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Highlights: Greece Issues Over 609,000 Visas in 2024

• Greece received 710,024 Schengen visa applications in 2024, ranking fifth among all Schengen states.
• 609,612 visas were approved, indicating a strong approval rate of approximately 86%.
• 41,418 applications came from Indian nationals, making up 5.8% of Greece’s total visa volume.
• Turkish citizens topped the list of applicants, followed by nationals from Russia and China.
• Approval rates for Australia, Canada, and Singapore exceeded 99%, reflecting Greece’s openness to global visitors.
   

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Greece Records High Schengen Visa Approvals in 2024

Greece has emerged as one of the most visa-friendly Schengen destinations in 2024, recording an impressive 86% approval rate out of 710,024 visa applications submitted by third-country nationals. With over 609,000 visas issued, Greece now ranks among the top five Schengen countries for total applications received. Countries such as Australia, Canada, and Singapore led with exceptional approval rates of over 99%, underscoring Greece’s openness and efficient processing for applicants from select regions.
 

While approval rates were generally high, the data also highlighted notable variations by nationality. Applicants from Pakistan faced an approval rate of 30.5%, while those from Congo (33.88%) and Nigeria (37%) also experienced comparatively higher rejection rates. For Indian travellers, who accounted for 41,418 applications, Greece remains a promising gateway to the Schengen Area, provided documentation is complete and aligned with consular expectations.
 

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Germany’s Citizenship Surge STUNS the World — 46% Jump in 2024!
 

List of Countries with the Highest and Lowest Applications to Greece

In 2024, Greece processed over 710,000 Schengen visa applications from third-country nationals, marking it as one of the top Schengen destinations. While countries like Turkey and India submitted a high volume of applications, others had much lower figures.
 

The table below has complete details of the top 10 countries that applied for Schengen visas in 2024:

Country	Total Applications	% of Total Applications
Turkey	2,96,377	41.70%
Russia	69,690	9.80%
China	43,702	6.10%
India	41,418	5.80%
Saudi Arabia	18,108	2.50%
Pakistan	11,123	1.60%
Palestine	4,590	0.60%
Iran	3,846	0.50%
Congo	2,844	0.40%
Nigeria	2,562	0.30%

 

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F1 visa interviews have resumed in the United States with significantly stricter screening procedures than before. Currently, more than one million international students are studying abroad in the USA, and this policy change affects all prospective students seeking to join them. The F-1 student visa, a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to enter the US and study at institutions certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), now requires additional scrutiny for all applicants.
 

Perhaps the most notable change is the mandatory social media screening requirement. Additionally, all F, M, and J visa applicants, regardless of prior visa history, must now provide their social media identifiers and set their accounts to public for review. US consular officers will check these profiles for signs of hostility toward the United States, its government, culture, institutions, or founding values. 


However, applicants should be aware that refusing to make social media accounts public could be interpreted as an attempt to hide certain activity and may result in visa rejection. This article examines the resumed interview process, new screening requirements, and how prospective students can best prepare for their F1 visa interview.

 

US resumes F-1 visa interviews after temporary pause

The U.S. State Department officially ended its temporary freeze on student visa interviews on June 18, 2025, when it instructed all diplomatic posts worldwide to resume scheduling appointments for F, M, and J visa applicants. This announcement concluded a nearly four-week suspension that began on May 27, 2025, during which no new student visa interview slots were added.
 

The original pause was implemented to allow consular offices time to prepare for an expansion of required social media screening procedures. Notably, the timing of this suspension caused significant concern among international students and universities, as it occurred during the critical May-August period when approximately 70% of all U.S. student visas are typically issued.
 

Throughout the suspension, previously scheduled visa interviews were still conducted, though some cancelations were reported. Several students did manage to receive visas during this period, as the freeze specifically affected only the scheduling of new appointments.
 

Consequently, the interruption created a substantial backlog of applications, particularly affecting students planning to begin their studies in the fall 2025 semester. The State Department has indicated that while processing will "go pretty quickly" once fully resumed, the system now faces the challenge of making up for lost time.
 

Furthermore, the enhanced screening procedures will apply to both new and returning visa applicants. Posts have been instructed to "consider overall scheduling volume and the resource demands of appropriate vetting," suggesting that fewer F, M, and J visa cases might be processed than previously.
 

Meanwhile, many U.S. universities have begun developing contingency plans for affected students, including options for deferred enrollment, remote classes for the first semester, or enhanced support services. For applicants still awaiting interviews, maintaining updated documentation remains essential to act quickly when appointments become available.
 

The resumed interview process represents a balancing act between national security concerns and maintaining America's position as a leading destination for international education, which contributed approximately ₹3,695.86 billion to the U.S. economy during the 2023-2024 academic year.

 

US mandates public social media profiles for visa applicants

In a significant policy shift announced on June 19, 2025, the State Department now requires all F, M, and J visa applicants to adjust their social media privacy settings to "public" for vetting purposes. According to the State Department, this measure facilitates "comprehensive and thorough vetting" of all student and exchange visitor visa applicants.
 

As part of this enhanced screening process, consular officers will examine applicants' "entire online presence". Officers are specifically instructed to identify applicants who demonstrate hostility toward American citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles. Moreover, they will screen for individuals who support designated terrorists or perpetrate antisemitic harassment or violence.
 

The mandate covers major international platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, Reddit, Tumblr, Pinterest, as well as regional platforms like Douban, VKontakte, and Youku. Applicants must list all usernames or handles used across these platforms during the past five years on their DS-160 visa application forms.
 

Essentially, keeping social media accounts private could be interpreted as an attempt to "evade or hide certain activity". The State Department explicitly warns that "refusing access to social media could be seen as an attempt to hide online behavior or evade screening". This could serve as grounds for immediate visa denial, regardless of whether other application documents are complete.
 

In fact, consular officers are instructed to take "detailed case notes" including screenshots for additional review. The State Department emphasized that "every visa adjudication is a national security decision", further noting that this enhanced vetting ensures proper screening of everyone attempting to visit the country.
 

This policy builds upon a 2019 requirement where visa applicants had to provide social media identifiers but did not necessarily need to make their accounts public. Under current guidelines, applicants must also disclose multiple accounts on the same platform and inactive accounts used within the five-year timeframe.
 

How students can prepare for the new F-1 visa interview process

Preparing thoroughly for an F1 visa interview remains essential, especially with the new social media screening requirements. First and foremost, applicants should gather all required documents, including a valid passport (valid for at least six months beyond your stay), DS-160 confirmation page, interview appointment letter, SEVIS fee receipt, and Form I-20 from your university. Supporting documents should demonstrate your academic qualifications, financial capability, and ties to your home country.
 

For the mandatory social media review, applicants should adjust all social media profiles to "public" status without deleting content, as sudden changes might raise suspicion. Indeed, leaving profiles private "could be construed as an effort to evade or hide certain activity." List all social media handles used in the past five years on your DS-160 form, including inactive accounts. Importantly, do not create new accounts or delete existing ones immediately before your interview.
 

Financial documentation must clearly show how you'll cover approximately $18,000-$24,000 for your education. Subsequently, prepare a detailed resume following the format requested by US consulates, including personal information, educational background, work experience, and travel itinerary.
 

Practice answering common questions about your study plans, university choice, academic capability, financial status, and post-graduation plans. Likewise, be ready to explain why you chose the US over your home country and how your degree connects to your future career goals. Mock interviews can provide valuable feedback—some platforms report a "94% success rate" for applicants who practice beforehand.
 

On interview day, arrive early, dress professionally, and speak confidently in English. Hence, remember that consular officers make decisions within "the first minute of the interview," so first impressions matter greatly. Above all, demonstrate strong ties to your home country and clear intentions to return after completing your studies.
 

The Outlook

The landscape for international students seeking to study in the United States has fundamentally changed. Undoubtedly, the newly implemented social media screening requirements represent one of the most significant shifts in F1 visa policy in recent years. Students must accordingly adapt to these changes, especially the mandate for public social media profiles that allow consular officers to examine their online presence thoroughly.
 

During the temporary pause, many prospective students faced uncertainty about their academic futures. Nevertheless, the resumption of interviews brings renewed hope, albeit with stricter vetting procedures. Consequently, applicants now navigate a more complex process than before, one that examines not just their academic qualifications but also their digital footprints.
 

Social media scrutiny stands as perhaps the most noteworthy aspect of these changes. Consular officers specifically look for signs of hostility toward American values or support for designated terrorist organizations. Therefore, students must understand that their online presence could significantly impact their visa eligibility.
 

Financial documentation and strong ties to home countries remain crucial elements of successful applications. Additionally, proper preparation for interview questions about study plans and post-graduation intentions helps demonstrate genuine student status. The visa interview process thus serves dual purposes: evaluating legitimate educational intent while also functioning as a national security screening mechanism.
 

American universities have responded to these challenges by developing contingency plans for affected students. However, the responsibility ultimately falls on applicants to ensure complete compliance with all requirements. Last but certainly not least, prospective students should remember that despite these heightened measures, the United States continues to value international education, which contributes billions to the economy annually.
 

Students who approach this process with transparency, thorough preparation, and honest intentions will certainly find their path to studying in America challenging but still achievable. The enhanced screening procedures, though demanding, aim to maintain America's position as a premier destination for international education while addressing security concerns. These changes, rather than discouraging legitimate students, should reassure them that their eventual academic experience will take place in a carefully secured environment.

Highlights: College Board Announced New SAT Test Dates Revealed for 2025–26

• The College Board has announced three SAT test dates for spring 2025 along with the respective registration deadlines.
• Candidates may submit late registration or test date change requests up to four days after the standard deadline, subject to applicable fees.
• A total of eight SAT examinations are scheduled across the 2025–26 academic cycle, offering candidates multiple testing opportunities.
• The SAT will continue in its digital format, with an adaptive structure lasting 2 hours and 14 minutes.
• Students preparing for the exam can access six full-length digital practice tests through the Bluebook app and Khan Academy’s official SAT resources, free of charge.
   

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Plan Ahead: SAT 2025 Exam Schedule & Registration Deadlines You Must Know

With the growing importance of standardized tests in global university admissions, the College Board’s announcement of spring 2025 SAT dates offers clarity for students planning their international education journey. Timely registration is key to securing your preferred test centre and date, especially as the SAT continues in its digital-first format.

Below is a snapshot of important dates and deadlines for the spring 2025 SAT cycle:

Test Date	Registration Deadline	Late Registration Deadline
March 8, 2025	February 21, 2025	February 25, 2025
May 3, 2025	April 18, 2025	April 22, 2025
June 7, 2025	May 22, 2025	May 26, 2025

 

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SAT Success Schedule: Full Exam Dates for 2025–26 Admissions

If you're planning to apply to top global universities in the upcoming admission cycles, staying on top of test dates is essential. The College Board has confirmed SAT exam dates for both fall 2025 and spring 2026, giving Indian students ample time to plan multiple attempts or choose testing windows that align with application deadlines.

Here is a complete list of the SAT test dates along with the intake:

S.no	Test Date	Season
1	August 23, 2025	Fall 2025
2	September 13, 2025	Fall 2025
3	October 4, 2025	Fall 2025
4	November 8, 2025	Fall 2025
5	December 6, 2025	Fall 2025
6	March 14, 2026	Spring 2026
7	May 2, 2026	Spring 2026
8	June 6, 2026	Spring 2026

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Highlights: UAE Expands Golden Visa Eligibility for Top Graduates in Key Fields

• The UAE has broadened its Golden Visa programme, now offering 10-year renewable residency to high-achieving university graduates.
• To qualify, applicants must hold a degree in strategic fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, software, electrical, or molecular engineering.
• Degrees must be obtained from either a top-100 global university or a UAE-accredited institution, with a minimum GPA of 3.5.
• The same academic benchmarks apply to PhD holders, doctors, and specialised engineers in high-priority sectors.
• While final-year students can prepare their documentation in advance, a conferred degree is mandatory at the time of application.
   

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Who Qualifies in the Education Category for the UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE's Golden Visa for graduates is designed to attract top global talent by awarding long-term residency to high-performing students in essential disciplines.
 

To qualify in the education category for the UAE Golden visa, you must meet the following criteria:
 

• Targeted Fields Only: Eligibility is limited to degrees in nine strategic subjects, including artificial intelligence, big data, epidemiology, virology, computer, electrical, software, and biotechnology, as well as molecular and genetic engineering
• Academic Excellence Required: Applicants must hold at least a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale from their degree programme.
• Top-Ranked Institutions: Graduates must be from top-100 global universities, verified as per recognised rankings.
   

*Also, read…

UAE launches digital work permit system for faster hiring of overseas talent
 

Recognised Excellence: Top 10 Global Universities for UAE Golden Visa Eligibility

To maintain the highest standards for long-term residency, the UAE Golden Visa education category accepts degrees only from institutions ranked among the world’s top universities. These rankings are based on established metrics like academic reputation, global research impact, and graduate employability. Graduating from a globally recognised institution not only enhances your career prospects but also directly qualifies you for a 10-year Golden Visa, provided your GPA and field of study meet the criteria.
 

Below is a list of 10 world-renowned universities frequently ranked in the global top 100 and considered eligible under the UAE’s Golden Visa framework:

Rank	University Name	Country
1	Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	United States
2	Stanford University	United States
3	Harvard University	United States
4	University of Cambridge	United Kingdom
5	University of Oxford	United Kingdom
6	California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	United States
7	ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology	Switzerland
8	National University of Singapore (NUS)	Singapore
9	Imperial College London	United Kingdom
10	University of Chicago	United States

 

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Highlights: Germany Grants Citizenship to Nearly 292,000 in 2024 — Driven by 46% Year-on-Year Growth

• Germany naturalised 291,955 individuals in 2024, marking a 46% increase over 2023 and the highest on record.
• Syrians topped the list with 83,150 new citizens, followed by nationals from Turkey, Iraq, Russia, and Afghanistan.
• New reforms reduced residency requirements from 8 to 5 years, with a 3-year fast-track for highly integrated applicants.
• Dual citizenship is now allowed, enabling many to retain their original nationality.
• Average naturalisation time decreased, with Syrians averaging 7.4 years, well below the national average of 11.8 years.
   

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Faster Pathways and Dual Citizenship: Germany’s Reforms Open New Doors

Germany’s recent citizenship reforms mark a significant shift in the country’s immigration landscape. Effective from June 27, 2024, the revised rules have reduced the standard residency requirement from eight to five years, with an even faster three-year pathway available for individuals who demonstrate exceptional integration, such as language proficiency or civic participation.
 

One of the most impactful changes is the introduction of dual citizenship, now permitted for the first time on a broader scale. This move allows many long-term residents, especially from countries like Turkey and potentially India to retain their original nationality while gaining full rights in Germany.
 

Also, read…

Germany Grants Citizenship to 291,000+ in 2024
 

Who Gained German Citizenship in 2024? A Look at the Top 5 Nationalities

Germany’s record-breaking naturalisation figures in 2024 highlight how recent policy reforms have widened access to citizenship for long-term residents. The country granted citizenship to nearly 292,000 individuals, with significant increases seen among nationals from Syria, Turkey, Iraq, Russia, and Afghanistan.
 

The table below has details of the top nationalities that gained German citizenship last year, in 2024:

Nationality	Number of Naturalisations	% of Naturalisations
Syrian	83,150	28%
Turkish	22,525	8%
Iraqi	13,545	5%
Russian	12,980	4%
Afghan	10,085	3%

 

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