INDIAN APPLICANTS
Canada's Quebec introduces cap on family sponsorship applications
Quebec has introduced a limit on family sponsorship applications, effective until June 25, 2026. The cap imposes a limit of 13,000 applications, with specific allocations for different categories. Out of the total, 10,400 applications are reserved for spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children aged 18 and above.
Govt websites, apps set to get an accessibility reboot soon
The ministry of electronics and information technology will anchor this project and suggest ways to improve page and website loading times, have better user interfaces on websites and apps, and make them more accessible for people with disabilities, an official said.
Japan imposes new fees on Mount Fuji climbers to limit tourists
Park rangers on Japan's Mount Fuji launched this year's climbing season before sunrise, implementing new trail fees and capping daily hiker numbers at 4,000 to manage overcrowding. Climbers now pay ¥2,000 ($12) per person amid concerns over litter and trail congestion from last year. The season runs until September 10, aiming to mitigate environmental impact and safety issues, especially among eager "bullet climbers". Despite Japan's tourism boom, authorities seek to balance visitor numbers with sustainable management practices.
Australia's new visa rules kick in; here's how they will affect Indians
Starting July 1, individuals seeking Australian student visas must apply from outside the country. This change affects holders of certain visas, including Visitor and Temporary Graduate visas, who can no longer apply for Student visas while in Australia. Applications submitted within Australia before July 1, 2024, will still be processed, and Working Holiday Maker and Work and Holiday visa holders remain unaffected.
Sebi allows full NRI, OCI participation in IFSC-based FPIs to boost Indian investments
Sebi approves new rules to boost FPI investments from IFSCs by allowing aggregate contributions from NRIs, OCIs, and RIs up to 100%. The move aims to attract more investments from these groups, aligning with Finance Minister's call to increase NRI participation in Indian capital markets.
Indians spent over €12 million in rejected Schengen visa applications last year
In 2023, Indians faced high rejection rates for Schengen visas, resulting in a loss of €12.1 million. Schengen states rejected 1.6 million visa applications, generating €130 million. Indians, Turks, Algerians, Moroccans, and Chinese were among the most affected, with Indian and Turkish nationals experiencing the highest financial losses.
Australian study visa grants drop sharply in 2024
Australia has experienced a significant decrease of nearly 30% in study visa grants during the first four months of this year, with 74,421 visas granted to offshore applicants from January to April, compared to 104,808 granted in the same period in 2023. This decline, although substantial, is less severe than the 53% drop observed between 2019-20 and 2020-21 due to the pandemic.
IDRC Research Awards: A guide for international students
The IDRC Research Awards offer one-year paid research opportunities to citizens from developing countries pursuing doctoral or master’s degrees at accredited universities. Eligibility requires holding or being enrolled in a graduation program, with no age limit and open to lower-middle-class candidates. The application involves submitting personal and educational details along with supporting documents. Selection criteria include research experience, publications, work experience, and academic merit.
Taiwan Government invites applications from Indian innovators for the Global Ideathon Contest
The contest encourages participants to explore ideas on how artificial intelligence and technology can seamlessly integrate with human life, with a total prize pool of NT$2.6 million up for grabs.
New Zealand's high rejection rates for student visas from India raise alarm
New Zealand universities tackle high Indian student visa rejection rates. Chris Whelan raises concerns over delays. Immigration New Zealand notes 40% rejection rate for Indian applicants, 2% for Chinese students.
How the US Embassy is prepping for an anticipated surge in Indian student visa applications this year
In 2023, more Indian students received US student visas than from any other country, prompting the US Embassy to start visa appointments two weeks earlier to accommodate demand. Despite global visa denials, most Indian applicants are expected to succeed, with rising interest in US education among Indian students.
Why does India have the first mover advantage in Web3 technology?
While regulatory clarity remains a work in progress, India's embrace of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) registration requirement is a positive step, creating a safer trading environment for all.
Canada Student Visa: Eligibility criteria, application process and the documents you need
Indian students are attracted to Canadian universities for higher education. Admission to top universities requires excellent academic records. A study permit from the Canadian High Commission is essential for studying in Canada.
Bonjour! Pointers to start your French higher education
France has announced a plan to triple the number of Indian students by 2030, aiming to welcome around 30,000 students within six years. This initiative enhances France's appeal as a destination for global education, attracting students with its multiculturalism and academic prestige. However, studying in France differs significantly from anglophone countries due to language and cultural differences.
UK tightens student visa rules but keeps Indian students' favourite graduate route intact for now
The UK's Graduate Route scheme, popular with Indian students for post-study work, remains safe for now, though it will be "kept under review," as the government announced new proposals to tighten student visa regulations to prevent misuse for immigration. The measures follow a 10% fall in net migration, welcomed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The Home Office highlighted a 25% drop in visa applications due to stricter rules on family dependents and plans to regulate international student recruitment to crack down on rogue agents.
Indian students shun UK universities for Master's degrees amid visa clampdown
Official statistics from London reveal a significant decrease in Indian students pursuing higher education in the UK, with over 21,000 fewer applicants for Master's degrees compared to the previous year. This decline, highlighted by UK Home Office data based on Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures, marks a 16% drop in Indian student applicants over the year ending December 2023, contributing to a 10% overall decline in net migration compared to 2022. The decrease is attributed to stricter visa regulations affecting students' ability to sponsor family dependents, spouses, or children, prompting concerns from universities reliant on overseas student fees.
Delays in Schengen visa appointment prompt Indians to change course to Georgia, Japan
For the third consecutive year, delays in Schengen visa appointments have led Indian travelers preparing for their summer vacations to explore alternative destinations. Industry executives note a growing trend of Indian holidaymakers turning to countries like Georgia, Australia, and Japan, which offer simplified visa procedures. Particularly noteworthy is Georgia's e-visa system. According to Rajeev Kale, President of Holidays at Thomas Cook (India), demand for Georgia has skyrocketed by an impressive 600% year-on-year.
More than 350 people become Indian nationals under CAA
Over 350 individuals were granted Indian citizenship through CAA, 2019, with Amit Shah acknowledging 25,000+ applications. The process involved the Election Commission of India (ECI) and district-level committees (DLC) chaired by senior superintendents.
Europe trips growing popular among Indians: Schengen visa applications surge by nearly 40%
The European Commission's recent report indicates a growing preference for European vacations among Indian travelers, with a notable 43% increase in Schengen visa applications from Indian nationals in 2023 compared to the previous year. Despite this surge, India maintained its third position in Schengen visa applications, with a total of 966,687 filings. Chinese nationals led in visa applications, with over 1.1 million filings, followed by Turks and Indians. Overall, Schengen visa applications surpassed 10.3 million in 2023, marking a 37% increase from 2022.
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