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Major Update: U.S. Visa Processing Centralized in India to Streamline Nonimmigrant Applications

Posted in: Vinay Malik | May 14, 2025

Non-Immigrant is filling up a form

Key Visa Processing Changes in India The U.S. Mission to India has realigned its operations to streamline nonimmigrant visa processing. This move is especially relevant for individuals applying for employment-based visas, visitor visas, and interview waiver (drop box) options. 1. First-Time H & L Visa Interviews: Now in Hyderabad If you are a first-time applicant for an H or L visa (including H-1B or L-1), your visa interview will now most likely be scheduled in Hyderabad. 2. Blanket L Visas: Processed in Chennai Blanket L applicants will now be processed exclusively in Chennai, regardless of where you reside in India. 3. B1/B2 Interview Waiver (Drop Box)...

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USCIS Increases Screening and Biometric Vetting: What Employers and Applicants Need to Know

Posted in: Vinay Malik | May 7, 2025

In recent weeks, USCIS has confirmed a heightened focus on security screenings, data verification, and biometrics in line with renewed immigration enforcement policies under the Trump Administration. These efforts, USCIS says, aim to "restore integrity" to the immigration system and enhance national security and public safety. What Changed? On April 22, 2025, a USCIS spokesperson told AP News that the agency is increasing vetting efforts across all immigration programs. This was formally echoed in a May 1, 2025 response to an inquiry from AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association), where USCIS stated: “We are increasing the screening and vetting of all aliens filing for...

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DHS Launches $1,000 Self-Deportation Program: What It Means for Employers and Immigration Attorneys

Posted in: Vinay Malik | May 7, 2025

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a new voluntary self-deportation initiative that offers undocumented immigrants free travel assistance and a $1,000 stipend through the CBP Home App. The goal is to reduce the cost and resources spent on formal deportation proceedings while encouraging individuals to leave the U.S. on their own. Key Details of the Program Voluntary participation via the CBP Home App $1,000 stipend paid after departure is confirmed Free travel ticket provided Participants are deprioritized for ICE enforcement while arranging their return May preserve the ability to legally re-enter the U.S. in the future According to DHS, this...

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