In the flurry of discussions stirred by President Trump's order imposing a steep $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visas, the US administration has now provided a clear directive. A senior official announced on Saturday that this fee applies solely to new visa applicants. Current H-1B visa holders, including Indians and other professionals, need not worry for now.
The new H-1B visa fee introduced by the US will only apply to new applicants, not current holders. A senior US administration official told ANI, "Those already in the US, those abroad, or those visiting back and forth to India, don't need to return by Sunday. The $100,000 new fee is exclusively for new applications, not for existing holders."
This clarification arises in the context of a new presidential proclamation issued by US President Donald Trump on Friday (US time), titled "Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers," which includes significant changes to the H-1B visa program. Under the new rules, applying for an H-1B visa would incur an annual fee of $100,000, roughly equating to ₹88 lakh. This measure has increased anxiety among foreign professionals working in the US.
Commencing on September 21, 2025, at 12:01 AM US time, following the announcement, immigration lawyers and companies advised current H-1B visa holders and their families to immediately return to the US to avoid additional burdens, creating an atmosphere of tension. Companies also indicated that H-4 visa holders (families) should remain in the US. Tech giants like Microsoft have advised employees to stay in the US for the 'foreseeable future' to avoid entry denial risks.
However, the administration has now made it abundantly clear that current holders will not be subject to this new fee.
Source: aajtak
Notably, the fee for an H-1B visa ranged from $2,000 to $5,000, marking this increase the most historical in scale, potentially impacting startups, small businesses, and Indian IT professionals significantly. According to the latest USCIS data, of the nearly 400,000 H-1B visas issued between October 2022 and September 2023, 72 percent were for Indians.
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a statement regarding this development. The ministry has acknowledged these reports and is studying the full impact thoroughly. Indian industry has also provided an initial analysis clarifying some misconceptions about the H-1B program.
MEA stated that both Indian and American industries invest in innovation and creativity and can consult to find the best path for the future. The movement of skilled workers and sharing of expertise contribute significantly to technological progress, innovation, economic growth, competitiveness, and wealth creation in both countries. Hence, policymakers will consider mutual benefits and strong people-to-people ties while evaluating recent steps.
MEA expressed concern that new rules might create challenges and have a humanitarian impact on families. The spokesperson highlighted the necessity to mitigate instability affecting the lives of professionals and their families working on H-1B visas. The Indian government hopes the Trump administration and US officials will find an appropriate resolution to this disruption, ensuring professionals and their families are spared unnecessary hardship.
