“New Government Visa Rules Explained: Big Changes for Travelers & Students in 2025”

🇮🇳 1. 

India’s Immigration & Foreigners Bill, 2025

• Passed by Lok Sabha on March 27 and Rajya Sabha on April 2, 2025, this new law repeals older acts (Passport Entry, Registration of Foreigners, etc.) and consolidates immigration into one framework  .
• Key provisions:
  
  • Mandatory visa + passport for all foreign entries and exits.
  • Creation of a central Bureau of Immigration, which controls visa issuance, entry/exit, transit, and internal movement.
  • On-arrival registration at designated posts and stricter monitoring of foreign stays  .

This marks India’s most sweeping overhaul of immigration law in nearly a century.

🇺🇸 2. 

U.S. Visa Policy: Increased Scrutiny and Cost for Indian Applicants

Interview waiver restrictions:

• From September 2, 2025, most nonimmigrant visa applicants—including Indians—will no longer qualify for interview waivers, except for select categories (e.g. diplomatic visas, renewals within 12 months under strict conditions)  .
• Even eligible renewals must comply with criteria and remain subject to officer discretion.

Processing & fee changes:

• Enhanced digital screening from June 18, 2025 includes analysis of applicants’ social media and online activity.
• This has resulted in appointment bottlenecks and processing delays in India, especially for student visas, with added diplomatic pressure to resolve the backlog  .
• Additionally, Indian applicants now face higher visa application and integrity fees, raising costs to approximately USD 425–473 depending on category  .

🇬🇧 3. 

India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Visa Facilitation

• Finalized May 6, 2025, the India–UK FTA enhances mobility for professionals—contractual service suppliers, intra-corporate transferees, independent professionals (e.g. yoga instructors, musicians, chefs), business visitors, and investors.
• Introduces simplified visa processes and temporary social security exemptions, benefiting many Indian professionals working in the UK  .

🌍 4. 

Visa Policy Developments Internationally

• Relaunch of visa services for Afghan nationals: India’s visa portal now includes a ‘New AFGHAN Visa’ module under six categories, prioritizing medical travel on a case-by-case basis  .
• Reduction in India-issued medical visas for Bangladeshi nationals: Citing embassy staffing and security concerns, India sharply decreased visas for Bangladeshis, a shift noted by neighboring countries and observers  .
• Increased visa-free access for Indian passport holders: As of July 2025, Indians can travel to 59 countries without prior visa—boosting India’s global passport ranking from 85th to 77th  .

✍️ 5. 

Institutional Visa Policies

• JNU now requires FRRO registration for all international students (including Nepalese) staying beyond 180 days, aligning with national immigration policy starting in academic year 2025–26  .

📌 Implications & What You Should Know

For Indians applying to the 

U.S.

:

• Expect mandatory in-person interviews post-September 2, 2025, even for renewals.
• Prepare for longer processing times, especially for student visas due to new vetting protocols.
• Budget accordingly: total costs now range from USD 425–473 in addition to standard fees.

For Indians applying to the 

UK

:

• Under the new FTA, many can enjoy easier, streamlined access with waived social security obligations for short-term stays.

For visiting or residing in 

India

:

• Every foreigner now must hold a valid visa + passport, register on arrival if staying over 180 days, under the new Immigration Bill.
• Institutional norms like FRRO registration for students are becoming more stringent.
• 
  
  📋 Summary Table
  
  Region / Program
  Policy Change
  Effective Date
  Impact on Indian Applicants
  India – Immigration Bill
  Central Bureau, registration
  Passed Mar–Apr 2025
  Full enforcement of visa/passport regimes
  U.S. visas
  Interview waiver restrictions
  From Sept 2, 2025
  In-person interviews for most applicants
  U.S. screening
  Online activity vetting
  Since June 18, 2025
  Student visa delays, extra scrutiny
  Visa fees (U.S.)
  Higher combined fee
  Mid‑2025
  Application costs up to USD 473
  India–UK FTA
  Easier work visitor access
  Signed May 6, 2025
  Greater mobility, social security exemptions
  FRRO student rule
  Mandatory registration
  Academic year 2025–26
  Applies even for Nepalese students at JNU
  Afghan visa module
  Medical category prioritised