Apple Pay launched in India on September 30, 2026, bringing Apple’s payment service to eligible cardholders. At launch, it supports Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards, with access across iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. Apple has announced that Mac support will follow. The launch gives supported users another way to pay at participating stores, in apps and online. The initial rollout is limited to eligible A

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has designated a Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) in Amaravati for Andhra Pradesh. Two Gazette notifications dated September 22, 2026, remove the state from the earlier jurisdiction entry and assign it to the “Foreigners Regional Registration Officer, Amaravati.” The change gives Andhra Pradesh a dedicated regional authority for foreigner registration and related immigration matters.

India has warned its nationals against using Malaysia’s 30-day visa-free entry facility to seek jobs, stressing that the arrangement is limited to tourism and social visits and does not permit any form of employment. The High Commission of India in Kuala Lumpur issued the advisory after observing a noticeable increase in Indians entering Malaysia under the visa-free scheme while intending to look for work. Accordin

A new US immigration rule expanding how officers assess whether certain immigrants could become a “public charge” takes effect on September 18, 2026. The change is expected to bring wider scrutiny to some green card applications, including adjustment-of-status cases submitted through Form I-485. The Department of Homeland Security has rescinded the 2022 public-charge regulations and returned to a broader case-by-case assessment. Under the revised approach,

A US federal judge temporarily halted new visa rules that would limit how long international students and foreign journalists can remain in the country. US Judge Blocks New Visa Limits for Students, Journalists A US federal judge has postponed the implementation of a Trump administration policy imposing stricter time limits on foreign students and journalists studying or working in the United States.

The Trump administration has proposed eliminating the 60-day grace period that allows certain temporary visa holders, including H-1B workers, to remain in the United States after losing their jobs while they seek another employer or prepare to leave the country. The planned change was published by the Department of Homeland Security in the Federal Register, according to Reuters. If finalised, it could require affected workers to leave the country when their authorised employment end

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals in India. It marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the deity of wisdom, prosperity and new beginnings. He is worshipped as Vighnaharta, the remover of obstacles, and Prathamesh, the deity honoured before beginning any important work. In 2026, Ganesh Chaturthi will be observed on Monday, September 14. The festival begins with Ganesh Sthapana and continues for different durations according to family and regional traditio

Xi Jinping’s anticipated India visit could improve political relations, but businesses remain cautious amid investment and trade barriers. Chinese President Xi Jinping’s anticipated visit to New Delhi for the BRICS summit could strengthen the recent diplomatic thaw between India and China, although significant obstacles continue to restrict business ties between the Asian neighbours. Xi is widely expected to atte

The US Labor Department announced from Washington that Cognizant’s new PERM filings had been suspended. The report was published at 3:24 AM IST on September 9 as officials investigated alleged fraud involving employment-based immigration programmes. US Suspends Cognizant PERM Filings During Investigation The United States has suspended Cognizant’s new permanent labor certification filings amid an investigation into a

Uzbekistan announced visa-free stays of up to 30 days for Indian citizens. The implementation date and detailed entry rules are still awaited, so travellers should verify requirements before departure. Uzbekistan has announced a 30-day visa-free entry facility for Indian passport holders, opening the way for easier tourism, business travel and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. Uzbek President

Trump administration pauses visa appointments worldwide The Trump administration has paused visa appointments for applicants around the world as U.S. embassies and consulates begin a global training initiative for consular officers. A U.S. State Department spokesperson said visa-service appointments would be adjusted to accommodate the training. The department did not provide a detailed timeline or specify how long the disruptions could last at individual diploma

The US Department of Homeland Security has proposed an additional $103,265 fee for each H-1B cap-subject petition. If finalised, the charge would be paid in addition to existing filing and statutory fees, significantly increasing employer sponsorship costs. The proposal does not target any one nationality. However, Indian professionals could be disproportionately affected because they form a major share of H-1B beneficiaries, particularly in technology and other specialised occupati

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is preparing an important filing change for international students, exchange visitors and other nonimmigrants, with revised editions of Form I-539 and Form I-765 becoming mandatory from September 15, 2026. USCIS says it will publish the 09/15/26 editions of Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, and Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, on that date. Older editions filed on or after September 15 will be

Marco Rubio says over 600 visas were revoked in a month amid a US crackdown on birth tourism, while his “citizenship is not for sale” remark triggered debate over Trump’s Gold Card. Rubio Says US Citizenship Is Not For Sale Amid Visa Crackdown US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said American citizenship is “not for sale” while announcing an intensified crackdown on birth tourism networks. According to Rubio, more than 600 visa

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says international students whose study visas expire without permanent residency should return home, amid protests over PGWP and immigration rules. Canada Student Visa Warning From Alberta Premier Danielle Smith Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has said international students who enter Canada on temporary study permits should leave the country when