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Image Source: USCIS USCIS Fee Payment Modernization - ACH debit or credit card payments made compulsory for Form G-1650 from Oct. 28, 2025. The official news can be here . Starting now, applicants have the option to pay USCIS fees via ACH debit. All applicants and petitioners need to do is fill out and sign our new Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions, and place it atop your application, petition, or request upon submission. Until Oct. 28, 2025, USCIS will still be accepting paper checks, money orders, and credit/debit transactions. From Oct. 28, 2025, onwards, USCIS will exclusively accept ACH debit transactions with Form G-1650 or credit card payments using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. Applicants and petitioners should ensure their accounts have sufficient funds to cover all filing fees. USCIS may reject any application, petition, or request if the transaction is denied. For further details, check out: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-to-modernize-fee-payments-with-electronic-funds

The Department of State updated its immigrant visa interview policy on August 28, 2025. Beginning November 1, 2025, immigrant visa applicants are generally required to interview in the consular district of their place of residence or, upon request, in their country of nationality, with limited exceptions such as humanitarian or medical emergencies. Residents of countries where routine visa operations are suspended or paused should apply at their designated immigrant visa processing post, unless the applicant is a national of another country with ongoing operations.  See the designated posts listed below. The National Visa Center (NVC) will schedule these interviews accordingly. This update can be found here . Existing policy: In general, the immigrant visa interviews are scheduled at the country of residence as indicated in the immigrant visa application/petition. However, applicants had the choice to request NVC to schedule the interview in a third country to avoid backlogs. New Policy: Moving forward (effective Nov 1, 2025) your interview will be scheduled in your country of residence by NVC (National Visa Center), you may request your to be scheduled in your country of nationality, on rare occasions owing to medical or humanitarian grounds you may request for the interview to be scheduled in a third country. Who are affected by this policy updated? Immigrant visa applicants who requested consular processing and attend their immigrant visa interviews at U.S. Consular Posts, as managed by the U.S. Department of State and the National Visa Center, are subject to this policy. Immigrant visa applicants who chose adjustment of status by filing Form I-485 are not affected by this policy. Immigrant Visa Designated Processing Posts RESIDENT OF DESIGNATED POST(S) Afghanistan (except Special Immigrant Visas) Islamabad Belarus Warsaw Eritrea Addis Ababa, Nairobi Haiti Nassau Iran Abu Dhabi, Ankara, Yerevan Libya Tunis Niger Abidjan North Korea Guangzhou Russia Warsaw, Almaty (IR-5), Tashkent (IR-5) Somalia Nairobi South Sudan Nairobi Sudan Cairo Syria Amman, Beirut (for Palestinians with Syrian Travel Documents) Venezuela Bogota Yemen Djibouti Zimbabwe Johannesburg Key points include: Existing appointments mostly will not be rescheduled or canceled. If an applicant wants to transfer their case to another consular district after the appointment is set, they must contact the NVC not the consulate using the NVC’s Public Inquiry Form . For applicants requesting an interview outside their assigned consular district or country of nationality, the NVC may request additional proof of residence or justification for exceptions. Applicants in countries where routine visa operations are suspended should attend appointment at designated posts unless they hold nationality from a country with ongoing operations. Diversity Visa applicants for the DV-2026 program year will also follow these new rules. Applicants should regularly check embassy and consulate websites for detailed visa procedures and operational statuses. This policy supersedes all previous guidance on visa processing locations and aims to streamline consular operations and reduce logistical complications.

Effective August 1, 2025, the third-party/representative passport collection service will be discontinued to ensure the safety and security of applicants’ passports and documents. All applicants will now be required to collect their passports/documents in person. For applicants under the age of 18, passports must be collected by a parent or guardian. An original consent letter signed by both parents must be presented at the time of collection. Scanned or emailed copies of the consent letter will not be accepted. Applicants may also opt to have their passports delivered to their home or office for an additional fee of ₹1200 per applicant. How to Change Your Document Delivery Option You may update your delivery preference up to one day before your Embassy/Consulate appointment by following these steps: Log in to your profile at https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/en/ Click on “Document Delivery Information” under the Visa Application Home page. Select the applicant name. Choose your preferred option. Submit the changes. Log out after completing the process. If you encounter errors while updating your delivery option, please: Take a screenshot of the error. Specify the location where you intend to receive your passport. Share this information through the “Feedback/Requests” option in your profile. In general, you receive a response in a day or two and sometimes find this notification under “Messages” on the Visa Application Home page.

Overview of Proposed DHS Visa Classification Updates The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is planning significant changes to F-1 student visas, J-1 exchange visitor visas, and I nonimmigrant visas for foreign media representatives. These changes mark a major shift from the traditional "duration of status" system to fixed admission periods, impacting how international students and exchange visitors maintain lawful status in the United States. The proposed rule can be found here . What Are the New F-1 Student Visa Rules? Fixed Study Period: F-1 students will be admitted for a fixed period aligned with their academic program duration, generally not exceeding four years. Prohibition on Second Degree at Same or Lower Educational Level Programs: F-1 student who has finished a program at one educational level must start a new program at a higher educational level while staying in F-1 status. The student is not allowed to start another program at the same or a lower educational level while still on the F-1 visa. This ensures that the student is progressing academically in a forward direction during their stay in the U.S. under F-1 status. Restrictions on English Language Programs: The maximum stay for English language training is limited to 24 months. Public High School Limit: F-1 students attending public high schools are limited to a total of 12 months. Shortened Grace Period: The post-completion departure grace period is reduced from 60 days to 30 days. Transfer and Program Change Restrictions: Students below graduate level cannot transfer schools or change academic majors/programs during the first academic year, unless exceptions are authorized, and graduate students are barred from changing their program once enrolled. Extension of Stay Process: Extensions must be applied for through USCIS with documented, compelling reasons such as academic difficulties or medical conditions. Employment Authorization - OPT or STEM OPT: Work permissions during extensions are limited, notably excluding post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), creating possible gaps in work authorization. "Students who have applied for employment authorization for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT, and who were admitted based on the employment end date recommended by their designated school official on their Form I-20, will be considered legally allowed to stay in the U.S. from the date their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) expires until the fixed expiration date shown on their I-94 arrival record, even if they stop working when their EAD expires before that date. This means students won’t fall out of status during this gap between their EAD expiration and the fixed end date of their authorized stay noted on their I-94." Important Updates for J-1 Exchange Visitors Maximum Stay Limits: J-1 visa holders will have a fixed maximum stay of four years, down from previous allowances that varied by category. Extension Requirements: All program extensions must be approved by USCIS. Continued Program Activities: J-1 participants can continue authorized activities for up to 240 days while extension applications are pending. J-2 Dependent Employment: Employment authorization for J-2 dependents cannot exceed the primary J-1 visa holder’s authorized stay and must follow income restrictions. Changes for I Visa Holders Representing Foreign Media Fixed Admission Period: I visa holders will generally be admitted for up to 240 days, with a reduced 90-day limit for most People's Republic of China nationals. Documentary Requirements: Stricter proof of foreign media affiliation and employment is required. Additional Regulatory Provisions Re-entry and Biometric Collection: New rules on re-entry with pending extension applications and mandatory biometric submissions for stay extensions. Discretionary Admissions: Visa revalidation becomes discretionary rather than automatic. Change of Status Abandonment: Change of status applications are considered abandoned if the applicant leaves the U.S. before approval. Transition Provisions: Current visa holders under the old system get a temporary automatic transition to the new fixed admission system. What This Means for International Students and Exchange Visitors This comprehensive regulatory update will change how international students and exchange visitors manage their stay in the U.S., increasing administrative responsibilities and potentially raising costs. Schools, sponsors, and visa holders should prepare for these proposed changes, which will take effect after a public comment period starting August 28, 2025. Public Comment Period On Proposed Rule Starts on August 28, 2025 The proposed rule allows a 30-day public comment period starting on August 28, 2025. After the comments, the final rule will be implemented 60 days later. This will be the biggest change to student and exchange visitor visa rules in decades, changing how these groups maintain their status in the U.S. and increasing costs and compliance requirements. This is at the proposed rule stage, a rule would not become final until after the DHS reviews public comments on the proposed rule, submits a final rule for OMB review, and then publishes a final rule in the Federal Register with a future effective date. Conclusion: International students and exchange visitors should closely monitor these regulatory changes and consult their designated school officials or sponsors to ensure compliance. We will continue to bring latest updates on these policy changes that impact F, J, and I visa applicants.

The U.S. Department of State Secretary Mark Rubio on Aug 22, 2025, announced that it is pausing all issuance of worker visas for commercial truck drivers, effective immediately. This announcement be seen here . Officials cite rising concerns that the growing number of foreign truck drivers operating tractor-trailers on U.S. highways is both a safety risk and a threat to the livelihoods of American truckers. Which U.S. Visa Category Is Affected? The suspension applies specifically to commercial truck drivers who apply for H-2B visa program, a temporary non-agricultural worker visa that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign nationals for short-term or seasonal jobs. Trucking companies in recent years increasingly used the H-2B category to recruit drivers from countries such as Mexico, the Philippines, and Canada. With this pause, no new H-2B visas will be issued for commercial truck driver positions until further notice. Why Is the U.S. Halting H-2B Truck Driver Visas? Officials outlined two primary reasons for this suspension: Road Safety Concerns – The administration claims that a surge of foreign drivers, often less familiar with U.S. traffic laws and long-haul safety standards, has created risks on highways. Protecting American Jobs – U.S. truck drivers have long argued that foreign labor undercuts wages and reduces job opportunities. The pause is framed as a move to protect American workers in one of the country’s largest employment sectors. Are Indians Affected? Until recently, Indian nationals were not eligible for H-2B visas because India was excluded from the list of eligible countries. However, in January 2025, DHS issued a final rule eliminating the nationality-based restriction. This means Indians became eligible for H-2B visas for the first time in years. "NOTE: As of Jan. 17, 2025, DHS regulations no longer require USCIS to consider whether the beneficiary is a national of a country that the Secretary of Homeland Security, with the concurrence of the Secretary of State, has designated as eligible to participate in the H-2B program." With the new pause on truck driver visas under the H-2B program, Indians who just gained eligibility are now immediately impacted. Employers and foreign workers are advised to monitor updates closely as further regulatory changes may follow.

The White House office has approved a proposed rule "Weighted Selection Process for Registrants and Petitioners Seeking to File Cap-Subject to File Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions", that could overhaul how H-1B visas are allocated. (Source: NAFSA ) Instead of the current random lottery system, the proposed rule (when it becomes a rule) is expected to prioritize petitions offering higher wages a move last attempted under the Trump administration. Important Changes to the Current "H-1B Lottery Selection" Under the current system USCIS uses random lottery to select 85,000 (65,000 for regular cap and 20,000 under Master's Cap) H-1B annually. The proposed rule will ensure the numbers are allocated based on wage levels (Tier 4 highest, Tier 1 lowest). Current Status of Proposed Rule The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) cleared the rule on Aug. 8, 2025, and will send it back to USCIS. Next, USCIS will publish it in the Federal Register so the public can give feedback. This is only the proposal stage, so nothing changes yet. After the comment period, USCIS will review the feedback, Make any changes, send the final version back to OMB, and Then publish the final rule in the Federal Register. Earlier on July 17, 2025, USCIS submitted the package for OMB review. It will take several months or even longer, before it could become a final rule, and it would only take effect on a future date after that. Summary If the new rule is approved and implemented, this H-1B wage-prioritized selection could reshape hiring strategies for U.S. companies and career planning for foreign talent. If it eventually becomes a final rule, it could give priority to high-paying jobs in tech and other specialized fields, may reduce chances for lower-wage or entry-level positions. Immigration law is changing fast stay updated.

1. The Basics – What’s in the Bill? The DIGNITY Act has two main goals: Strengthen border enforcement  – More resources for ports of entry, tougher penalties for illegal re-entry, “spotters” aiding smuggling, and non-citizen voting. Create the Dignity Program  – A 7-year temporary legal status for undocumented immigrants who entered before December 31, 2020 . How the Dignity Program Works: Pass background checks. Work or study for at least 4 years. Pay around $7,000  in total program contributions. No access to federal benefits. Regular DHS check-ins. At the end of 7 years, participants can renew their Dignity Status ,but it’s not  a green card or citizenship path. 2. Other Key Provisions Dreamers  – Offers conditional permanent residency and a route to a green card. Visa Backlog Reform  – Adjusts per-country caps and processing timelines. Fast-Track Option  – Immigrants stuck in green card queues for over 10 years can pay $20,000  to speed up processing. American Worker Fund  – Financed by Dignity Program payments to upskill U.S. workers. 3. Why Indian Immigrants Should Pay Attention a) EB-2 and EB-3 Backlogs Indian professionals often wait over a decade  for employment-based green cards due to per-country caps. The DIGNITY Act proposes to loosen  these limits and speed up  the backlog,good news for many in tech, healthcare, and academia. b) The $20,000 Fast-Track If you’ve been waiting 10+ years for your green card, the bill could let you pay to jump the line. Pro:  Faster relief after years of limbo. Con:  Only accessible to those who can afford a hefty sum, raising fairness concerns. c) Family Reunification Indian immigrants often have spouses and children stuck abroad due to visa caps. The bill’s backlog reforms may reduce these painful separations. d) Students & Dreamers For Indian students who overstayed visas or qualify as Dreamers, the bill creates a path to legal stability,something current law often doesn’t provide. 4. The Fine Print While the DIGNITY Act opens some doors, it also: Offers no direct path to citizenship  for Dignity Program participants. Maintains strict background and payment requirements. Could create a “pay-to-play” dynamic with the $20,000 fast-track. 5. Final Thoughts For many Indian immigrants, especially those in the green card backlog , the DIGNITY Act could mean shorter waits and more stability. But it’s not a silver bullet,it’s a compromise bill that mixes opportunity with trade-offs. If passed, it will require careful legal strategy to decide whether to opt into programs like the Dignity Program or the fast-track provision. As always, consult an immigration attorney before making any decisions. Need immigration assistance? Our experienced team can guide you through U.S. immigration processes, assess your eligibility, and help you make informed decisions. Contact us today : 📞 W hatsApp : +91 8248583284  📧 Email : info@thevisacode.com  🌐 Website :   www.thevisacode.com  📱 Instagram & Threads : @thevisacode

Introduction: Why the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) Matters The Child Status Protection Act (CSPA)  is a critical U.S. immigration law designed to help children of green card applicants remain eligible even if they turn 21 during long processing delays. Under CSPA, a child’s “immigration age” can be frozen  to prevent them from “aging out” of eligibility. With USCIS’s new CSPA rule effective August 15, 2025 , many families especially those from highly backlogged countries like India may face a higher risk of their children aging out. The new USCIS policy on CSPA can be found here . This article explains: The February 2023 CSPA policy change What is being rolled back in August 2025 Who will be affected What steps families can take to protect their children’s immigration status AI Generated Image 1. CSPA Basics: How the Age Freeze Works Under normal U.S. immigration rules, children must be under 21 years old  to qualify as a “child” for green card purposes. The CSPA formula  calculates the child’s age as: Child’s Age at Visa Availability minus Time I-140 or I-130 Was Pending The tricky part is determining when a visa is “available” and this is where the major policy changes come in. 2. February 14, 2023 CSPA Policy Update – More Protection for Children In February 2023 , USCIS updated its policy to allow the Dates for Filing chart  (Chart B of the Visa Bulletin) to be used for CSPA age calculations. Impact of the 2023 change: Families could file earlier  for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) The earlier filing date meant CSPA age froze sooner Greatly reduced the risk of children “aging out” before green card approval Benefited thousands of children in family-based and employment-based green card backlogs , particularly EB-2 and EB-3 India Example: If Chart B showed a visa date available in October, but Chart A (Final Action Dates) was not current until the following year, a child could still lock their age in October under the 2023 policy. 3. August 15, 2025 CSPA Rule Change – Back to Stricter Calculations Effective August 15, 2025 , USCIS will revert to the older, more restrictive interpretation: Only the Final Action Dates chart (Chart A)  can be used to determine when a visa is “available” for CSPA purposes. The Dates for Filing chart  will no longer freeze a child’s immigration age. What this means: Families will need to wait longer  before filing Adjustment of Status More children could turn 21 before their CSPA age is locked in It aligns USCIS with the Department of State’s consular process , which always used Final Action Dates 4. Who Is Affected by the CSPA 2025 Change? The groups most affected will be: Employment-based green card applicants  from highly backlogged countries (India, China) Family-based applicants  with long wait times Children who are close to 21 years old  when the Final Action Date becomes current Families who could have filed earlier under Dates for Filing but will now be forced to wait 5. Timeline of CSPA Policy Changes Period Chart Used for CSPA Age Aging-Out Risk Before Feb 14, 2023 Final Action Dates only High Feb 14, 2023 – Aug 14, 2025 Dates for Filing allowed Lower From Aug 15, 2025 Final Action Dates only Higher 6. How Families Can Protect Their Children from Aging Out If your child is approaching 21: File Adjustment of Status before August 15, 2025  if eligible under Dates for Filing Monitor the Visa Bulletin  monthly to track when your category is current Consider nonimmigrant visas  (e.g., F-1 student visa) to maintain legal status if aging out is likely Explore whether the child can qualify for a separate employment-based petition 7. Key Takeaways The February 2023 policy  gave families extra protection by allowing earlier CSPA age freezes. The August 2025 policy  removes that flexibility, increasing the risk of aging out. Action before August 15, 2025  could make the difference between keeping a child in your green card case or losing eligibility. Final Note:   If you think your child is at risk of aging out, consult an experienced U.S. immigration attorney  as soon as possible. The CSPA rules are complex, and timing is critical especially now that the 2025 rollback is near.

Effective immediately, nationals and citizens of the following countries applying for nonimmigrant visas, including those who previously held visas and are renewing, will be required to attend an in-person interview with a consular officer: Afghanistan Angola Antigua and Barbuda Benin Bhutan Burkina Faso Burma Burundi Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Chad Cote D’Ivoire Cuba Republic of Congo Democratic Republic of Congo Djibouti Dominica Egypt Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Ethiopia Gabon The Gambia Ghana Haiti Iran Kyrgyz Republic Laos Liberia Libya Malawi Mauritania Niger Nigeria Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Sao Tome and Principe Sierra Leone Senegal Somalia South Sudan Sudan Syria Tanzania Togo Tonga Turkmenistan Tuvalu Uganda Vanuatu Venezuela Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Applicants for diplomatic and official visas from these countries should exercise use of the normal diplomatic channels for updated guidance on interview scheduling. If you are a citizen or a national of one of these countries, regardless of the place of your application, you should not submit your application for processing using Interview Waiver – you must make an appointment for an in-person visa interview. This update can be found here .

U.S. consular posts have started sending emails cancelling visa appointments booked under the previous eligibility criteria. Most affected appointments are scheduled for August and September 2025. Reason for Cancellations A new U.S. visa renewal policy takes effect on September 2, 2025, ending Interview Waiver (Dropbox) eligibility for the following visa categories: H, L, F, M, J, E, and O.Following the U.S. Department of State’s July 25, 2025 update, consular posts did not open any new slots for August or September under the old rules. Action for Applicants If you booked a renewal appointment in August or September 2025 under the old criteria, check your email and log into your profile for messages from the consular post. The email will explain that your appointment has been cancelled and that you may reschedule . Applicants must close application and restart answering questions on visa renewal and waiver questions (the system is updated with new eligibility questions). This cancellation does not  count against the maximum number of times  you are allowed to reschedule. If You Face Problems Rescheduling Contact the consular support desk for the relevant consular post. Special Note on Fee Validity: If you paid your visa fee 365 days ago or more, you may not be able to reschedule because the fee validity will have expired. In that case, you must pay a new fee, unless the consular post announces an extension. This change affects many visa applicants, so monitor your inbox and profile regularly to avoid missing rescheduling opportunities.