[6] Essential Immigration Stories for Professionals

Media monitoring of Indian print media reveals six major immigration developments today, spanning US visa crackdowns, terror probes, and global education policy shifts. This press review and print media monitoring intelligence delivers news on immigration through media intelligence, according to Press Monitor's tracking of Indian publications.

1. Cognizant PERM Filings Suspended by US

A front-page report in Financial Express says the US has suspended fresh PERM filings by IT services major Cognizant amid an investigation into alleged fraud and abuse of the country's worker immigration programme. Inspector General Anthony D'Esosito announced the action on Tuesday night, suspending green-card applications for Cognizant and cloud software company Cloudera. The development could have wider implications for the technology sector, as the investigation may expand to other IT services companies and Big Tech firms relying on Indian-origin employees through the H-1B visa programme. Cognizant's permanent labour certification filings have been suspended by the US Department of Labour, marking a significant escalation in the Trump administration's campaign against alleged visa fraud. Inspector General Anthony D'Esposito announced the suspension, which also covers cloud software company Cloudera. Why it matters: The move could have wider implications for the technology sector, as the investigation may expand to other IT services companies and Big Tech firms relying on Indian-origin employees through the H-1B visa programme. Key detail: The suspension affects green-card applications and permanent labour certification, the first step for acquiring a green card. Source: Financial Express, Delhi, 10 September 2026. Next step: Watch for whether the investigation expands to other IT services companies.

2. NIA Clarifies Charges Against Seven Foreigners

A front-page report in Morning Standard says the National Investigation Agency clarified on Wednesday that terrorism-related charges have not been dropped against seven foreigners, including a US national and six Ukrainians, and that the probe under the anti-terror law is continuing. The agency filed the chargesheet on September 8 before the accused completed one hundred eighty days in judicial custody, and the chargesheet invoked the Immigration and Foreigners Act but did not include provisions under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. The accused were arrested at airports in Kolkata, Delhi, and Lucknow and are alleged to have plotted terrorist activities using drones from Europe. The National Investigation Agency has clarified that terrorism-related charges have not been dropped against seven foreigners, including a US national and six Ukrainians. The agency filed the chargesheet on September 8, invoking the Immigration and Foreigners Act. Why it matters: The accused were arrested at airports in Kolkata, Delhi, and Lucknow and are alleged to have plotted terrorist activities using drones from Europe, raising concerns about cross-border security. Key detail: The chargesheet did not include provisions under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, but the UAPA probe continues. Source: Morning Standard, New Delhi, 10 September 2026. Next step: Monitor the judicial custody timeline and further investigation developments.

3. Pakistan Orders Expulsion of Afghan Students

A front-page report in Indian Express says Pakistan has ordered medical institutions to expel enrolled Afghan students and halt fresh admissions amid deteriorating bilateral ties. The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council issued the directive barring placement and admission during the current academic session, while the Foreign Office clarified that individuals with valid travel documents may still seek visa extensions under existing rules. This measure applies exclusively to Afghan nationals following recent diplomatic tensions between Islamabad and Kabul. Pakistan has ordered medical institutions to expel enrolled Afghan students and halt fresh admissions amid deteriorating bilateral ties. Why it matters: The directive from the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council affects Afghan nationals' access to medical education and could deepen the humanitarian and diplomatic crisis. Key detail: Individuals with valid travel documents may still seek visa extensions under existing rules. Source: Indian Express, Delhi, 10 September 2026. Next step: Monitor how affected students and institutions respond to the directive.

4. Canada Raises Study Permit Costs

A front-page report in Millennium Post says that Canada has raised the financial requirement for international study permits to C$23,448, up from C$22,895, effective September 1, 2026. The changes introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will increase the cost burden on international students. Students enrolling in programmes lasting more than one year must also explain how they will finance the remaining period of their studies. Canada has raised the financial requirement for international study permits to C$23,448, up from C$22,895, effective September 1, 2026. Why it matters: The increase adds to the cost burden on international students and may influence study destination choices for Indian students. Key detail: Students enrolling in programmes lasting more than one year must also explain how they will finance the remaining period of their studies. Source: Millennium Post, Delhi, 10 September 2026. Next step: Prospective students should factor in the increased financial requirements when planning applications.

5. Australia Halts Graduate Diploma Enrolments

A front-page report in Millennium Post says Australia has halted new enrolments of international students in the Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) course effective October 5, 2026. Assistant Minister for International Education Julian Hill announced the decision, marking the first use of new government powers to cancel or suspend the registration of a specific course for international students under reforms passed in November 2025. Australia has halted new enrolments of international students in the Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) course effective October 5, 2026. Why it matters: The decision marks the first use of new government powers to cancel or suspend the registration of a specific course for international students, signalling a shift in Australia's education immigration policy. Key detail: Assistant Minister for International Education Julian Hill announced the decision under reforms passed in November 2025. Source: Millennium Post, Delhi, 10 September 2026. Next step: Affected students should explore alternative courses or destinations for their studies.

6. Thailand Cuts Visa-Free Stay for Indian Tourists

A front-page report in Free Press Journal says a Nigerian woman named Gift Okoh was deported from India through Mumbai International Airport after officials found she had no valid passport or visa. The woman had allegedly been staying illegally within the Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissionerate limits. Police received confidential information about her illegal stay, and the Foreigners Regional Registration Office confirmed she had no valid documents. Thailand will cut the visa-free stay period for Indian tourists from 60 to 30 days, effective from 15 September. Why it matters: The change affects Indian passport holders and tourists from 59 nations, potentially impacting travel plans and tourism flows between the two countries. Key detail: The Indian Embassy in Thailand issued an advisory citing a Thai Interior Ministry note. Source: Free Press Journal, Mumbai, 10 September 2026. Next step: Travellers should plan ahead and consider visa options before the deadline.

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