Australia announces new changes in Temporary Graduate Visa. Apply now!

Highlights: Luxembourg Raises the EU Blue Card salary requirement to €63,408

• Luxembourg has increased the minimum salary requirements for EU Blue Card applicants.
• The salary requirement for an EU Blue Card has been increased from €58,968 to €63,408.
• The new salary changes apply to applications submitted from March 18, 2025.
• In 2024, Luxembourg had issued 825 EU Blue Cards to foreign nationals.

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Luxembourg Announces a 7.53% hike in the EU Blue Card Salaries

Luxembourg is another EU country that recently announced a salary hike to the EU Blue Card. As per the recent changes, EU Blue Card applicants must now meet the minimum salary requirement of €63,408 instead of the previous €58,968. The salary changes to Luxembourg’s EU Blue Card represented a 7.53% hike, with an increase of €4,440. The new EU Blue Card salary requirement was effective from March 18, 2025. Candidates applying for a Luxembourg EU Blue Card must now meet the minimum salary level of €63,408 to qualify. Around 825 EU Blue Cards were issued by Luxembourg last year, in 2024.

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Eligibility criteria for Luxembourg’s EU Blue Card

To be eligible for a Luxembourg EU Blue Card, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be a non-EU citizen
• Have a valid passport
• A valid visa (if required, based on your nationality)
• Evidence of higher educational qualifications
• Proof of at least 5 years of professional experience
• An employment contract valid for at least 6 months
• Fulfill the salary requirement of €63,408

 

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For more updates on Schengen news, follow the Y-Axis Schengen news page!

 

Your US Study Visa or Green Card status no longer guarantees smooth travel in and out of America. Currently, immigration attorneys report unprecedented levels of scrutiny, with many visa holders facing extended questioning and even overnight detention at US airports.

However, these challenges affect different visa categories differently. If you hold an H-1B, F-1, or Green Card, you should know that the US State Department has reduced visa interview waiver eligibility from 48 months to just 12 months. Additionally, if you stay outside the US for more than six months, you might face intensive screening upon return. This guide explains the essential steps to protect your immigration status and navigate the new travel landscape safely.

US Immigration Officials Implement Stricter Travel Scrutiny

Multiple US agencies have dramatically intensified border screening under the Trump administration, creating unprecedented challenges for international travelers. This security crackdown extends across all immigration categories, with tighter scrutiny at ports of entry and lengthy processing delays at US consulates worldwide.

How New Policies Affect Different Visa Categories

The most significant policy change affects the interview waiver program. Previously, visa holders could avoid in-person interviews if their visa expired within 48 months. Currently, this window has narrowed to just 12 months. Consequently, F-1 students transitioning to H-1B status must now attend a consular interview, as must H-1B workers whose visas expired more than a year ago.

Furthermore, immigration officials are subjecting applications to extended "administrative processing" with no clear explanation. As Snehal Batra, managing attorney at NPZ Law Group, notes: "We know of individuals stuck in administrative processing for no apparent reason other than additional scrutiny and security clearances".

H-1B and F-1 visa holders should prepare for:

• Detailed questioning by Customs officers
• Secondary inspections lasting over two hours
• Thorough examination of social media accounts and digital devices
• Potential re-adjudication of previously approved applications

Even after USCIS approves an H-1B visa, consular officers can refuse it and send the application back for re-evaluation, stranding applicants abroad for 4-6 months minimum.

Why Green Card Holders Face Unexpected Challenges

Green Card holders, particularly elderly travelers, face mounting pressure at ports of entry. Reports indicate Customs and Border Protection officers are increasingly urging permanent residents to voluntarily surrender their status by signing Form I-407.

Since Vice President JD Vance's statement that "a green card does not give an individual an indefinite right to stay in the United States," heightened concerns have spread among permanent residents. Legal experts warn that extended absences can trigger questions about abandonment of residency.

Customs officers are actively monitoring social media, email accounts, and electronic devices during immigration inspections. Any digital evidence suggesting employment or residence abroad could jeopardize permanent resident status.

For Green Card holders, stays exceeding six months outside the US typically trigger intensive questioning. Rather than offering voluntary withdrawal of admission applications, officers may issue a Notice to Appear in immigration court, putting permanent resident status at risk.

Immigration attorneys now strongly recommend that Green Card holders avoid non-essential international travel or consider applying for US citizenship before their next trip abroad.

What Documents Must US Study Visa Holders Prepare Before Travel

Preparing thorough documentation is essential for F-1 visa holders planning international travel, especially given the heightened scrutiny at US ports of entry. Careful preparation reduces the risk of denial when attempting to reenter the United States.

Essential Papers for F-1 Visa Holders

Every F-1 student must carry several critical documents when traveling abroad. First, ensure your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the US. Your Form I-20 must contain a valid travel signature from your designated school official, typically valid for one year for enrolled students. Moreover, bring your valid F-1 visa stamp, I-901 SEVIS fee receipt (printable from fmjfee.com), and recent transcripts showing continuous enrollment. Financial documentation demonstrating sufficient funds is likewise necessary—bring bank statements or stipend letters matching or exceeding the amount listed on your I-20.

Additional Documentation for OPT Participants

F-1 students on Optional Practical Training face stricter requirements and shorter validity periods. While standard documents remain necessary, OPT participants must also carry their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card and proof of employment directly related to their field of study. Unlike enrolled students, travel signatures on I-20 forms for OPT participants are valid for only six months. Additionally, employment verification documents should clearly show the employer name matching exactly what appears on page 2 of your I-20 form.

Digital Copies and Emergency Contacts

Above all, create digital backups of all travel documents. Store electronic copies in cloud storage and email them to yourself for easy access. In case of document loss or emergency, save crucial contact information—specifically the US Department of State's emergency numbers (1-888-407-4747 from the US/Canada or +1-202-501-4444 from overseas) and the nearest US embassy or consulate details. Upon return to the US, immediately download your new I-94 record to verify correct admission status (Class of Admission: F-1, Admit Until Date: D/S).

How Visa Stamping Delays Create Return Uncertainties

Recent policy changes at US consulates worldwide have significantly complicated return journeys for visa holders. Previously routine renewals now face extended delays, leaving many travelers stranded overseas for unpredictable periods.

Interview Waiver Changes Extend Processing Times

The US Department of State has drastically reduced the interview waiver eligibility window—commonly called "dropbox" applications—from 48 months to just 12 months. This policy shift forces significantly more applicants to schedule in-person interviews, creating extensive backlogs at consulates globally.

Most notably, this change affects:

• Students transitioning from F-1 to H-1B status (now require interviews)
• H-1B workers whose previous visa expired over 12 months ago
• Anyone changing visa categories, regardless of previous approval history

Legal experts from NPZ Law Group caution that even individuals with multiple previous visa approvals now face prolonged administrative processing without clear explanation. Applications flagged for "221(G) administrative processing" frequently stall for months with no guaranteed completion timeline.

Furthermore, consular officers now hold authority to refuse visas and return petitions to USCIS for re-adjudication—potentially leaving travelers stranded abroad for 4-6 months or longer.

Which Consulates Report Longest Processing Backlogs

According to State Department data, processing times vary dramatically between consular offices. Currently, three consulates—Abu Dhabi, Dhaka, and Accra—would take over two years to clear existing backlogs at current processing rates. Eight additional consulates report backlogs exceeding one year.

Unfortunately, consulates in African nations continue experiencing disproportionate delays compared to other regions. For instance, Nairobi reports 293 business days of backlog while Warsaw shows just 2 business days.

Due to these uncertainties, immigration attorneys strongly advise:

1. Scheduling visa appointments 4-6 months before planned travel
2. Checking alternative consulates with shorter wait times when possible
3. Developing contingency plans for potential delays
4. Avoiding unnecessary international travel, especially for visa holders nearing status transitions

The State Department acknowledges these challenges, noting that "although our processing capacity has rebounded faster than projected, demand remains at historically high levels in some countries."

When Should Green Card Holders Consider Citizenship Applications

Green Card holders increasingly consider fast-tracking citizenship applications as protection against tightening immigration enforcement. Currently, the naturalization process averages 5.5 months from submission to oath ceremony, making it a practical solution for those concerned about their residency status.

Elderly Travelers Face Heightened Surrender Pressure

Immigration attorneys report an alarming trend of elderly Green Card holders facing intensified scrutiny at US airports. Customs and Border Protection officers are increasingly pressuring permanent residents, particularly elderly Indians who spend winter months in their home country, to sign Form I-407 and voluntarily surrender their status. These individuals face secondary inspection, overnight detention, and even threats of removal if they resist.

Florida-based immigration attorney Ashwin Sharma notes: "CBP has targeted elderly Indian green card holders, particularly grandparents who spent longer outside the US, pressuring them to 'voluntarily' surrender their lawful permanent resident status". Legal experts emphasize that only an immigration judge can officially revoke Green Card status.

What Constitutes Abandonment of Permanent Residency

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Green Card holders absent from the US for over 180 days are considered seeking "re-admission" and may face grounds of inadmissibility. Nonetheless, simply staying outside the US for extended periods doesn't automatically constitute abandonment.

Several factors determine whether you've abandoned residency:

• Length of absence (particularly over one year without a re-entry permit)
• Intent when leaving
• Maintenance of US property or business ties
• Payment of US taxes
• Family connections in America
• Evidence of foreign employment or voting

To protect your status, maintain documentation showing US ties: property ownership, tax returns, employment records. Never surrender your Green Card under pressure—you retain the right to a hearing before an immigration judge.

For permanent residents planning frequent international travel, citizenship offers definitive protection. To qualify, you must: be at least 18 years old, maintain continuous residence for five years, demonstrate physical presence for at least 30 months during that period, and show good moral character.

Recent changes in US immigration policies demand careful planning for any international travel. Strict border screenings now affect all visa categories, particularly impacting H-1B workers, F-1 students, and Green Card holders. The reduced interview waiver window from 48 to 12 months has created significant processing delays at US consulates worldwide.

Permanent residents face additional challenges, especially elderly travelers who might experience pressure to surrender their status during extended stays abroad. These circumstances make thorough preparation essential before any overseas journey. Your documentation must prove strong US ties and justify any lengthy absences.

Smart travelers should evaluate their visa status carefully and consider long-term solutions. Green Card holders might benefit from pursuing citizenship, while visa holders need detailed travel documentation and backup plans for possible delays. Understanding these requirements helps protect your immigration status and ensures smoother border crossings during these uncertain times.

Highlights: US Gold Cards priced at $ 5 million each being issued daily

• The newly launched US Gold Card is priced at $ 5 million each.
•  The US Commerce Secretary reported around 1000 Gold Cards being sold in a day.
• The US Gold card launched by Trump offers permanent residency to foreign investors.
• The Gold Card will replace the old EB-5 Visa, which was a pathway to US citizenship via investment.

 

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US Gold Cards to raise economic gains of the country

According to recent reports by the US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the US issued around 1000 Gold Cards in a day, marking a major milestone. Each US Gold card offers US citizenship to foreign investors willing to invest a minimum of $5 million in the US.

With 1000 Gold Cards being sold at $5 million each, the US economy has had a major boost of around $5 billion, accounting for the first success of the programme. The country is aiming to sell one million cards to wealthy foreign investors which would mean an economic gain of around $5 trillion.

 

Read more…

USA plans to issue Gold cards and Green cards

 

Key benefits of the US Gold Card

The recently-launched US Gold Card offers the following benefits to the holders:

• Unlimited right of residence without any restrictions on living, working, or studying in the US
• A pathway towards US Citizenship, which Trump refers to as “privileges plus”
• Migrate to the US and live with your family
• No need for creating jobs, unlike the EB-5 visa
• More secure way of obtaining US citizenship

The US Gold Card has replaced the 35-year-old EB-5 program, which issued residency rights to investors willing to spend $1 million on a US business that could create at least 10 jobs. President Trump has characterized the EB-5 program as fraud and includes concerns over verifying the legal source of investment funds and has therefore replaced it with Gold Cards.

 

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Highlights: H-1 B Visa application changes applicable from March 20, 2025

• The USCIS has recently updated the requirements for H-1B Visa applicants.
• The new changes include the introduction of a new registration system for applications.
• The H-1B registration fee has been increased from $10 to $215 per entry.
• The new changes are applicable from March 20, 2025 onwards.

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USCIS revises H-1B visa application requirements

The USCIS has recently released updates on the US H-1B visa. Starting March 20, 2025, the USCIS will implement a new system that will replace the old application process. The registration fee has also been increased significantly under the new changes.

The new registration system is likely to be transparent and simplify the selection of H-1B applicants. The new system is aimed at implementing a more equitable selection process to ensure all candidates have equal opportunity to get the H-1B visa regardless of the number of employers applying on their behalf.

 

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Key changes to the H-1B application process

The following are the major changes made to the H-1B application process:

• New system for registration to reduce the power of large companies
• Registration fee increased from $10 to $215
• More efficient process of selecting candidates

The new changes are effective from March 20, 2025 onwards.

 

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Highlights: Indian embassies alert on scam calls from the US targeting Indians

• The Indian Embassy in the US has issued an advisory to Indians to be vigilant about fake calls from the US.
• Fraudulent calls from Embassy phone numbers have been reported by Indians recently.
• The fraudsters seem to be asking for personal details by falsely claiming mistakes in passports or visa applications.
• These calls also seem to threaten deportation or imprisonment, thereby forcing candidates to share their details.

 

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Advisory issued on scam calls from the US

On March 18, 2025, the Indian Embassy in the US had issued an advisory alerting Indians to stay away from fraudulent calls using fake Embassy phone numbers. These calls are aimed at extorting personal details in the name of correcting errors in visa application form or passports.

The fraudsters have been reported to be misusing these personal details and even ask for money by threatening them of imprisonment in the US or of deportation to India. The callers have been asking credit card details to correct details in immigration forms or visa application forms.

 

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What to do upon receiving fake calls?

The Embassy stated that “no officials from the Embassy make any telephone calls seeking personal information from any Indian or foreign nationals.” All conversations asking for additional information are always done through emails sent from e-mail addresses ending with “@mea.gov.in”.

Candidates receiving fake calls are advised to report them via mail at cons1.washington@mea.gov.in. Candidates can share the details of fraudsters by filling out a form and mailing it to cpers.washington@mea.gov.in with the subject line: Information on spoofed calls.

 

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Highlights: How to apply for a 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa?

• Candidates frequently traveling to the Schengen area can apply for the 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa.
• This visa will remove the requirement of applying for a Schengen visa every time the candidate is travelling.
• The 5-year multiple-entry visa allows you to visit 29 Schengen countries and stay there for up to 90 days.
• Candidates having multiple travel histories to the Schengen countries in the past three years can qualify for the visa.

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5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa

The 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa allows travelers from non-EU countries to visit any of the 29 countries for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. The visa is designed to make visiting Schengen easier for candidates with frequent travel histories to the Schengen countries.

The visa is valid for five years and allows multiple entries to Schengen countries, including Austria, Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, Greece, and Spain. The cost to apply for this visa is the same as a standard short-stay Schengen visa.
 

Who is eligible to apply for the 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa?

Although there are no specific eligibility criteria for the visa, you would be eligible to apply for the 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa if you:

• Have had a multiple-entry visa in the last 2 years
• Have been frequently visiting the Schengen area in recent years
• Demonstrate a requirement to travel to the Schengen area frequently

The application fee for a 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa is mentioned in the table below:

Type of applicant	Cost
Adults	€ 90
Children (6-12 years)	€ 45

How to apply for the 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa?

The steps to apply for the 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa are listed below:

Step 1: Fill out your details in the visa application form

Step 2: Select “multiple-entry” as the type of visa

Step 3: Arrange and upload all the documents required

Step 4: Include a cover letter and a long-term insurance policy

Step 5: Complete the fee payment

Step 6: Receive your Schengen visa

Note: Acquiring a five-year visa is not guaranteed and depends solely on your travel history.
 

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For more updates on Schengen news, follow the Y-Axis Schengen news page!

Highlights: US in need of 1.3 million AI professionals by 2027

• Recent stats report that India might have around 2.3 million AI job vacancies by 2027.
• The demand for skilled AI professionals is expected to reach around 1.3 million in the US.
• The number of AI job vacancies in Germany by 2027 would be around 219,000.
• Studies by Bain and Company expect India’s AI talent pool to grow by 1.2 million by 2027.

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AI Job Openings across countries by 2027

According to recent reports by Bain and Company, India is projected to face an AI talent shortage due to huge job vacancies worldwide. While there will be around 2.3 million AI job vacancies by 2027, India’s AI talent pool is expected to grow to around 1.2 million by that year.

 

The table below provides details of the number of AI job openings expected by 2027:

Country	No. of AI job Openings expected
US	1.3 Million
Germany	2,19,000
Australia	60,000

 

Opportunity for Indian youth to conquer the global AI Market

The Partner and Leader in Bain and Company’s AI, Insights, and Solutions practice in India stated that “India has a unique opportunity to position itself as a global AI talent hub.” The Bain Study has reported that although AI jobs have increased by 21% every year since 2019, Indian youth have not kept up with the growing demand, which has created a talent shortage among skilled professionals.

 

Leader Saikat Banerjee opined that the challenge and opportunity for Indian youth lie in upskilling and reskilling their talent base with the help of emerging technology tools. He also stated that Indian companies would need to think beyond traditional hiring approaches and prioritize an innovation-driven ecosystem.

 

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For more updates on Schengen news, follow the Y-Axis Immigration News page!

 

Highlights: Canada PGWP rules eased as field of study requirement removed for college graduates

• IRCC has recently announced to remove the field-of-study requirement for PGWP applicants.
• The new move is expected to help universities in recruiting international students in Canada.
• The updated requirement will be applicable to Canadian Universities, too.
• International graduates in Canada meeting the language requirements would be eligible for PGWP.

 

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Revised Rules for Canada PGWP Applicants in 2025

In a recent announcement, IRCC has stated that international student graduates in 2025 are no longer required to meet field-of-study requirement to be eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This requirement was already there for college graduates in 2024 but now it has been extended to Canadian universities too.

International Graduates in Canada will be eligible to apply for Canada PGWP after completing their bachelors or master’s program if they meet language requirements. This new move is expected to help Universities and colleges in Canada attract and retain more number of foreign talents in the country.

 

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How to apply for Canada PGWP?

The steps to apply for Canada PGWP are listed below:

Step 1: Check if you are eligible to apply

Step 2: Gather all documents, including language proficiency test results

Step 3: Fill out the visa application form

Step 4: Wait for the visa to be processed

Step 5: Start working in Canada

 

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Also read…

Canada offers Study Permit exemption for apprentices in 20+ Occupations. Check if you qualify!

 

Highlights: New Brunswick introduces two enhanced PNP pathways for Canada PR applicants

• The New Brunswick PNP has launched two new pathways under which eligible newcomers can apply for Canada PR.
• The new pathways are named Employment in New Brunswick Pathway and New Brunswick Interests Pathway.
• Both pathways are aligned with the federal Express Entry program.
• Eligible newcomers can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to NBPNP from March 05, 2025, onwards.

 

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New PR Pathways under New Brunswick PNP

The provincial government of New Brunswick has introduced two new PNP pathways for newcomers seeking Canada PR. Following its launch on March 05, 2025, candidates can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) under the two new pathways, which are listed below:

• The Employment in New Brunswick Pathway
• The New Brunswick Interests Pathway

The province is accepting applications for the above-mentioned Express Entry aligned pathway. However, certain specific occupations are to be excluded while considering invitations. Selected candidates will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for provincial nomination and eventually apply for Canada PR.

 

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Who is eligible to receive an invitation for provincial nomination under these streams?

Each stream has different eligibility criteria. Candidates meeting the eligibility criteria for each stream can get an invitation for provincial nomination.

The table below provides an overview of the eligibility criteria for the two new streams:

Pathway	Who is eligible for nomination?
Employment in New Brunswick	Must have lived in New Brunswick for the past 1 year consecutively along with having full-time employment under a New Brunswick employer
New Brunswick Interests Pathway	Must have received a Letter of Interest from ImmigrationNB in their Express Entry Profile and must have a minimum  full-time(or equivalent part-time) work experience of 1 year in the last 10 years

 

Additionally, the candidate must meet the general eligibility criteria mentioned below:

• Must be aged between 19 and 55 years
• Must have scored at least 67 points on the New Brunswick Express Entry grid
• Must have a valid Express Entry profile
• Must have minimum language proficiency of CLB/NCLC 7 in all language abilities
• Must have enough funds as per the minimum requirement specified by IRCC
• Must have completed high school diploma or equivalent education
• Must be willing to live and work in New Brunswick permanently
• Must have a job offer listed under NOC 0,1,2, or 3

 

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Which occupations are excluded from being invited under these pathways?

The table below lists the occupations that are excluded from being considered for NBPNP pathways are listed below:

Job Title	NOC Code
Accounting technicians and bookkeepers	12200
Administrative assistants	13110
Bakers	63202
Cooks	63200
Food service supervisors	62020
Restaurant and food service managers	60030
Retail and wholesale trade managers	60020
Retail sales supervisors	62010

 

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For more updates on Canada Immigration news, follow the Y-Axis Canada Immigration News!

Highlights: Canada offering study permit exemptions for apprentice programs in 20+ occupations

• IRCC is now allowing some temporary foreign workers to enrol in apprenticeship programs without study permit.
• Foreign construction workers would need a valid work permit and a job offer in relevant occupation.
• The applicant must also have an apprenticeship agreement for the work mentioned in the job offer.
• Occupations like construction managers, electrical mechanics and industrial electricians are eligible.

 

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Canada Study Permit Exemption for Apprentices

On March 07, 2025, IRCC stated that some temporary foreign workers associated with the construction industry would be eligible for apprentice programs in Canada without requiring a Canadian study permit. Candidates would be eligible if they meet the following criteria:

• Must have a valid work permit
• Must have a valid job offer in an eligible construction job role
• Must have an agreement of apprenticeship with an employer

The apprenticeship agreement has to be registered with the relevant territorial or provincial authority, and the foreign worker must meet the eligibility criteria at all times.

Note: IRCC has also announced that this temporary policy would remain effective till February 26, 2027.

 

Which occupations qualify for study permit exemption?

The following construction occupations are eligible for the new study permit exemption:

NOC Code	Occupation
72320	Bricklayers
72311	Cabinetmakers
72310	Carpenters
22300	Civil engineering technologists and technicians
21300	Civil engineers
73100	Concrete finishers
22303	Construction estimators
70010	Construction managers
72400	Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
72422	Electrical mechanics
72200	Electricians (except industrial and power system)
73113	Floor covering installers
72402	Heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning mechanics
72401	Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
70011	Home building and renovation managers
72201	Industrial electricians
73112	Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)
72300	Plumbers
73110	Roofers and shinglers
72102	Sheet metal workers
72501	Water well drillers
72106	Welders and related machine operators

 

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How to apply for the apprentice program?

The steps to apply for the apprenticeship program without requiring a study permit are listed below:

Step 1: Submit a request including “Apprenticeship 25-27” in the explanation box

Step 2: Wait for a letter of authorization

Step 3: Fly to Canada upon successful application

The letter of authorization issued to successful applicants would be valid till the expiry of the work permit and the expiry or revocation of the public policy.

 

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