VISA APPLICATION
UK announces second ballot for India Young Professional Scheme 2024
The UK Home Office has revealed details for the final ballot of 2024 under the India Young Professional Scheme, offering young Indian nationals the opportunity to live, work, and study in the UK. Eligibility criteria and application process are outlined for interested applicants.
Indian consulate in Seattle opens visa application centre
In addition to the Seattle location, a drop-off facility is now open at Bellevue making it easier for Eastsiders to access these services. Both the Seattle and Bellevue Indian Visa Application Centres (IVAC) are operated by VFS Global -- the outsourced visa services partner of the Ministry of External Affairs.
US Visa Bulletin For August 2024: Green Card applications from India see progress, but little
The August 2024 Visa Bulletin shows slight advancements for India's EB-2 and EB-3 categories, offering a glimmer of hope for applicants.
Will Indian diaspora rally behind Rishi Sunak in UK elections?
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is rallying conservative voters ahead of the upcoming election, warning against a potential landslide victory for Keir Starmer's Labour Party, which has campaigned on a platform of change after 14 years of Conservative rule. The Conservative Party's tenure has been marked by major events like Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, and economic challenges.
New Zealand’s popularity soars as a study hub, witnesses 69,000 international student enrollments in 2023
Education New Zealand reported a significant increase in international student enrolments in 2023, reaching 69,135, marking a 67% rise compared to 2022 and representing 60% of 2019 figures. This surge underscores New Zealand's appeal as a study destination known for quality education in a safe environment. Linda Sissons from Education New Zealand highlighted the positive impact of international students on the education sector and communities, emphasizing the enriching cultural exchange that fosters global understanding.
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.
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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.
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.
Amazon & Google suspending green card applications: Why EB-5 visa a perfect fix for H-1B challenges and tech layoffs
The EB-5 visa program provides stability, job creation, and a streamlined immigration process, making it a reliable alternative for those facing uncertainties in the tech industry. With a direct path to green card status and economic growth opportunities, EB-5 offers a secure pathway to permanent residency.
10 reasons your Schengen Visa could be rejected
Applying for a Schengen visa can be a complex process, and avoiding common pitfalls is crucial to ensure a smooth application experience. Here are ten mistakes applicants should steer clear of.
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.
Germany: The top choice for obtaining multiple-entry Schengen Visa this year
The report suggests that Germany is the best option for obtaining a multiple-entry visa to enter Schengen Area countries, as it has a high rate of issuing such visas. In 2023, 90.4% of visas issued by German consulates were multiple-entry, only slightly lower than the previous year's rate of 90.6%. Out of the 1,459,560 visa applications received, Germany approved 1,233,561, with 1,115,424 being multiple-entry visas.
BLS International opens new visa application centre in Mumbai
BLS International inaugurated a new visa application centre in Mumbai with increased processing capacity, handling visas to Spain, Slovakia, Egypt, Gambia, Morocco, and South Korea.
UAE visa pre-approval simplified: Options for Indian travelers explained
Indian travellers can obtain a 14-day entry visa upon arrival in the UAE by holding a US green card or a residence visa from the UK or any EU country. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFAD) offers a pre-approval service to streamline immigration procedures. To apply, individuals can visit the GDRFAD website, log in with their UAE Pass or online account details, and complete the application form under "Port services."
Is travel insurance mandatory for Schengen Visa applications?
Understanding visa requirements is crucial when planning a trip to Europe. To visit any of the 27 countries in the Schengen Area, a Schengen visa is mandatory, requiring financial stability and travel insurance for Indian citizens.
Poland increases National Visa application fee by €55
Poland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has increased the national visa application fee to €135 from €80 starting June 1, 2024. The Schengen visa fees remain unchanged. The adjustment aims to manage migration pressure and ensure foreigners comply with their stated purpose of stay.
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.
New Zealand is introducing a crucial change in tourist visa applications
Starting June 17, 2024, INZ will require all supporting documents for visitor visa applications to be in English, with certified translations for foreign language documents to streamline processing.
What is UAE's Golden Visa that was recently granted to legendary actor Rajinikanth?
Veteran South actor Rajnikanth was recently granted a UAE golden visa by the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi. He expressed gratitude to the Abu Dhabi government and MA Yusuff Ali, chairman of Lulu Group, for their support. The UAE golden visa is a long-term residency permit offering various privileges, including entry visas for six months with multiple entries, renewable residence visas valid for 5 or 10 years, the ability to stay outside the UAE for extended periods, sponsorship of family members, and permits for family members to stay in the UAE if the primary holder passes away.
Haj 2024: Saudi Arabia bans visit visa holders from entering Makkah with immediate effect
Saudi Arabia has announced a restriction barring individuals with any type of visit visa from entering or remaining in Makkah starting from Thursday. The advisory, released by the Saudi Ministry, is effective from May 23 to June 21, corresponding to specific dates in the Hijri calendar. Only holders of a Haj permit are permitted to enter Makkah during this period, with all other forms of visit visas deemed inadequate. This measure aims to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims, and violators will face fines of 10,000 Saudi Riyals.
Swiftly Soaring: Taylor Swift's Eras tour sparks surge in European air travel for upcoming summer season
Taylor Swift's Eras tour is significantly impacting travel and the economy, causing a 25% increase in demand for flights to European destinations like Lisbon and Madrid. United Airlines and Delta plan to fly around three million passengers over Memorial Day weekend, a 5% rise from last year. Tourism is expected to surge as American fans flock to cheaper European concerts, with ticket prices exceeding $1,000 due to high demand and strict resale rules. Milan saw a 45% rise in passengers for Swift's July concert debut.
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.
Indians' Europe travel plans in limbo this summer over Schengen visa slot shortage
Indians planning to visit the Schengen Area this summer are facing challenges in securing appointment slots for Schengen visas, leading to frustration and travel disruptions, as reported by Schengen News. Both applicants and travel agents have expressed dissatisfaction with the current situation, with some stating that appointments are unavailable until summer for most Schengen member states. Particularly for Germany and Italy, the earliest available appointment dates are in July, hindering travel plans for Indians aiming to visit the Schengen Area in June or July.
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.
‘Digitalisation of Schengen Visa application will be a game changer’
Teodora Marinska, COO and Head of Public Affairs at the European Travel Commission, highlighted the benefits of digitizing the Schengen visa application process, making it easier for foreigners to access the bloc. The move aims to address challenges such as limited appointment slots and visa applications due to ease of procedures in certain embassies. Digitalization promises a seamless process with automated appointment allocation.
Sri Lanka extends visa-free access for Indian tourists
Sri Lanka has renewed visa-free entry for tourists from India and six other countries to boost tourism industry recovery post-pandemic and economic crises. The initiative aims to enhance accessibility and convenience for international travelers, signaling the government's commitment to promoting tourism and creating seamless travel experiences. Online visa application process introduced for security checks.
Sri Lanka launches new e-visa system: Everything you need to know
Sri Lanka launched an e-visa system, streamlining the visa application process for travellers. The initiative offers updated requirements, fees, and validity periods, enhancing efficiency and convenience for various nationalities visiting for tourism, business, or transit.
US Consulate in Hyderabad conducts visa interviews for 1500 applicants in 'Super Saturday' exercise
US Consulate Team in Hyderabad conducted a quarterly Super Saturday, processing 1500 visitor visa applicants. Efforts to streamline the process and strengthen US-India connections were highlighted, with a focus on technological advancements and the increasing number of Indian visa applicants.
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