Cross-border payments — the ability to send and receive money between countries — are emerging as one of the most important fintech trends heading into 2026. For millions of NRIs, global businesses, and families managing finances across borders, this shift could significantly change how money moves internationally.

Why Cross-Border Payments Matter More Than Ever

Today, NRIs regularly transfer money for:

• Family support and living expenses>
• Property maintenance and investments in India
• Medical, elderly care, and education expenses
• Business transactions and remote work income

However, international payments are still often slow, costly, and complex, relying on legacy banking systems built decades ago.

What’s Changing Now

Fintech innovation is reshaping cross-border payments by making them:

• Faster – moving from days to near real-time transfers
• More transparent – clearer exchange rates and fee visibility
• More accessible – easier digital experiences through apps and platforms

Countries and financial institutions are also working toward interoperable payment systems, allowing domestic payment networks to connect seamlessly across borders.

Why 2026 Is a Turning Point

Industry experts believe 2026 will mark a major transition as:

• Global trade, remote work, and international mobility continue to grow
• NRIs demand smoother financial connections with India
• Fintech platforms replace traditional intermediaries with smarter infrastructure

Instead of being a separate banking task, cross-border payments are becoming an embedded service — built directly into platforms that handle property management, healthcare coordination, travel, and family support.

What This Means for NRIs

For NRIs, this evolution promises:

• Easier and quicker money transfers to India
• Reduced dependency on complex bank procedures
• Better integration between payments and essential services

Looking Ahead

Cross-border payments are no longer just about transferring money — they are becoming the financial backbone of global living. As technology, regulation, and user expectations align, 2026 is expected to unlock a new era of faster, simpler, and more reliable international transactions.

The Indian rupee has slipped below ₹90 against the US dollar, prompting NRIs to reassess their remittance plans. A weaker rupee increases the rupee value of overseas earnings, making fund transfers to India more attractive for expenses, investments, and family support.

Experts suggest NRIs evaluate their financial goals, currency volatility, and timing needs before transferring large sums. While the current exchange rate offers better conversion benefits, staggered remittances may help manage risks from further fluctuations.

Impact for NRIs

This development is particularly relevant for NRIs planning property purchases, fixed deposits, loan repayments, or regular remittances, as higher exchange rates can improve overall value.

Washington, D.C., November 2025:

The latest U.S. Visa Bulletin for November 2025 has revealed very limited movement in both employment-based and family-based green card categories for Indian applicants. As reported by The Economic Times, this stagnation highlights the ongoing backlog that continues to affect thousands of NRIs and aspiring immigrants.

Severe Delays Across Employment & Family Categories

Indian applicants across key categories—such as EB-2 (Advanced Degree Professionals) and EB-3 (Skilled Workers)—have seen no significant forward progression in priority dates. Family-based segments, particularly FB-2B, also remain largely unchanged.

The prolonged wait times, which in some cases stretch over a decade, reflect systemic processing delays and high demand for U.S. permanent residency among Indian nationals.

Rising Concerns Within the NRI Community

The persistent backlog is creating uncertainties for:

• NRIs living in the U.S. on temporary work visas
• Families undergoing long-term immigration processes
• Skilled professionals planning to study, work, or settle abroad
• Employers dependent on Indian talent for critical roles

Many individuals continue to face restrictions related to job changes, international travel, and long-term stability due to their temporary visa status.

Impact on Long-Term Plans

Immigration experts note that the lack of meaningful movement in the Visa Bulletin may further:

• Delay family reunification
• Limit career opportunities for temporary visa holders
• Push skilled talent to explore other countries with faster residency pathways
• Increase pressure on U.S. lawmakers for immigration reform

Outlook

With no significant improvements in sight, the green card backlog remains a major concern for the Indian diaspora. The NRI community continues to advocate for policy changes including increased visa caps, streamlined processing, and country-specific quota reforms.

New Delhi:

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, enabling new voters, students, NRIs, and migrants to register smoothly ahead of upcoming elections. The process aims to ensure maximum voter inclusion by simplifying enrollment procedures and strengthening verification mechanisms at the ground level.

Who Can Enroll During SIR?

The Special Intensive Revision allows the following groups to apply for inclusion in the electoral roll:

• First-time voters (18+ years)
• College students living in hostels or outside their home constituency
• NRIs (Non-Resident Indians)
• Internal migrants who have shifted cities or states
• Citizens who changed residence recently

How to Apply: Forms & Methods

Eligible citizens can register using the following forms:

• Form 6 – For new voters residing in India
• Form 6A – For NRIs applying from abroad

Applications can be submitted through:

• ECI’s online portal: NVSP (National Voters’ Service Portal)
• Voter Helpline Mobile App
• Offline submission at designated electoral offices

Verification by BLOs

Once an application is filed:

• The Booth Level Officer (BLO) visits the applicant’s residence or contacts them for verification
• Documents such as proof of age, ID, and current residence proof are checked
• After successful verification, the application is forwarded to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO)

Final Approval by ERO

The ERO reviews and processes all verified applications. Upon approval, the applicant’s name is added to the updated electoral roll, ensuring their eligibility to vote in upcoming elections.

Why SIR Matters

The Special Intensive Revision plays a crucial role in:

• Improving voter turnout
• Ensuring accuracy of electoral rolls
• Facilitating inclusion of youth, NRIs, and migrating populations
• Strengthening the democratic process ahead of national and state elections

Citizens Urged to Register Early

The Election Commission urges all eligible individuals to apply early during the SIR window to avoid last-minute rush and ensure seamless processing of applications.

What's new

• MCC has opened the Reset Registration link for Round 1 of NEET PG 2025 counselling. Candidates can register afresh or correct earlier details until 10:00 AM on 5 November 2025.
• For candidates applying under the NRI quota, strict guidelines and documentation timelines have been issued. The submission window for NRI-status documents is from 10:00 AM on 25 October to 12:00 Noon on 28 October 2025.
• Key documents required for NRI eligibility include: NEET PG admit card & scorecard; proof of NRI status of parent/relative (valid passport + visa/residence permit/work permit or OCI/PIO card); NRI certificate issued by Indian Embassy/Consulate; certificate of relationship between the NRI sponsor and candidate; notarised affidavit from the sponsor confirming payment of course and living expenses; candidate’s 10th & 12th mark sheets + passing certificates; birth certificate.
• Key documents required for NRI eligibility include: NEET PG admit card & scorecard; proof of NRI status of parent/relative (valid passport + visa/residence permit/work permit or OCI/PIO card); NRI certificate issued by Indian Embassy/Consulate; certificate of relationship between the NRI sponsor and candidate; notarised affidavit from the sponsor confirming payment of course and living expenses; candidate’s 10th & 12th mark sheets + passing certificates; birth certificate.
• Only documents sent as a single email to the dedicated email (nri.adgmemcc1@gmail.com) within the stipulated period will be eligible.
• MCC also emphasises that only certificates issued by Indian Embassy/Consulate will be accepted for NRI certificate.

Why it matters for NRIs

• If you are an NRI candidate or a child of NRIs seeking PG medical seats in India, these updates directly affect your eligibility and timeline.
• The “reset” registration gives you a second chance to correct any errors or missing details from earlier registration — a helpful window if you faced issues.
• The NRI documentation rules are stricter and time-bound — so missing the deadline or submitting incomplete/inadequate proof may disqualify you from the NRI quota seats.
• Since the overall counselling schedule (seat allotment, choice filling etc.) is still pending, preparing your documents now is wise so you can move quickly when the schedule goes live.

Immediate action checklist for you

1. Gather all required documents well in advance: admit card, scorecard, passport/visa, OCI/PIO (if relevant), family-tree/relationship certificate, affidavit + NRE bank passbook (for sponsor) etc.
2. Gather all required documents well in advance: admit card, scorecard, passport/visa, OCI/PIO (if relevant), family-tree/relationship certificate, affidavit + NRE bank passbook (for sponsor) etc.
3. Access the MCC portal (mcc.nic.in) go to “PG Medical Counselling 2025” “Candidate Activity” “Reset Registration / NRI Documents” and keep refreshing for notifications.
4. Complete any corrections or re-registration by 10:00 AM, 5 Nov 2025.
5. If applying under NRI quota, submit your documents by 12:00 Noon, 28 Oct 2025 — missing it could mean you lose eligibility for NRI seats.
6. Stay alert for the full round-wise counselling schedule (choices, locking, seat allotment, reporting) which is yet to be announced.
7. Consider seeking professional assistance or advisory support (which your platform NRI Service Desk can offer) for verifying your NRI-status chain, affidavit drafting, and sponsor verification.

India’s Property Registration Goes Digital The Registration Bill 2025 replaces the 117-year-old Registration Act, 1908, introducing a fully digital property registration system across India. NRIs can now register property, sign documents, and receive digital registration certificates online—eliminating the need for physical visits, Power of Attorney (PoA), or middlemen. The digital system promises tamper-proof records, greater transparency, reduced encroachments, and smoother title transfers.

Expanded Document Coverage & Faster Approvals

• Mandatory digital registration for more documents, including sale agreements, PoA, sale certificates, and mortgage agreements.
• Integrated land/property records enable instant title verification and history checks.
• Faster verification accelerates home loan and financing approvals.

Convenience, Security & Grievance Redressal

• OTP-based verification for NRIs.
• Centralized grievance redressal and easier consulate integration for PoA validation.
• Aadhaar-based verification (optional, with alternatives for non-Aadhaar holders).
• Quick escalation of disputes or fraud to an appellate tribunal.

These measures make property transactions more secure, transparent, and NRI-friendly.

Impact on NRI Investments

The Bill is expected to boost investor confidence, create new real estate opportunities, and attract more NRI investments. However, challenges remain in bridging India’s digital divide, ensuring data privacy, and achieving smooth statewide adoption.

Summary

The Registration Bill 2025 marks a major shift in India’s property market, empowering NRIs with secure, accessible, and efficient property management—anytime, anywhere.

Made-in-India messaging app Arattai, developed by Zoho, has surged to the No. 1 spot on India’s App Store after a 100× jump in daily sign-ups. Registrations grew from about 3,000 to over 350,000 within just three days, reflecting strong demand for a secure, home-grown alternative to global platforms.

Arattai offers chat, media sharing, voice/video calls, multi-device use, and channels, with more features being fast-tracked for release by November. The app has also received public backing from Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who called it a secure and easy-to-use Indian platform.

With its rapid adoption, Arattai is emerging as a strong contender in India’s digital communication space, especially appealing to those seeking a reliable, Made-in-India solution.

What NRIs Should Know

• Download & register: Arattai is available on major app stores and supports international mobile numbers.
• Secure messaging: End-to-end encryption for text messages is still being implemented, so exercise caution for sensitive info.
• Multi-device access: Use the app on multiple devices, making it convenient for NRIs staying in touch with family in India.

IDFC FIRST Bank has introduced a new feature that allows NRI customers in 12 countries to make real-time UPI payments using their international mobile numbers—without requiring an Indian SIM card or paying transaction fees.

Scope & Availability

The service is available to NRIs in Australia, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, UAE, UK, and the US. Transactions can be made through NRE/NRO accounts via the bank’s app or any UPI-enabled platform.

Convenience & Compliance

• Send/receive money using UPI IDs, QR codes, or mobile numbers.
• Available only on KYC-compliant accounts, under RBI and FEMA regulations.
• Transactions subject to AML and compliance checks for security.

Impact for NRIs

This move eliminates the need for NRIs to maintain an Indian SIM card, reducing costs and simplifying bill payments and fund transfers from abroad. It also places IDFC FIRST Bank alongside peers like ICICI, HDFC, Axis, and Federal Bank in delivering NRI-friendly digital banking solutions.

By enabling UPI on international numbers, IDFC FIRST Bank strengthens its digital-first strategy, making financial transactions for NRIs faster, easier, and more accessible worldwide.

In a major step toward empowering Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to invest in India with ease, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has announced the upcoming launch of remote digital KYC (Know Your Customer) access. This initiative aims to simplify compliance, speed up investor onboarding, and make India’s capital markets more accessible to global participants.

Digital KYC – Coming Soon for NRIs

SEBI, in collaboration with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), is developing a fully digital KYC process that eliminates the need for physical presence in India. Through secure online authentication and digital documentation, NRIs will soon be able to verify their identity and open investment accounts remotely.

“Establishing easy and secure KYC access for NRIs is an urgent goal. We want to ensure market entry is smooth, safe, and transparent,”
— Tuhin Kanta Pandey, SEBI Chairman, at the Capital Market Confluence 2025.
The initiative is currently in the testing and pilot phase and will be rolled out in stages.

What This Means for NRIs

• No more physical verification or document submission in India.
• Secure remote onboarding through authorized digital platforms.
• Simplified access to Indian stock markets via registered intermediaries.
• Biometric and Aadhaar-based verification for stronger security and fraud prevention.

Part of a Broader Market Reform

SEBI’s move is part of a larger modernization effort that includes:
• Single-window Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) registration
• Faster approval timelines for investors
• Lighter compliance norms for eligible FPIs
• Enhanced cybersecurity and disaster recovery frameworks

Why It Matters

• NRIs have long faced hurdles due to lengthy KYC procedures and physical documentation needs.
• The new system is expected to boost foreign portfolio inflows and make India’s capital markets more inclusive.
• It aligns with India’s digital-first financial ecosystem vision, promoting efficiency, transparency, and investor confidence.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued final guidance clarifying who must pay the newly introduced $100,000 supplemental fee linked to H 1B visa petitions. The rule applies to filings submitted on or after 12:01 a.m. EDT, September 21, 2025, under President Trump’s September 19 executive proclamation.

Who Needs to Pay

• Employers filing new H 1B petitions for foreign workers currently outside the U.S. and not holding a valid H 1B visa.
• Petitions requesting consular notification, port of entry clearance, or pre flight inspection for candidates abroad.
• Change of status or extension petitions may be charged if USCIS finds the beneficiary out of valid non immigrant status or if the individual leaves the U.S. before the petition is adjudicated.
• The fee must be paid via pay.gov before filing the petition, with proof of payment attached.

Who is Exempt

• Existing H 1B visa holders with valid visas issued before September 21, 2025.
• Petitions for amendments, extensions, or status changes within the U.S.—such as F 1 students converting to H 1B status—remain exempt if approved.
• The rule also allows rare exemptions in the U.S. national interest, such as for doctors and specialists in critical shortage areas.

Impact on Indians

The policy mainly affects new applicants applying from India or abroad, not those already in the U.S. Many employers and tech professionals have flagged concerns about increased costs and hiring delays, while immigration attorneys note it reflects a broader effort to Favor higher skilled, higher wage roles.

The $100,000 fee is a one time charge—not an annual payment—and is borne by employers, not visa applicants. USCIS has confirmed that fees will be refunded in full if a petition is denied.