🇮🇳 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