Latest news with #USCitizenshipandImmigrationServices
Hindustan Times
15 hours ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
US visa interview waiver rules to become stricter from September 2: Here's what changes for applicants
The US Department of State has announced sweeping changes to its visa interview waiver policy, effective September 2, 2025. Under the revised rules, all non-immigrant visa applications, including children under 14 and seniors over 79, will now generally be required to attend an in-person interview with a US consular officer. The update may trigger worry among H-1B workers, students, and exchange visitors since it could increase visa processing times and appointment backlogs. US tightens visa interview waiver rules from September 2(Representational Image) What are the new US visa interview rules? The new rule, according to a US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) release, applies across non-immigrant visa categories, including: tourist and business visas (B-1/B-2), student visas (F and M), work visas (H-1B), and exchange visitor visas (J). Previously, interview exemptions were routinely granted to younger and older applicants. But now, limited categories will remain eligible for interview waivers. Also read: US visa interview waiver: Lawyer's verdict on massive changes to B1/B2, H-1B programs Who is exempt? Under the updated policy, USCIS said the following applicants shall remain eligible for interview waivers: Holders of diplomatic or official-type visas (A, G, and NATO categories) Individuals under visa symbols A-1, A-2, C-3 (except domestic staff), G-1 to G-4, and NATO-1 through NATO-6. Applicants renewing a full-validity B-1, B-2, or B1/B2 visa (or Border Crossing Card/Foil for Mexican nationals) within 12 months of expiry must apply from their country of nationality or residence, be at least 18 at the time of their previous visa issuance, have no previous visa refusals (unless waived or overturned), and have no apparent or potential ineligibility. Consular officers still retain the discretion to mandate interviews in any individual case, the statement said. What should applicants do? The USCIS has urged the applicants to regularly check the embassy and consulate websites for country-specific procedures and interview requirements. This update, the release added, supersedes the earlier interview waiver policy dated February 18, 2025. Additional fee coming in 2026 Earlier this month, the US also introduced a new $250 visa integrity fee, which will take effect in 2026. Pegged to inflation, the 'security deposit'-style fee may be refunded if visa holders meet compliance criteria during their stay. It was one of the key provisions under President Donald Trump's immigration overhaul. FAQs: 1. Do minors and elderly applicants now require interviews? Yes. As per the new rule, applicants under 14 and over 79 must now attend an in-person visa interview unless exempted under diplomatic or renewal clauses. 2. I'm renewing a B1/B2 visa. Do I still need an interview? Not necessarily. If your visa expired within the last 12 months and you meet all conditions (no prior refusals, applying from home country, etc.), you may still qualify for a waiver. 3. Will this change affect H-1B and F-1 visa processing? Yes. Since most applicants now need interviews, this may result in longer wait times for H-1B, F-1, and other non-immigrant categories. 4. Can consulates still demand interviews even if I qualify for a waiver? Yes. Consular officers have full discretion to require interviews on a case-by-case basis, regardless of eligibility. 5. What is the Visa Integrity Fee? Introduced as part of immigration reforms, it is a $250 fee applicable from 2026. It may be refunded upon compliance with visa terms.
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Born in the US but not American? USCIS's plan to restrict birthright citizenship puts student families at risk
USCIS plans to implement Donald Trump's Executive Order to end automatic birthright citizenship to children born in the US. A sweeping new executive order by President Donald Trump aims to end automatic birthright citizenship for most children born in the United States, sparking intense debate and legal uncertainty. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has now drafted an implementation plan that, if enforced, would deny automatic citizenship to babies born to non-citizen parents, including those in the US on temporary visas such as H-1B, H-4, F-1, or B-1. For international students and families pursuing education or professional careers in the US, this change could disrupt long-term goals. With court battles ahead, those on student and work visas now face fresh anxieties, not just about their own immigration pathways, but about the future legal status of children born on American soil. What the executive order changes Trump's executive order, signed on January 20, directs that only children born to US citizens or lawful permanent residents (green card holders) will automatically receive American citizenship. If both parents are on temporary or non-immigrant visas—whether student, worker, tourist, or undocumented, their US-born children would not be granted citizenship at birth. Instead, such children would inherit the immigration status of their mother, a major departure from the longstanding guarantee of birthright citizenship under the Fourteenth Amendment, in place since 1868. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Japanese AI invention allows you to speak 68 languages instantly. The idea? Genius. Enence 2.0 Undo How this affects student and professional families International students from across the globe come to the US on F-1 visas for higher education, often followed by work opportunities through Optional Practical Training (OPT) or H-1B visas. Many hope to build careers and families while navigating a complex immigration system. Under the proposed policy, if an international student or temporary worker gives birth in the US, the child would no longer receive citizenship by birth. This undermines assumptions many families made when investing in US education or employment, and raises doubts about the long-term benefits of living legally in the country. The risk of statelessness and legal battles The new rule may create a class of US-born children who are neither citizens of the United States nor guaranteed nationality by their parents' home countries, especially in nations where citizenship is not automatically granted by descent. These children could become effectively stateless, lacking access to basic legal protections, social services, and future mobility. This risk disproportionately affects students and professionals from countries with complex or restrictive citizenship laws, creating deep anxiety among families planning to start a life while studying or working in the US. Currently, courts have blocked the executive order through preliminary injunctions. However, USCIS has laid out an implementation roadmap for if and when those injunctions are lifted. Legal scholars widely believe the order violates the Fourteenth Amendment, but recent US Supreme Court decisions have made it harder for federal judges to block nationwide enforcement. This means the order could be implemented in some states while others continue to recognize birthright citizenship, leading to confusing outcomes where a child's rights may depend on the state in which they are born. Impact on education, healthcare, and future rights Without US citizenship, children born to international students or skilled workers may be ineligible for essential services, including public education, in-state tuition, financial aid, healthcare, and even the legal right to work upon reaching adulthood. Schools, hospitals, and universities may be forced to verify parental immigration status before enrolling or treating children, effectively turning educational and healthcare institutions into enforcement zones. This could erode trust and deter prospective international applicants from choosing the US for study or work. Changing the meaning of the American Dream Supporters argue the policy will reduce 'birth tourism' and discourage undocumented migration. But critics say it challenges the very foundation of the American promise, that the US is a place where anyone, regardless of origin, can build a future based on fairness and opportunity. For thousands of law-abiding students and professionals who came to the US legally and contribute to its academic and tech ecosystems, this move could send a discouraging message: that even if you follow the rules, your children may not belong. What happens next The order's fate lies in the courts, but the social and psychological impact has already begun. Universities, legal advocates, and immigrant communities are calling for clarity, urging the federal government to protect the interests of international families who have invested years and resources into building futures in the US Advisors recommend international students and workers stay informed, seek legal guidance, and consider backup options such as understanding dual citizenship laws or exploring countries with more stable immigration policies. USCIS's plan to implement Trump's birthright citizenship order marks a major shift in US immigration policy. If enforced, it would impact thousands of student families and skilled professionals, creating legal ambiguity and raising concerns about equal rights, long-term residency, and national identity. As lawsuits proceed and policies evolve, the future of many international families in the US remains precarious. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Mint
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Mint
US visa interview rules set to get tougher from 2 September; here's how it may impact your visa application
The US Department of State has made new changes to strengthen security in its non-immigrant visa interview waiver programme, which will be implemented from 2 September, 2025, according to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) press release. It will lead to delays in appointments, Houston-based immigration attorney Steven Brown stated. The non-immigrant visa categories consist of tourist and business visas (B-1/B-2), student visas (F and M), work visas (H-1B), and exchange visas (J). Diplomatic visas come under categories A and G. The new guidelines stated the majority of non-immigrant visa applicants, comprising those under the age of 14 and over the age of 79 will be required to undergo compulsory consular interviews. However, exceptions apply to certain categories, including A-1, A-2, C-3 (excluding attendants of officials), G-1 to G-4, NATO-1 to NATO-6, TECRO E-1, and individuals holding diplomatic or official visas. A notable exception applies to individuals renewing a full-validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa, or a Mexican Border Crossing Card/Foil, provided the renewal is done within 12 months of the previous visa's expiration. To qualify, the applicant must have been at least 18 years old at the time the original visa was issued and must apply from their country of nationality or residence. However, they must also have no prior visa refusals (unless overturned or waived) and no apparent or potential ineligibility. Even in such cases, consular officers retain broad discretion to require an interview on a case-by-case basis. Even when interview waivers are available, consular officers still have the discretion to require an interview on a case-by-case basis for any reason. This policy overrides the Interview Waiver update issued on 18 February, 2025. According to USCIS, 'consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis for any reason. Applicants should check embassy and consulate websites for more detailed information about visa application requirements and procedures, and to learn more about the embassy or consulate's operating status and services.' 'My reading of this is that they are basically getting rid of Dropbox (interview waivers) for most categories. This will lead to longer waits for appointments and is significantly less efficient for renewals of visas. Also requiring interviews for children is patently absurd,' Brown stated on X. Earlier this month, the United States introduced a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee, scheduled to take effect in 2026. This fee, which functions as a security deposit, is pegged to inflation and may be refunded if visa holders fulfil compliance conditions. The fee is part of Trump's wide-ranging immigration reform included in the recently signed One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law on 4 July.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Who is eligible for US visa interview waiver? Key changes, additional criteria — all you need to know
The US Department of State has unveiled significant changes to its visa interview waiver policy, effective September 2. This would include all non-immigrant visa applicants, including those under the age of 14 and over 79 years, to attend an in-person interview with a consular officer. The non-immigrant visa categories include tourist and business visas (B-1/B-2), student visas (F and M), work visas (H-1B), and exchange visas (J). Diplomatic visas fall under categories A and G. The latest update on July 25, which aims to enhance security, has raised concerns among H-1B visa holders and other nonimmigrant visa categories about increased waiting time and processing delays. All nonimmigrant visa applicants, including applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 79, will generally require an in-person interview with a consular officer, except for the following categories: To qualify for an interview waiver, applicants must: The US Citizenship and Immigration Services emphasised that even with potential interview waivers, consular officers retained the discretion to interview the applicant on a case-by-case basis for any reason. This supersedes the Interview Waiver Update of February 18, 2025. 'Consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis for any reason. Applicants should check embassy and consulate websites for more detailed information about visa application requirements and procedures, and to learn more about the embassy or consulate's operating status and services,' the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said in its release. Earlier this month, the US also introduced a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee, which takes effect in 2026. Designed as a form of security deposit, the fee is pegged to inflation and may be refunded if visa holders meet specific compliance criteria. This is part of Trump's sweeping immigration overhaul, under the recently signed One Big Beautiful Bill Act, enacted on July 4.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
US visa interview waiver: Lawyer's verdict on massive changes to B1/B2, H-1B programs
The US Department of State has unveiled massive changes to its nonimmigrant visa interview waiver program, set to take effect on September 2, 2025, as announced in the latest US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) press release. This update reverses the February 18, 2025, policy, tightening eligibility and generally requiring in-person interviews for most applicants, including those under 14 and over 79, with exceptions for specific visa categories and renewals. The USCIS has made changes to its visa interview waiver program(Unsplash) The shift aims to enhance security but has sparked concerns among travelers about increased processing times and accessibility, the Department of State states. Read More: End of H-1B visa lottery? DHS plans to replace model with 'weighted selection process' New visa interview waiver guidelines Under the new guidelines, most nonimmigrant visa applicants will face mandatory consular interviews, except for those under visa categories such as A-1, A-2, C-3 (excluding attendants of officials), G-1 through G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, and TECRO E-1, as well as holders of diplomatic or official visas. Exception A key exception applies to individuals renewing a full-validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa, or Mexican Border Crossing Card/Foil, provided the renewal occurs within 12 months of the previous visa's expiration, the applicant was at least 18 at issuance, and they apply from their country of nationality or residence. However, these applicants must have no prior visa refusals (unless overturned or waived) and no apparent ineligibility, giving consular officers broad discretion to mandate interviews case-by-case basis. Read More: 'This is dire': Youngsters call for 'elimination' of H-1B visa program amid job crisis The policy shift follows heightened scrutiny of immigration processes amid global security concerns, with the State Department emphasizing flexibility for officers to address individual risks. 'Consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis or because of local conditions. We encourage applicants to check embassy and consulate websites for more detailed information about visa application requirements and procedures, and to learn more about the embassy or consulate's operating status and services,' the USCIS said in its release published earlier this week. Lawyer's verdict Soon after USCIS made the visa interview waiver announcement, Houston-based immigration attorney Steven Brown alerted applicants about 'longer waits'. 'My reading of this is that they are basically getting rid of Dropbox (interview waivers) for most categories. This will lead to longer waits for appointments and is significantly less efficient for renewals of visas. Also requiring interviews for children is patently absurd,' Brown posted on X, platform formerly known as Twitter.
