Confusion spread after President Donald Trump announced a sharp increase in H-1B visa fees. Many Indian professionals feared they would have to rush back to the US before September 21 or pay $100,000 to re-enter.
A US official reassured visa holders, “Indians on H-1B visas do not need to rush back to America by Sunday or pay $100,000 to re-enter the country.”
The official said the new fee applies only to new visa petitions, not to renewals or valid visa holders traveling back to the US.
White House Issues Three-Point Clarification
The White House released a statement on Saturday. Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt posted on X and explained:
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One-time fee: This is not an annual charge. It applies only when filing a new petition.
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No impact on current visa holders: People with valid H-1B visas outside the US will not pay $100,000 to return.
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Only new visas: The fee applies only to new visa petitions. It does not affect renewals or current holders. The fee starts with the next lottery cycle.
Leavitt added that H-1B holders can travel freely as before. This clears worries for many workers. They do not need to rush back before September 21.
Companies Warned Staff
Before the clarification, major firms like Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, and JP Morgan warned employees. They asked H-1B holders abroad to return quickly. The firms feared workers could get stranded or denied entry. The sudden policy caused uncertainty for H-1B holders and their families.
India’s Concern Over Policy
India benefits the most from H-1B visas. Many skilled workers and IT companies could face challenges.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “This measure is likely to have humanitarian consequences by way of the disruption caused for families.”
About the H-1B Visa
The H-1B visa lets US companies hire foreign specialists. The visa lasts three years and can extend another three years. Trump announced that firms must pay $100,000 per visa application.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the total cost over six years could reach $300,000 per worker. Currently, companies pay $2,000 to $5,000 per visa. The new fee is a huge increase.
Reason for the Fee
Trump said companies misused H-1B visas to replace American workers with cheaper labor. “The large-scale replacement of American workers through systemic abuse of the program has undermined both our economic and national security,” he said.
He added that some employers cut wages and gave US workers fewer opportunities.
Impact on Indian Workers
Indians hold about 71% of approved H-1B visas, according to USCIS. They are the most affected group. Companies may think twice before hiring skilled Indian professionals.
What Comes Next
Current visa holders get relief. They can travel without paying extra. The high fee may change how US companies hire foreign talent. Indian IT workers and companies may face higher costs and fewer opportunities.