Archive April 2025

In March 2025, Indian student enrolment in U.S. universities experienced a significant 28% year-on-year decline. This downturn aligns with proposed legislative changes aiming to eliminate the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which currently permits international students, particularly in STEM fields, to work in the U.S. for up to three years post-graduation.

Key Factors Contributing to the Decline:

• Proposed Elimination of OPT: The introduction of the Fairness for High-Skilled American Act 2025 in the U.S. Congress seeks to terminate the OPT program, citing concerns over job competition with domestic graduates.
  
  
• Increased Visa Scrutiny: Heightened enforcement and stricter visa policies have led to growing apprehension among prospective Indian students regarding their post-study work opportunities in the U.S.
  
  
• Sharp Drop in Enrolment Figures: Data indicates a decline in Indian student numbers from 348,446 in July 2024 to 255,447 in August 2024, coinciding with the commencement of the academic year.
  
  

Implications for Indian Students:

The potential removal of the OPT program and intensified visa scrutiny have introduced uncertainty for Indian students considering U.S. education. These changes may prompt students to explore alternative countries offering more favorable post-study work opportunities.

On April 3, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump introduced a new visa initiative known as the "$5 million Gold Card." This exclusive program is designed to attract ultra-high-net-worth individuals by offering a fast-tracked pathway to U.S. residency and, eventually, citizenship.

Key Features of the Gold Card Visa

• $5 Million Investment Requirement:

  Applicants must invest $5 million to qualify for this visa. The amount is significantly higher than previous investor visa options and targets only the ultra-wealthy.
  
  

• No Business or Job Creation Conditions:

  Unlike other visa categories, this program does not require the applicant to create jobs or establish a business in the U.S., simplifying the process.
  
  

• Unique Card Design:

  The Gold Card will be a physical card with a luxurious design, reportedly featuring a gold finish and former President Trump's image.

Implications and Reactions

•  Boost to U.S. Economy:

  The program aims to bring in substantial foreign investments, which could benefit the U.S. economy through real estate, luxury spending, and private investments.
  
  

• Limited Access for Middle-Class Investors:

  Due to its high cost, the visa may be inaccessible to many skilled professionals and investors who previously applied through more affordable programs.
  
  

• Debate Over Wealth-Based Immigration:

  Critics argue that this visa prioritizes wealth over merit, raising ethical questions about selling residency to the highest bidder.
  
  

This program marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, favoring financial capability over traditional qualifications such as skills, education, or employment.

The U.S. visa application process has introduced a new mandatory step that all applicants must follow to retain their scheduled visa interview. As per the updated rule, applicants must confirm their "Intent to Proceed" with their scheduled visa interview in advance. Failure to do so could result in the automatic cancellation of the appointment, potentially delaying travel plans significantly.

What is the ‘Intent to Proceed’ Rule?

The U.S. Department of State has introduced this confirmation step to reduce the high number of no-show applicants for visa interviews. By ensuring that only serious applicants retain their slots, the government aims to cut down unnecessary delays and improve the overall visa processing system.

Who Does This Rule Apply To?

The new rule applies to all U.S. visa applicants, including those applying for:

• Non-immigrant visas (such as B1/B2 tourist visas, F-1 student visas, and H-1B work visas)
  
  
• Immigrant visas (green card applicants)
  
  

Why Was This Rule Introduced?

• Many applicants miss their scheduled visa interviews, leading to a backlog in available slots.
  
  
• The rule helps embassies and consulates manage interview schedules efficiently and minimize long wait times for other applicants.
  
  
• It ensures that only those who are prepared and serious about their visa process take up available appointments.
  
  

How to Confirm the ‘Intent to Proceed’ Step?

To avoid interview cancellation, applicants must:

Log in to the U.S. visa appointment system before their scheduled interview date.

Locate the ‘Intent to Proceed’ confirmation step in their application portal.

Acknowledge and confirm their attendance within the provided timeframe.

Check emails and official notifications for any deadlines related to this step.

Consequences of Skipping This Step

• Automatic cancellation of the visa interview appointment.
  
  
• Applicants may have to reschedule their interview, leading to long delays.
  
  
• Potential additional visa processing time, which could impact travel plans, job opportunities, or academic enrollments.
  
  

Final Takeaway

This new policy underscores the importance of being proactive in the visa application process. To avoid unnecessary delays, visa applicants must carefully follow all procedural requirements, including the new ‘Intent to Proceed’ confirmation.