Visas And Passports

More in Visas and Passports

• Canada curtails its start-up visa program, less than a 1000 applications will be accepted this year

  From April 30, Canada has capped the number of permanent residence applications that will be accepted for processing each year, to those associated with no more than 10 startups per designated organisation. According to a release issued by the Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the reason behind this move is to reduce the backlog and improve processing times of the applications filed.

  

• DuDigital's subsidiary bags contract with Korean Embassy in India for document verification services

  The agreement outlines that DuVerify will deliver comprehensive document verification services to the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in India. This collaboration highlights DuVerify LLC-FZ's commitment to upholding document integrity and ensuring the authenticity of essential documents. By entering into this partnership, DuVerify further cements its position as a reliable provider of top-tier verification solutions.

  

• US puts high priority on student visas; don't see numbers going backwards in our lifetime: Envoy

  "He did! It is the first time, I think in American history that a President has told an ambassador -- get those visas waiting time down. It is all because, we have Indian friends, they want to see their family members and colleagues, or business partners," the envoy said.Garcetti said there are a lot of Americans rooting for shorter wait times here.

  

• India can speak about its own visa policy: US on Australian journalist's claim on visa denial

  "Broadly, we have been clear with countries around the world about the integral role that a free press plays in the fabric of democracy. That is why we come up here and take questions regularly. But I will let the officials in India speak to the specific," Patel told reporters at a news conference.

  

• EU introduces new Schengen visa rules for Indian travellers; industry welcomes the move

  New Schengen Visa Rules for Indians: Effective from 18th April 2024, the European Commission has introduced specific regulations governing the issuance of multiple-entry visas to Indian nationals. These rules, part of the newly implemented visa 'cascade' regime, offer easier access to visas with extended validity for travellers with an established travel history residing in India. The travel and tourism industry in India welcomed the move and applaued the initiatve take to ease Schengen visa process for Indian travellers.

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• UK begins eVisa rollout with plan to replace immigration documents by 2025

  The Home Office has started the process by sending emails to holders of physical immigration documents, known as biometric residence permits (BRPs), inviting them to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to access their eVisa. This phased approach will gradually extend to all BRP holders by summer 2024.

  

• Sri Lanka introduces revamped e-visa system

  As part of this initiative, the Sri Lankan Immigration department has collaborated with IVS Global Institute and GBS Technology Service to introduce the new e-visa system, replacing the existing ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) method. This transition is geared towards enhancing efficiency and convenience, offering travellers a smoother journey from application to approval.

  

• Visa fees for international artists to tour in the US shot up 250 per cent in April. It could be devastating

  Artists, advocacy groups and immigration lawyers are concerned it could have devastating effects on emerging talent worldwide and local music economies in the U.S. WHAT ARE THE COSTS? If you're a musician from outside of the United States hoping to perform stateside and you filed visa paperwork before April 1, the cost per application was USD 460.

  

• Indians travelling to South America transiting via Istanbul airport will now require "Electronic Airport Transit Visa"

  "The Embassy of the Republic of Turkiye announces that Turkish authorities has commenced requiring the "Electronic Airport Transit Visa" (e-ATV) for Indian & Nepalese passport holders traveling to Mexico, Panama, Colombia and Venezuela, transiting via the Istanbul Airport," it stated. Moreover, the statement further read that Indian and Nepalese passport holders, subjected to the requirement of e-ATV, can get their e-ATV via the website "evisa.gov.tr" starting from April 15, free of charge as per the current practice.

  

• Schengen visa delays hit summer vacation travel plans for Europe

  While post-Covid revenge travel, especially to international destinations, continues to hit the roof, getting the Schengen visa has become a problem—especially for certain countries. Travel agents say that people who have been rejected or have not found an opening to apply, are forced to lie about their destinations and sometimes go via the Scandinavian countries where slots tend to be more available.

  

• Italy introduces digital nomad visa for remote workers

  The visa requires applicants to be 'highly skilled' remote workers, defined as those who can work remotely using advanced technological tools. Applicants must earn a minimum annual salary of EUR 28,000, have a college degree or professional license, and demonstrate six months of relevant work experience. The final decision on family permits lies with Italy's police headquarters. Italy's move to introduce this visa aims to attract high-income foreign workers.