Applications for the H-1B visa program for skilled non-immigrant workers have dropped sharply this year, with immigration experts estimating a decline of nearly 50 percent compared with the previous year. The fall in filings follows significant changes to the US immigration framework that have altered the dynamics of employer participation in the work visa program. Experts say the decline is linked largely to policy adjustments that introduced a steep increase in registration costs

In a groundbreaking move, US-based SaaS company RevenueCat has announced that it is hiring an AI agent directly, offering a salary of up to Rs 55 lakh. This new "Agentic AI Developer Advocate" role aims to leverage AI to perform tasks traditionally handled by humans, such as creating content, running growth experiments, and providing actionable product feedback. RevenueCat, which recently raised $50 million in Series-C funding, has made it clear that this position is not a replaceme

In a recent post on X, Harsh Goenka, the Chairman of RPG Enterprises, warned that artificial intelligence (AI) could replace entire professions by 2033, raising concerns about the future job market and the types of careers that will thrive in an AI-driven world. His predictions highlight a shift in the workforce, where automation and AI technologies are expected to displace jobs across various sectors, including transportation, healthcare, law, and creative fields. These changes are set to oc

​BEIJING — China used its most-watched television event, the annual CCTV Spring Festival gala, to showcase the country’s accelerating ambitions in artificial intelligence, humanoids, and advanced manufacturing, underscoring Beijing’s broader industrial strategy. Four emerging humanoid robotics companies — Unitree, Galbot, Noetix, and MagicLab — presented their latest machines during the high-profile broadcast, an event often compared in cultural impact to the Super Bowl in the Un

The large-scale immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota is set to conclude, according to border czar Tom Homan. Speaking at a press briefing, Homan confirmed that he had proposed ending the intensified operation and that the decision had been approved. A significant drawdown of federal personnel has already begun and is expected to continue over the next week, signaling the gradual end of the enhanced enforcement effort in the state. While the surge operation is ending in Minnesota

Microsoft’s head of artificial intelligence, Mustafa Suleyman, has triggered intense debate after warning that artificial intelligence could replace most white-collar jobs in the near future. Speaking about the accelerating pace of technological change, Suleyman said automation will not be limited to coders or IT professionals, but could extend to lawyers, accountants, project managers, marketers and other knowledge workers who spend most of their time working on computers. According to him, t

Major US technology companies are increasingly turning to the H-1B visa programme to recruit skilled foreign professionals as they accelerate investments in artificial intelligence and related digital infrastructure. New data show that a large share of visa petitions filed by leading firms are tied directly to AI-driven roles, underscoring how access to global talent has become central to their long-term strategy. An analysis of labour condition applications indicates that more than

US First Lady Melania Trump issued a rare public political statement as protests intensified across Minnesota following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal border patrol agents. Speaking amid growing unrest in Minneapolis, Melania Trump called for unity and urged demonstrators to express their anger through peaceful means as tensions surrounding federal immigration enforcement continued to rise. In an interview with Fox News, the First Lady emphasized the need for calm and

A public school district north of Minneapolis has reported that federal immigration enforcement actions in recent weeks have resulted in the detention of four enrolled students, including a 5-year-old child, prompting concern among educators, families, and community members. Zena Stenvik, superintendent of Columbia Heights Public Schools, said during a Wednesday news conference that the in

The United States has begun implementing a new visa facilitation programme known as FIFA Pass as part of its preparations for hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The initiative is designed to help international football fans secure visa interview appointments more quickly as demand for travel to the tournament is expected to surge in the months leading up to kickoff. According to US officials, FIFA Pass is intended to reduce long wait times for non-immigrant visas by prioritising inter

Indian passport holders are facing new travel restrictions in 2026 despite an improvement in the passport’s global ranking. India’s passport rose from 85th in 2025 to 80th in the Henley Passport Index for 2026, reflecting enhanced global mobility. However, the number of countries Indian citizens can visit without a prior visa has decreased from 57 to 55. This reduction is due to updated entry rules in two countries that previously offered visa-free or visa-on-arrival access: Iran and Bolivia

Applications for the EB-1A employment-based immigrant visa, commonly known as the Einstein visa, have increased sharply as long backlogs continue to affect the broader US immigration system. The EB-1A category, which allows individuals with extraordinary ability to self-petition for permanent residency without employer sponsorship, has attracted growing interest from professionals seeking a faster path to a green card amid delays in other visa routes. The surge comes at a time when

The United States State Department is preparing to pause visa processing for applicants from approximately 75 countries beginning January 21, according to an internal departmental directive. The measure instructs consular officers to deny visa applications under existing immigration law while the department conducts a broad reassessment of screening and vetting standards. The pause is described as indefinite, with only very limited exceptions expected during the review period. The c

Australia has moved India into its highest-risk category for student visa applicants, a decision that will result in stricter scrutiny and longer processing timelines for thousands of prospective students. The change, implemented under Australia’s Simplified Student Visa Framework, takes effect from January 8, 2026, and represents an out-of-cycle reclassification driven by concerns over emerging integrity risks in the student visa system. Under the revised framework, India has bee

India on Friday said it was concerned about the fatal shooting in Minneapolis, citing the presence of a large Indian community in the United States and the broader implications of the incident. The reaction came amid growing scrutiny of immigration enforcement practices in the US following the death of a woman during a federal operation. Responding to questions on the incident, the Ministry of External Affairs said India was closely following developments related to the Minneapolis

Federal immigration authorities arrested more than 280 immigrants across Ohio during a multi-day enforcement operation conducted in mid-December, according to officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The arrests took place between Dec. 16 and Dec. 21 as part of what officials described as a targeted effort known as Operation Buckeye, which focused on Columbus and other parts of the state. The announcement of the arrests came amid growing public attention and protests

New Jersey political leaders are weighing in after a fatal shooting involving an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer that has triggered protests and intensified national debate over federal enforcement practices. The incident, which occurred Wednesday, resulted in the death of a Minnesota resident and has drawn sharp reactions from elected officials across party lines. According to video footage captured at the scene, ICE officers approached a sport utility vehicle that was