Visitor Visas
Information and updates on short-term U.S. visitor visas including B-1/B-2 business and tourist visas, ESTA visa waiver program, and Schengen travel visas.
Dubai Couple Denied US Tourist Visa Under 214(b) Despite Strong Travel
Despite strong travel and UAE employment, a Dubai-based Indian couple was denied a U.S. B2 visa under Section 214(b). Officers prioritized ties, intent, credibility, and past refusals over travel history.…
Two-Minute 214(b) Denial: Lessons from a Kerala B1/B2 Case
A Kerala software developer’s B1/B2 visa was denied under Section 214(b) after she omitted a Seychelles trip on…
Korean Executives Admit Abuse of B-1/B-2 Visa Amid Hyundai-LG Raid
On September 4, 2025, U.S. authorities detained about 475 people at the Hyundai-LG Ellabell construction site for alleged…
US Increases ESTA Fee to $40, Effective Sept 30, 2025 Under H.R. 1
Starting September 30, 2025, ESTA will cost $40 (from $21) under H.R. 1; apply before that date to…
Why CNMI Grants Visa Waivers to Chinese Nationals, Not the U.S. Mainland
The CNMI’s 2025 local visa waiver lets Chinese nationals enter CNMI with Form I-736 for short stays up…
Slovakia Resumes Tourist Visa Issuance for Russians Amid EU Policy Shifts
Slovakia resumed tourist Schengen visa processing for Russian citizens on August 28, 2025, via the consulate and BLS.…
US tourist visa denial for Indian woman earning Rs 16 lakh: what went wrong
In August 2025 a young Mumbai tech professional earning Rs 16 lakh was denied a US B1/B2 visa…
ESTA fee to rise to $40 in U.S. starting September 30, 2025
CBP set the ESTA fee increase to $40 effective September 30, 2025. Applications approved before that date remain…
Argentina Waives Visa For Indians Holding Valid U.S. Tourist Visas
Argentina’s Resolution 353/25 allows Indian citizens with valid U.S. tourist visas to enter for tourism without an Argentine…
Romania removed from U.S. Visa Waiver Program; B-1/B-2 required
DHS rescinded Romania’s VWP status on May 2, 2025; ESTA approvals are void. Romanian citizens must apply for…