Work
European teens 4x likelier to get US summer work visa than graduates getting H-1B visas
The H-1B visa is the most restrictive in the U.S. immigration system, with only 20% of applications approved due to the 85,000 annual cap. This limits the ability of employers to hire skilled foreign workers, particularly in fields like AI. In FY 2025, over 300,000 qualified individuals were denied, highlighting challenges in retaining top talent and the need for visa reform.
H-1B visa: How the US policy shift may not rock the boat for Indian engineers
Recent changes to US H-1B visa policies have raised concerns among Indian IT professionals seeking to work in the US. However, the impact may not be as severe as expected due to two main factors: a shortage of skilled American workers in technical fields and a growing focus by companies like Microsoft and Google on leveraging Indian engineering talent for AI development.
H-1B visa registration for FY26 opens today: Key things to know
The H-1B visa registration for FY26 starts today and ends on March 24, 2025. USCIS has raised the registration fee to $215 per beneficiary. This year, each applicant has an equal chance of being selected. Employers must register electronically and await lottery results by March 31, 2025. Fraud prevention measures have also been implemented.
Singapore becomes more flexible on foreign workers; adds Bhutan to list of manpower supplying countries
Singapore is revising its work permit framework to better attract and retain skilled foreign workers, effective from mid-2024. Changes include adding Bhutan as a source country, removing employment length restrictions, and raising the maximum employment age while increasing the qualifying salaries for S Pass holders.
US visa policy shifts leave Indian graduates stranded in H-1B limbo
Frequent changes in U.S. visa policies are causing frustration among Indian students. New requirements mandate that OPT holders work for at least one year with a company before being eligible for H-1B sponsorship. This has forced many recent graduates to delay their H-1B attempts or accept lower-paying, junior roles, creating uncertainty about their long-term employment prospects in the U.S.
Skip the job offer: Two options that will let you work in the US without one
The U.S. attracts Indian professionals seeking career growth, especially in technology, healthcare, finance, and engineering. The H-1B visa is popular for skilled workers, offering job opportunities and potential pathways to permanent residency. Alternative options like the EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) and O-1 visas also allow skilled workers to bypass traditional visa sponsorship and labor certification.
'You are not above the law': Trump administration warns of strict action against companies favoring foreign workers over Americans
The EEOC is intensifying enforcement against companies that prioritize H-1B visa holders over American workers, as such practices violate federal anti-discrimination laws. The agency aims to address unlawful national origin discrimination and shift employer incentives to comply with legal standards, protecting American employment.
Canada introduces new Express Entry categories for 2025 to tackle labour shortages
Canada is updating its immigration strategy for 2025, introducing a new education category under the Express Entry system to address labor shortages in critical fields such as healthcare, construction, and education. The government is also focusing on increasing Francophone immigration to strengthen French-speaking communities and support economic development.
Foreign entrepreneurs find life in Japan tangled in red tape
Foreign entrepreneurs in Japan face challenges with rigid visa rules and a complex banking system, hindering their ability to establish and maintain startups. Despite the government's aim to boost innovation through the Startup Visa, many find it difficult to secure long-term residency and financial stability.
UK grants 37% fewer work visas in 2024
Britain experienced a significant decrease in work visas granted in 2024, with a 37% drop from the previous year. The number of health and social care worker visas fell by 81% due to restrictions implemented by the former Conservative government to reduce net migration, now prompting new immigration policy reforms.
Must Watch
Meta sued for alleged hiring bias in favor of foreign workers on H-1B visas
A US federal judge has ruled that Meta Platforms must face a lawsuit alleging it prioritizes hiring foreign workers over Americans to reduce labor costs. Plaintiffs claim Meta favored H-1B visa holders, while the company denies intentional discrimination. The case highlights broader concerns over tech companies' reliance on H-1B workers.
Abu Dhabi emerging as UAE’s next employment hotspot
Abu Dhabi sees a 25% rise in demand for blue-collar Indian workers, driven by infrastructure projects and a booming industrial sector. Higher wages in construction, manufacturing, and transport make it an attractive alternative to Dubai, boosting the emirate's status as a major employment hub.
Poland targets visa brokers with new biometric screening plan for Indian applicants
Poland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to implement a new IT system to prevent intermediaries from monopolizing and reselling visa appointment slots. This will start in India, the Philippines, and Uzbekistan, using biometric verification. The aim is to assist genuine applicants while combating fraud and bribery in the visa issuance process.
TCS cheated the H-1B system? Former staff say India’s biggest IT firm was gaming the US visa process
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is under scrutiny for allegedly misusing L-1A manager visas in the U.S. Ex-employees claim the company misrepresented job roles to bypass H-1B visa restrictions. While lawsuits have been filed against TCS, the company denies wrongdoing, stating compliance with U.S. immigration laws. The U.S. Department of Justice declined to intervene in the lawsuits.
Beijing to facilitate frequent business travellers with visa requirements
The visitors must receive the invitation letter from qualified Chinese enterprises registered in Beijing to apply for the visa, the office said in a statement.
Canada gives immigration officials more power to cancel study and work permits
Canada has amplified its immigration regulations, empowering border officers to revoke temporary resident documents like study and work permits. The changes, effective January 31, 2025, aim to enhance immigration integrity and border security by addressing issues such as inadmissibility, false information, and misuse of permits.
