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

Canada and the United Kingdom emerged as dependable alternatives for Indian students seeking overseas education, especially as uncertainty around US work visas grew. Clear post-study work routes, predictable immigration rules, and relatively stable visa approval trends helped both countries attract hundreds of thousands of Indian students. However, policy changes in 2025 are reshaping that confidence and forcing students and families to reassess long-held assumptions about studying abroad.

The United States has paused the Diversity Visa Lottery, commonly known as the green card lottery, marking a significant shift in its immigration landscape at a time of heightened scrutiny over legal migration pathways. The decision, announced under the direction of the administration led by Donald Trump, has added to the uncertainty already surrounding work and study visas, particularly the H-1B pr

The Occupational English Test, widely known as OET, has become one of the most recognised English-language examinations for healthcare professionals aiming to work, study or qualify in English-speaking countries. Designed specifically for the medical and health sectors, the test evaluates candidates on the type of language skills they will need in real clinical environments rather than in general communication. Managed by the Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment Trust, a collaboration betwee

The National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK has entered a strategic partnership with the International Consultants for Education and Fairs, a long-established organisation known for its global expertise in international education services. The collaboration is intended to address growing concerns around transparency, accountability, and ethical standards in the student recruitment process, particularly for Indian students who form one of the world’s largest cohorts of outbound learners

The path to studying or working abroad, once viewed as a clear and achievable journey, is becoming increasingly complicated as major economies introduce tighter immigration and visa rules. Countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Canada, and Australia have each rolled out new policies in the past two years that collectively raise costs, elevate salary requirements, and reduce the number of visas available for international students and skilled professionals. For many,

Thousands of Indian students studying in the United States are facing growing uncertainty over their post-graduation career prospects as new immigration policies and enforcement actions threaten the stability of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) and H-1B visa systems. The OPT program has long served as a bridge for international students transitioning from study to work, but recent developments suggest that this once-reliable path may soon become more complex and costly. The anx

When families move from India to another country, one of the challenges parents face is keeping their child’s vaccination schedule on track. Different countries follow different immunization guidelines, and this can sometimes lead to vaccine gaps. For NRI parents, understanding how to bridge these gaps is important for ensuring their child’s health and meeting the requirements of schools, daycares, and local healthcare systems. In India, the vaccination schedule is more

For many NRI families, international travel is a regular part of life. Whether it’s visiting relatives in India, exploring new destinations, or moving between countries for work, travel brings both opportunities and responsibilities. One area that often raises questions is vaccination, especially when it comes to vaccines that are not part of the standard childhood immunization schedule. Yellow fever and a few other rare vaccines fall into this category, and understanding when they are

When it comes to raising children abroad, NRI parents often face unique challenges regarding vaccinations. One of the most common questions is whether the BCG vaccine, which protects against tuberculosis (TB), is necessary for children born outside India. Understanding the importance of this vaccine and its relevance in different countries can help parents make informed decisions. The BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guérin) vaccine is routinely given to newborns in India and many other

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has become a crucial tool in preventing HPV-related cancers, including cervical cancer, throat cancer, and other cancers caused by the virus. For Indian teens living abroad, understanding the HPV vaccine guidelines in their respective countries is important to ensure they are fully protected. Although the HPV vaccine is not a routine part of India’s vaccination schedule, it is strongly recommended for teens worldwide, particularly for those who are

For Indian families living abroad, ensuring children receive the right vaccinations is one of the most important aspects of healthcare. While India has its own immunization schedule, moving to another country often means adapting to new guidelines and adding vaccines that may not be common back home. Having a complete vaccination checklist helps parents stay organized and ensures their child is protected no matter where they grow up. The foundation of any vaccination plan starts wit

For NRI parents, ensuring their child’s health is a top priority, especially when living in a different country with new healthcare guidelines. Vaccinations play a crucial role in protecting children from preventable diseases, but the schedule and types of vaccines may vary depending on where you live. Understanding which vaccines are essential helps parents make informed decisions and ensures their children remain healthy, no matter where they are growing up. The first and mo

For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), celebrating kids’ birthdays is a special way to stay connected to cultural roots while creating lasting memories abroad. However, with rising costs in many countries, parents often look for creative ways to make the day joyful without overspending. The good news is that birthdays don’t need to be lavish to be memorable. With some planning and thought, NRIs can host beautiful celebrations on a budget. One of the most effective ways to save

For thousands of Indian students pursuing higher education in the United States, the transition from graduation to a full-time career often revolves around two crucial pathways: Green Card sponsorship and OPT (Optional Practical Training) extension. Both options allow students to continue their journey in the U.S., but each comes with unique benefits, limitations, and long-term implications. Understanding these differences is e

According to the latest data shared by the Bureau of Immigration (BoI) in the Lok Sabha, more than 7.6 lakh Indian students traveled abroad for higher studies in 2024. This marks a slight decline from the 8.95 lakh students who went overseas in 2023, but the overall numbers remain significantly higher than previous years, reflecting the growing demand for overseas education among Indian youth. Year-Wise Tren

The Republic of Uzbekistan has announced an exciting opportunity for Indian students through five fully funded scholarships for the 2025–26 academic year. These scholarships are for postgraduate studies at the Silk Road International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage, located in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. This university is renowned for its focus on tourism, cultural heritage, and related disciplines, making it a prime destination for students passi

A tragic loss has struck the Indian student community abroad. Tanya Tyagi, a young student from Delhi studying at the University of Calgary, Canada, passed away on June 17, 2025, under unclear circumstances. The news was confirmed by the Consulate General of India in Vancouver via a social media post. The cause of Tanya's sudden death has not been disclosed, and no official explanation has been released by author

  Where you live in the United States can still strongly determine how long you live, according to a comprehensive study by researchers at Yale. Despite remarkable medical and technological advances over the last century, several U.S. states, particularly in the South, have seen almost no progress in life expectancy—especially among women. This revelation comes from an extensive analysis of death data from 179 million people born between 1900 and 2000, shedding light on how geo

A groundbreaking study has revealed that exposure to phthalates chemicals commonly used to make plastics flexible may have played a major role in over 356,000 cardiovascular-related deaths globally in 2018. The research, conducted by a team at New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine, places a spotlight on a widespread environmental health hazard linked to one of the world’s leading causes of death. According to the study, nearly 13.5% of cardiovascular deaths in ind