Immigration

In a big development for the future applicants of H-1B visas, the United States is said to have announced a second lottery for fiscal year 2025. This move has been resorted to in a bid to fill the regular cap numerical allocation, giving a fresh chance to all those who were found unlucky in the lottery drawn back in March 2024. However, there is a small rider to this—the second lottery will only be for the regular cap; there will be no further selections for the advanced degree exemption, also known as the master’s cap.  Another Shot for Regular Cap Applicants  The first random selection run in March 2024 saw the USCIS randomly choose from among the at least green card electronic registrations filed for the pool, including those eligible for the advanced degree exemption. The number of registrations received in the case of the regular cap was insufficient to suffice for the allocation of FY 2025, hereby outreach for another lottery. With this second selection, all the registrations submitted will be considered. This consideration would include all those eligible under the regular cap and those for the master’s cap who were not selected in the first round. This means even those applicants who were eligible for the master’s cap and did not make it in the first round still have a chance under the regular cap.  Details Important for Applicants  USCIS will indicate that they can file an H-1B cap-subject petition on behalf of the beneficiary of a registration selected in this second lottery. If selected, registrants will receive an update in their USCIS online accounts that will include a selection notice outlining details with regard to the filing process. The USCIS will shortly make an official announcement with relation to the completion of this second selection and the notification of selected petitioners. The second lottery implications  The second lottery clearly indicates that the H-1B visas are in very high demand and the place of selection will be very competitive. As much as it offers a second chance to many aspirants, it is important to note that the advanced degree exemption, more popularly referred to as the master’s cap, will not have a second round of selection since the numbers for the FY 2025 numerical allocation were met during the first selection process. For those selected in this second round, the journey continues towards an H-1B visa, with the steps to follow that include the filing of the petitions filed in the specified time period. As always, timely and accurate submission of required documents, and more, is critical for a successful application.  Again, the second lottery of FY 2025 is keeping many applicants happy.. Regular cap applicants have another chance, but advanced degree exemption people have to look forward to the next fiscal year. The development shows, once again, how dynamic immigration policies are and how up-to-date information must be.

Looking to travel to Europe and wonder what’s beyond the usual tourist playgrounds? While most attention falls on cities like Paris, Rome, and London, there are so many underrated European cities holding different charm, rich heritage, and simply unforgettable experiences. From the pulsating fjords of Bergen to the modern architecture of Valencia, the list offers a balance between culture, history, and local taste. Let us walk through the list of the 10 underrated European cities you must visit. 1. Graz, Austria A UNESCO World Heritage site, Graz is an elegant city harmoniously combining medieval and modern architecture. There are many narrow alleys, Renaissance courtyards, and lively squares in this pretty old town. There is a collage of galleries and museums in the arts scene. Must-see viewpoints include that from Schlossberg and, very unique, the Kunsthaus Graz, known as the “Friendly Alien.” 2. Lille, France This town, situated on the border with Belgium, reflects the powerful coexistence of both French and Flemish influences in its architectural beauty, which includes the Grand Place and the Old Stock Exchange. But that’s not all; it is also home to some very animated markets, like the Marché de Wazemmes, and first-class museums such as the Palais des Beaux-Arts. 3. Bergen, Norway This town, enveloped by seven mountains and beautiful fjords, brings much natural beauty to one’s eyes. Colourful wooden houses along the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf add to the charm of this city. Finally, not missing the fish market or taking a scenic ride on the Fløibanen funicular for detailed views of the town and surroundings should complete the experience. 4. Tartu, Estonia This town, enveloped by seven mountains and beautiful fjords, brings much natural beauty to one’s eyes. Colourful wooden houses along the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf add to the charm of this city. Finally, not missing the fish market or taking a scenic ride on the Fløibanen funicular for detailed views of the town and surroundings should complete the experience. 5. Brno, Czech Republic Unlike Prague, Brno is full of history and modern attractions. Špilberk Castle provides impressive views over the city and allows one to get an insight into the history of Brno. The student atmosphere and lively cafes, together with cultural events, make this city very dynamic. Do not also miss the functionalism architecture including the famous Villa Tugendhat. 6. Salzburg, Austria Salzburg is the birthplace of Mozart and is a very graceful city, not only by its baroque beauty but also by the greatness of its musical heritage. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site with squares, historical buildings, and churches that are exceptionally elegant in nature. Alpine scenery is one more attribute that characterizes this city, making it just perfect for cultural enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. 7. Antwerp, Belgium Fashion, art, and history all converge in Antwerp. Here one will find the great painter Rubens’ masterpieces housed in this beautiful Cathedral of Our Lady. Not to mention, the worldwide famous diamond district of the city supporting the vibrant fashion scene with its eclecticism of cafes, bars, and restaurants that never goes unnoticed by any cultural visitor. 8. Kraków, Poland One of the oldest Polish cities, Krakow boasts an incredibly well-preserved medieval core. The historical Market Square, Wawel Castle, and the district of Kazimierz provide deep exposure to history. Many festivals and cultural events take place in Krakow, hence the lively atmosphere. 9. Valencia, Spain While Valencia is famous for the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, it has also merged a bit of modernity with traditional Spanish culture. It is a town of festivals—such as the very famous Las Fallas—and gastronomic heaven thanks to valve-winning restaurants serving local food like the world-famous paella. On the other side of the coin, it has got sunny beaches and a vibrant nightlife. 10. Bilbao, Spain Situated in the heart of the Basque Country, the city of Bilbao in northern Spain is crowned with the iconic Guggenheim Museum. Its modern architecture merges with the traditional Basque influence to create a very unique cultural profile. Bilbao holds great interest because of its gastronomy, famous for popular pintxos, coupled with lively cultural festivals. Conclusion These are underrated European cities that offer the perfect getaway from the crowded and well-worn paths of touristy places and offer unique experiences with inside views into local cultures. Be it history, art, architecture, or even food, these hidden gems have got it all. So, pack your bags and head out to explore the less famous but worth-visiting European attractions.

What could turn out to be the panacea for Germany’s worsening labour shortage, and just the push its flagging economy needs, is being mulled over: tax breaks for newly arrived foreign highly skilled workers. The proposal would partially exempt the workers from taxes in the first years as part of what the government has called a “growth initiative.”. The government will provide 30%, 20%, and 10% tax rebates in the first three years of employment, subject to approval. This may make Germany a far more attractive country to highly qualified foreign workers, closing important labour gaps and thereby providing impetus to the economy.  The Tax Relief Plan  The German government has indicated a graduated refund of taxes for the expatriates who are coming to work in the country. According to Finance Minister Christian Lindner, the German rebates would be 30% in the first year, 20% in the second, and 10% in the third. The step is taken to make it easier on the new arrivals and attract skilled professionals to move into the country. Nevertheless, the specific eligibility criteria or details of how these rebates would be awarded remain blurry. The effectiveness of this policy will be reviewed after five years in view of assessing its impact on the labour market. Challenges and Criticisms  While many prospective foreign workers have welcomed the proposed tax incentives, they have received stiff opposition from opposition politicians and trade unionists. It has been argued that the move is going to discriminate against domestic workers. Germany’s Green Party lawmaker Beate Müller-Gemmeke underlined the principle of equal treatment, saying she personally felt such steps were unfair, notably with regard to current residents and nationals. “From my point of view, it would be a form of discrimination against nationals if we were to say that those coming from other countries don’t pay tax on at least part of their salary, according to Müller-Gemmeke. Not only this, but Federal Minister of Labour Hubertus Heil also came forward in opposition and strongly recommended that Germany not abolish the governing regulation but reduce bureaucratic hurdles. It should accelerate the procedure of issuing visas to skilled workers. According to him, streamlining administrative processes will help attract more talent.  Ninth: Labour Shortage Crisis  There is a huge shortage of skilled labour in all sectors and, more so, in Germany. The latest statistics indicate a shortage of about 573,000 skilled workers from the German Economic Institute. Based on previous estimates by economists, closing this gap might be an additional impetus of more than 1% of Germany’s economic growth—about €49 billion more, or $53 billion. With the economic predictions for 2024 showing only modest growth of 0.2%, closing the labour gap was important to the economic stability of the country.  In this regard, Germany passed the Skilled Immigration Act in 2020 and has reformed it ever since to eradicate red tape that is scaring away foreign workers. Still, not enough skilled labour has arrived. A study by the Bertelsmann Foundation disclosed that around 70,000 skilled workers from non-EU countries relocated to Germany in 2022, surpassing the pre-pandemic peak of 64,000 back in 2019 but still below the figure needed to alleviate labour scarcity.  Conclusion  Germany’s planned tax incentives for foreign skilled workers can turn out to be instrumental in wooing global talent and bridging the labour gap. While this initiative has been criticised and raised concern over possible discrimination, it is a bold step towards making Germany more attractive to skilled professionals. Such tax breaks, in view of the continual wrestling with the huge deficit in the workforce, will turn out to be quite instrumental in sustaining economic growth and competitiveness—apart from easing immigration procedures—against the continual rise in shortfalls.

The United Arab Emirates government has taken a very progressive step to make it the most sought-after place by many tourists. It is introducing a new system that will provide health insurance to tourists coming in with tourist visas. This move will arguably enhance the travel experience in this Middle Eastern nation and solve a major concern for international visitors: health coverage.  New Era of Tourist Health Insurance  The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security, UAE, has unveiled its latest initiative to link health insurance with tourist visa applications. A report by Khaleej Times reveals that ICP was envisaging a change to ease many other procedures for travelers.  This new system is projected to help tourists avail of health insurance coverage while applying for visas online through ICP’s website or mobile application. It will help select, price, and issue insurance packages for major insurers across the UAE through this online electronic channel. Benefits of the New Health Insurance Initiative to be Issued  The new initiative is expected to ensure that all visitors to the UAE have some form of emergency health coverage. According to Ramzi Ghurani, managing partner of Petra Insurance Brokers, “Having insurance cover for all travelers is assurance that they are covered for their admission to hospital in the event of a medical emergency, however sudden.”. This, in turn, also reassures the country’s government and private hospitals that they do not have to bear the expenses of an emergency for visitors. The comprehensive insurance coverage would let tourists be at peace, knowing that they are covered against unexpected medical expenses. For healthcare providers, this removes any apprehensions about being saddled with the costs of emergency treatment of tourists, thus smoothing out financial processes. Positive Reactions from the Industry The move has also been welcomed by tourism players, who think that this move is going to add value to the tourist visiting experience. With health insurance now attached to visa applications, the UAE looks forward to entrenching itself as a premier travel destination. More visitors will be keen to visit a country that makes the process so much easier—where they feel added security and convenience in case a mishap occurs during their travels.  How It Works  Tourist visa applicants for the UAE would now be allowed to opt for and buy health insurance on the same online platform on which their visa application is made. This shall integrate the process and avoid the hassle of having separate arrangements for health insurance coverage. Options of various insurance packages would be available with different providers; hence, tourists can pick what seems most feasible according to their requirements and budget.  Looking Ahead  With this new initiative in health insurance, it is a quantum step forward as the UAE forges ahead, innovating and bettering its services to visitors. It portrays its commitment to the visitor experience and a high level of care for all travelers. This also places the UAE at the forefront as a destination where the well-being of travellers comes first.

The more important Kamala Harris immigration policies are, the more prominent a presidential candidate for the Democratic Party she becomes. She has a background that sets her apart: being the daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants gives her a truly personal dimension to the national debate over immigration. Her approach to the complex issue is closely watched as the U.S. faces a forecasted increase in net immigration and an evolving political landscape. Current Status of U.S. Immigration  The United States’ Congressional Budget Office has estimated that immigration will continue to boost net immigration through 2026. This will add to the workforce—the people who are younger. Immigrants, primarily between the ages of 25 and 54, will offset the decline in the labour force participation rate due to an ageing population. It projects that greater immigration could push up the real Gross Domestic Product growth rate by an average of 0.2 percentage points per year over the 2024-2034 period, setting the stage for a 2 percent increase in real GDP by 2034 relative to a scenario in which immigration does not grow significantly.  Kamala Harris on Immigration  Since her vice presidency, Kamala Harris has been working on the ground in an attempt to find solutions to some of the root reasons for migration from Latin America pertaining to the causative agent factors that include poverty and violence. Perhaps most visibly, she declared $950 million from private firms to invest in Central American communities, building on earlier commitments totaling some $3 billion.  Harris visited the U.S.-Mexico border in 2021 to underline her position that the immigration problem goes beyond politics, emphasising the human aspects involving children and families. Recently, she has thrown her weight behind a bipartisan border security deal previously endorsed by President Biden, which sought to improve border security and asylum processing. Of course, that never saw the light of day, thanks to Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers torpedoing the deal. The “Donkey Route” and Its Implications In large numbers, Indians have been attempting to gain entry to the US via what is termed the “donkey route.” Typically, it would be from India to the UAE on tourist visas, then several transit points in Latin America, and finally, the US-Mexico border. Last year, US Customs and Border Protection said that a record 96,917 Indians were apprehended or expelled as they tried to enter the US—up from 30,662 in 2021. Political reactions and criticisms  The inability of the Biden Administration to have legal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border has promptly seen Republicans heave much of the blame upon Kamala Harris. She can certainly anticipate harsher scrutiny with respect to the administration’s immigration policy as the election draws near. It is worth mentioning, however, that Harris’s function has been more oriented to the causes of migration rather than direct oversight over border enforcement.  In March 2021, Biden put Harris in charge of diplomatic efforts to address the root causes of migration from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. Harris was not the so-called “border czar” of the administration, an unofficial title usually applied to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and his department. The closest position to “border czar” was Roberta Jacobson, where she coordinated efforts for the Southwest border briefly until April 2021. Conclusion   Kamala Harris immigration policies is pursuing embodies her commitment to dealing with the structural issues of migration, together with the political and practical dilemmas related to the immigration policy of the U.S. Indeed, policies and changes will continue to be in the limelight for any voter and politician as long as debate rages on this issue.

The application process for an F-1 visa for international students seeking to study in the US has become highly competitive over the years. There are two important reasons that have brought about this increased competitiveness—namely, limited availability and greater scrutiny.  Quotas on the issuance of F-1 visas every year by the U.S. Department of State are supposed to be in place. However, the trends in the recent past have shown that these quotas have not matched the increased inflow of foreign students. Meanwhile, visa applications are being put through minute scrutiny, leading to longer processing times and a higher rate of rejection. Keeping these challenges in mind is very instrumental to any prospective student seeking to successfully navigate the process of obtaining an F-1 visa. To enhance your chances, here are some strategies that will help:  1. Strong Academic Profile Keeping a high GPA throughout reflects commitment towards academics and the ability to succeed in the rigorous U.S. education system. Admission officers and visa interviewers seek students who have consistently turned in fine academic performances, which is indicative of discipline and a strong work ethic.  2. Standardised Test Scores  Some of the key evaluation criteria about your readiness for college include your ability to pull off strong scores in standardised tests like the SAT or ACT. These examinations are designed and developed to test whether you can think critically, solve problems, and if you are ready for college. 3. Powerful application essay Craft a compelling personal statement and application essays that give expression to your unique talents, goals, and reasons for pursuing a U.S. education. The well-written narrative of how studying in the U.S. would merge with your academic and professional aspirations can set you apart from other applicants.  4. Targeted Selection of Universities Research some of the universities that have a big community of students on F-1 visas and who generally have high visa approval rates. Look for those that really have an established support network for international students. Such universities are usually better positioned to guide you through the visa process and provide other resources for your academic and personal growth.  5. Apply Early Make your visa application in advance to avoid the last-minute rush. The process for a visa application, at times, may be lengthy, and applying early gives time for the best possibility of getting an interview slot and time to fix potential problems that could crop up.  6. Professional Guidance  Consult experienced educational consultants who can help you with the whole application process, from visa strategies to interview preparations. They are well aware of how things go and can help you in those matters to bring out the best in you. Other Tips on How to Prepare for an F-1 Visa Interview Get Familiar with Requirements Get up-to-date requirements about how to apply for an F-1 visa from the Department of State website to prevent delays or refusal.  Prepare Thoroughly for the Visa Interview Prepare for this interview on your visa application. Speak confidently and clearly, and answer truthfully in your responses. Your responses should express your interest in studying in the U.S., the rationale behind choosing the programme you picked, and plans upon graduation.  Prepare clear documents. Proving Finances  Keep clear records of your financial resources so that you can prove your capability to afford educational expenses. Have at your disposal proof of financial documents in the form of bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsorship letters. This will help to prove adequate funds towards fees for your support during studies and living expenses while in the U.S., which is a very important consideration in approving visas.  University Support for F-1 Visa Applicants  This means that aside from the students, it is also very important that the universities should be ready to support their students massively in applying for their visas. It means universities should explain what turn-around time they need for processing the applications and encourage students to apply early. That is, document requirements and admission decisions should be worked on diligently by the admissions team for smooth onboarding. This would include regular liaison with the students enrolled in the programme and also disseminating, without delay, any fresh information received by the U.S. Consulate in India. Proper relationship building with the Universities, and on their behalf with the U.S. Embassy in India and the U.S. Consulate, is of essence. Further, it is incumbent upon the universities to emphasise the early release of I-20s so that students are ready when visa slots open. Sharing the details of the visa information sessions conducted by the U.S. Embassy in India and EducationUSA was very helpful in keeping the students informed.  Though obtaining an F-1 visa can be really overwhelming, with proper planning and strategic moves and strong support from universities, international students increase their chances for success.