In an attempt to put the Philippines on the map as a hub for remote work, President Ferdinand “Bonbon” Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order 86 in April, endorsing the issue of digital nomadic visas (DNV) to remote workers. Under this scheme, digital nomads can work in the Philippines for up to one year. Imagine swapping a traditional 9-5 for a more fulfilling work day in the midst of sea breezes and heavy-duty cliffs on the Philippine islands. Does it sound like a big-bodied dream? Well, there's no more. Combine work and play with the Philippine digital nomad visa and explore the archipelago's national culture, local cuisine and stunning scenery. Applicants should also not be employed domestically, not a threat to internal or external security in the Philippines. The Philippines' digital Nomad visa was released in late June. The cost of a visa depends on its type: single entry (3 month validity): USD65 (RS5,503), multiple entries (6 month validity): USD105 (RS8,890), multiple entries (1 year validity): USD145 (RS12,275). The following documents are required for the Philippine digital nomad visa: Proof of remote work using digital technology, proof of sufficient income generated outside the Philippines, proof of no criminal history, and health insurance valid for the duration of DNV. – Khushi Dewan
US to introduce new visa integrity fees of $250
Visiting the US is likely to be significantly more expensive thanks to the increased visa fees for the new US. Congressman has approved a large new visa fee that will soon be applied to a large number of tourists entering the United States. As part of one of the Trump administration's big, beautiful bill laws signed into law on July 4th, US visitors who require non-immigrant visas will be charged a new $250 (RS21,539) “visa integrity fee.” Fees apply to student visas, work visas and other special visas (F-1 and F-2 student visas). J-1 and J-2 replacement visas. Temporary Work Visas for H1-B and H-4, and other employment and visitor categories. A $250 payment will be charged in addition to other US visa fees. This means that visitors must pay along with other interrelationship fees, anti-treat fees, and application fees for “machine-readable visas” (MRV). For Indian citizens, this additional fee will bring the average visa cost around $473 (Rs40,785). Those applying for a Business and Tourism (B1 and B2 categories) visitor visa will be charged a total fee of approximately $425 (Rs36,690). Visa Integrity fees cannot be exempt or reduced. According to Envoy Global, the Department of Homeland Security could potentially refund visitors if they fully comply with the terms of their visa, by quickly departing the United States when the Visa permit period ends and extends their status as a non-immigrant or changes their status to a legal permanent resident. Indian tourists are not exempt from this fee. So far, no fee start dates have been officially announced. However, it may take effect at the start of a new fiscal year in the US. The date is October 1st, 2025. – Jessica Puckett
Social Media Review is currently part of the US Student Visa Application
Following a sharp escalation of digital review norms implemented by US authorities, foreigners applying to the US for student and exchange visitor visas are being required to make their social media accounts public. This directive applies to applicants for non-immigrant visas in the F, M and J categories, including students, trainees, researchers and interns. As of June 23, 2025, all applicants in the F, M, or J Visa category must set their social media accounts to “public” so that US consuls can access and evaluate their online presence. In addition to this, applicants must list all social media handles or usernames used in their DS-160 Visa applications over the past five years. Consuls reviewing social media profiles have been instructed to flag content that could raise national security concerns or to demonstrate potential acceptability. This includes posts or affiliations deemed hostile to the United States, support for extremists or terrorist groups, violent, anti-Semitic, or threatening behavior. You may be publicly posted, commented, liked, or even scrutinized with certain online groups. Applicants are advised not to delete old posts or disable their account just before applying, as this could be interpreted as an attempt to hide information. Maintaining consistent usernames across the platform is also encouraged to avoid confusion and doubt. Although past use of private accounts may not be penalised, current privacy settings must be publicly available to comply with this requirement. Content that could be perceived as inflammatory or politically recharged can complicate the application process, even if it was not originally intended to raise the red flag. – Karina Acharya
Slovenia will be releasing digital nomadic visas in November
