Here are the top alternate US work visa options
This is an AI-generated image, used for representational purposes only. The H-1B visa lottery is a critical step for many companies in the United States looking to employ highly skilled foreign professionals. However, with only 85,000 visas available annually (including 20,000 reserved for those with advanced degrees from US institutions) and hundreds of thousands of applications submitted each year, many qualified individuals are left without a path forward. This leaves employers facing tough decisions about retaining top international talent. Fortunately, there are alternative visa options and strategic pathways that may work for your company. These can help affected employees remain in the US legally or return later with a more secure status. According to ET guest author Poorvi Chothani, managing partner at LawQuest, the key lies in planning, strategy, and using a combination of other visa pathways. She describes ways in which HR professionals can navigate this complex situation. 1. Planning ahead for future H-1B cycles Although an employee may not have been selected in the current year's H-1B lottery, there's always the potential for subsequent selection rounds. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may conduct additional lotteries if initially selected applicants do not proceed with filing. To improve the chances for next year you may want to: Begin early and be ready with the information in advance to ensure compliance with all requirements. Consider other options to register, where applicable, within legal guidelines. Track policy updates from USCIS that may affect the process. 2. Cap-exempt H-1B employment Some organisations are not subject to the H-1B annual cap. These typically include institutions such as: Nonprofit colleges and universities Nonprofit research organisations Governmental research institutions Employees can work for such institutions year-round without needing to go through the H-1B lottery. Furthermore, if they are employed at a cap-exempt organisation, a cap-subject employer may be able to file for concurrent employment, allowing them to work (often part-time) at both places simultaneously. 3. Intracompany transfers: The L-1 visa If the employer operates offices or affiliated organisations in foreign countries outside the United States, the L-1 visa provides a strong alternative to the H-1B. This visa allows companies to transfer certain employees to a US branch, subsidiary, or affiliate: The employee must have worked for the foreign office for at least one continuous year within the last three years prior to entering the US. The work must have been in a managerial, executive, or specialised knowledge capacity. The position in the US must be similar to the role the employee held abroad, meaning it must also be managerial, executive, or require specialised knowledge. The US entity must also have a qualifying corporate relationship with the foreign entity (such as parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate). This visa supports both short-term assignments and long-term employment in the US and may also provide a pathway to permanent residency through the EB-1C category. 4. The O-1 visa: For individuals with extraordinary ability The O-1 visa is well-suited for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary ability or significant accomplishments in fields such as science, education, the arts, business, or athletics. To qualify, applicants must meet rigorous criteria, which may include receiving national or international awards, having notable publications or scholarly contributions, or making original contributions that have advanced their field. This visa serves as a strong alternative for highly accomplished professionals who are not selected in the H-1B lottery, offering them a pathway to live and work in the United States based on their exceptional achievements. 5. Country-specific visas Country-specific visas provide valuable alternatives for individuals who are not selected in the H-1B lottery. These visa categories are tailored for nationals of specific countries and often come with less competition, making them more accessible compared to the standard H-1B visa: The E-3 visa is available exclusively to Australian citizens working in speciality occupations, similar to the H-1B. One of its notable advantages is that the spouses of E-3 visa holders are also eligible to work in the United States. The TN visa , offered under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), is available to citizens of Canada and Mexico. It covers a broad range of professional occupations, including engineers, scientists, medical professionals, and teachers. The TN visa is relatively straightforward to obtain and does not have an annual cap, making it a viable and efficient alternative for those who qualify. The H-1B1 visa is specifically designed for citizens of Chile and Singapore. Like the H-1B, it allows individuals to work in speciality occupations, but with a separate annual quota (within the overall cap of 85,000) that is typically underutilised. As a result, applicants from these countries face less competition and a higher likelihood of approval. For eligible candidates, these country-specific visas can serve as excellent alternatives to the H-1B lottery, providing a legal pathway to live and work in the United States with fewer hurdles. 6. J-1 visa: Interns and trainees The J-1 visa offers a valuable alternative pathway for individuals seeking to gain professional experience in the United States through structured exchange programs. Although not considered traditional work visas, J-1 visas allow participants to engage in on-the-job training or internships sponsored by approved organisations. There are two main categories under the J-1 visa that are relevant for professionals: J-1 trainee visa : This category is intended for those who have earned a degree or professional certification and possess a minimum of one year of relevant work experience outside the US. The purpose is to enhance their skills in a structured training environment related to their current occupation. The maximum duration for a J-1 Trainee visa is 18 months, except for the hospitality field, which is limited to 12 months. J-1 Intern Visa : This option is intended for current students or recent graduates (within 12 months of graduation) from a post-secondary academic institution outside the United States. Internships must closely align with the participant's area of academic study. The maximum duration for a J-1 Intern visa is 12 months. While these visas do not confer the same employment rights as an H-1B, they allow participants to gain valuable US work experience under the supervision of a designated program sponsor. 7. B-1 in lieu of H-1B visa For temporary work assignments requiring specialised skills, the B-1 visa in lieu of an H-1B can be used under specific conditions: The employee must remain on a foreign payroll. The work must be temporary, short-term, and within the employee's area of expertise. Requires meticulous compliance with rules to avoid visa misuse. 8. Further education opportunities Employees on F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) may consider continuing their education to maintain legal status and enhance future immigration opportunities: STEM OPT Extension : Students with degrees in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) fields may be eligible for a 24-month extension to their initial 12-month OPT, allowing them to work in the US for up to three years. To qualify, the job must be directly related to the STEM degree, and the employer must be enrolled in the E-Verify program. This extension offers additional time to build experience and submit a new application for the H-1B lottery in subsequent years. Day 1 CPT Programs : Some universities offer Curricular Practical Training (CPT) that allows students to begin working from the first day of enrollment. These programs must be approached with caution, as misuse or non-compliant institutions can raise red flags during future visa or immigration reviews. Always consult with a qualified immigration attorney and choose accredited universities with strong reputations to ensure compliance. 9. Employment abroad and re-entry Employees not selected can also consider working for their US employer from an affiliated overseas office. This serves two purposes: It keeps the employee within the company's ecosystem. After one year, the employee may become eligible for an L-1 transfer to the US 10. Green card sponsorship Although it's a long-term option for specific individuals who are subject to annual quotas based on their place of birth, starting the employment-based green card process signals a commitment to retaining valuable staff. While it does not provide immediate work authorisation, it lays out a pathway for permanent residence and work eligibility. Chothani concludes that although not being selected in the H-1B lottery can feel like a setback, 'a wide array of alternative visas and strategies exist to ensure that valued international employees can still contribute meaningfully to US companies.' HR professionals are encouraged to collaborate with experienced immigration attorneys and maintain transparent, supportive communication with affected employees. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time Business News
5 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
10 Risks to Assess When Choosing a Work Visa for International Staff
Hiring international staff can open the door to a broader talent pool, global innovation, and a competitive edge. But with opportunity comes complexity, especially when selecting the right U.S. work visa. This article explores the key risk factors HR professionals, hiring managers and founders must consider when choosing a work visa for international hires. The first step in visa selection is determining whether the candidate qualifies for the chosen visa type. Misalignment here can lead to denials, audits, or worse. Common Risks: Misunderstanding degree requirements for H-1B visas Assuming 'extraordinary ability' under O-1 without strong documentation Using L-1 without sufficient intra-company history Mitigation Tip: Use corporate immigration platforms like Boundless, which help automate eligibility screening and prepare documentation for common work visas, including H-1B, L, and O visas. U.S. immigration timelines are notoriously unpredictable. Premium processing may shorten some timelines, but bottlenecks in consulates or USCIS offices can delay onboarding by weeks or months. Common Risks: H-1B cap lottery delays or rejections EB green cards are subject to country-specific backlogs (India and China, especially) Security checks and document requests prolong approval Mitigation Tip: Plan visa timelines 6–12 months in advance. Monitor Visa Bulletin updates to USCIS processing stages in order to identify delays early. Once a visa is approved, the employer must maintain compliance with Department of Labor and USCIS rules. Failure to do so can lead to fines or disqualification from future visa sponsorship. Common Risks: Incorrect wage level filings for H-1B Incomplete Public Access Files (PAFs) Misclassification of visa status (e.g., interns misrepresented as employees) Mitigation Tip: Work with HR platforms and legal partners that maintain digital audit trails. Use structured workflows for onboarding, compensation documentation, and visa updates. Visa processing can be expensive. Fees vary based on visa type, premium processing, legal counsel, and ongoing compliance. Average Costs (approximate): H-1B: $5,000–$10,000 L-1: $4,000–$8,000 O-1: $6,000–$12,000 EB Green Cards: $10,000–$20,000 over multiple years Mitigation Tip: Use transparent, flat-fee platforms for predictable budgeting when hiring international talent. More complex immigration cases might require an immigration attorney or in-house counsel. Visa constraints can affect job satisfaction, mobility, and retention. Employees waiting years for a green card or dependent on employer sponsorship may feel stuck, or leave when options arise. Common Risks: Long wait times for EB-2/EB-3 green cards Spouses unable to work (dependent visa restrictions) Employees lured by companies offering better immigration pathways Mitigation Tip: Provide long-term sponsorship roadmaps and support (EB categories), invest in employee experience, and communicate clearly about options and timelines. Not every visa aligns with your company's size, structure, or global goals. A mismatch can introduce friction. Examples: L-1 requires a qualifying relationship between foreign and U.S. entities O-1 demands extensive documentation of individual acclaim H-1B relies on a lottery (March–April), limiting spontaneity Mitigation Tip: Consider hybrid solutions: hire offshore temporarily, use remote-first models, or explore cap-exempt H-1Bs (e.g., through nonprofit partnerships or research institutions). U.S. immigration policy shifts with each administration, and even legal visa holders can be affected by sudden regulatory changes. Recent Trends: Travel bans, visa suspensions, or executive orders under the Trump administration Increased scrutiny of STEM-related H-1Bs Green card backlog reform debates in congress Mitigation Tip: Monitor immigration policy closely and build redundancy into your talent strategy (e.g., remote teams in Canada or EU). Platforms like Boundless Immigration also offer compliance updates and government alerts. Top talent often travels with spouses or children. A restrictive dependent policy may deter candidates. Considerations: H-4 spouses may not be eligible to work without an EAD (Employment Authorization Document) School access and local licensing for dependents Permanent residency path for family members Mitigation Tip: Include family support in relocation packages and immigration planning. Errors or embellishments in visa applications can lead to denials or blacklisting, even if unintentional. Examples: Inaccurate job descriptions or inflated credentials Fake degrees or work experience (especially from third-party firms) Misuse of Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Mitigation Tip: Conduct thorough reference and credential checks. Centralize application materials and vet with legal oversight. Can your chosen visa process scale as your company grows? Questions to ask: Is your legal partner or platform equipped to handle dozens of visas at once? Will your HR systems track visa milestones at scale? Can your business model handle recurring sponsorship costs? Mitigation Tip: Invest in tools for end-to-end visa lifecycle management. Choose partners who can scale with your hiring roadmap. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
'Visa Applications Must Be Judged': India's First Official Reaction On US Curbs, Social Media Rule
/ Jun 26, 2025, 10:11PM IST India has officially broken its silence on the US directive requiring visa applicants to disclose their social media details. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stressed that such applications should be evaluated purely on merit. This follows the Trump administration's crackdown, where visa denials and revocations have surged due to online activity deemed antisemitic or sympathetic to terrorist groups. Over 300 visas were revoked in a single month. The controversial policy affects students, tech professionals, and Indian nationals applying for H-1B, L-1, or student visas. With over 5 million Indians currently holding US visas and India making up 10% of global visa applicants, this has major diplomatic and human impact. India is in dialogue with the US to ensure Indian citizens' mobility rights and privacy are protected. Watch this space for updates on how this impacts students, techies, and the future of Indo-US ties.#indiausrelations #usvisa #socialmediascreening #meaindia #studentvisa #h1bvisa #indiandiplomacy #usimmigration #randhirjaiswal #trumpadministration #toi #toibharat #bharat #breakingnews #indianews
