New U.S. Rules on H-1B Visa Takes Effect From Today, Know Details

(Fast Mail):-- The new rules for the H-1B visa come into effect in the United States from today. Under the new regulations, the U.S. will charge a fee of $100,000 (approximately rupees 88 lakh) from new applicants.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order related to this on Friday. Amid confusion among immigrants due to the Trump administration’s decision, the White House has also provided clarifications regarding the new rules.

Indian Professionals Affected

The largest group of H-1B visa holders in the U.S. consists of Indians.India was the largest beneficiary of H-1B visas last year, accounting for 71% of approved applications.

The U.S. issues approximately 85,000 new H-1B visas annually, with the majority going to Indian professionals, followed by citizens of China, South Korea, and other countries.

In 2023, 191,000 Indians received H-1B visas, and this number increased to 207,000 in 2024. These skilled Indian professionals primarily work in fields such as technology, healthcare, and research.

The confusion on Trump’s latest order on H-1B visas intensified when major U.S. companies advised employees to return to the U.S. by September 20 at all costs.

What is the H-1B Visa?

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa issued through a lottery system. It is granted to professionals with specialized technical skills in fields such as IT, architecture, and healthcare.

Indian Embassy Issues Helpline Numbers

The Indian Embassy in the United States has issued a helpline number for its citizens, stating that Indian citizens seeking emergency assistance can contact the mobile number +1-202-550-9931 (also available on WhatsApp). This number is to be used only by Indian citizens requiring immediate emergency assistance and not for routine consular inquiries.

It is noteworthy that U.S. President Donald Trump has made a significant announcement regarding the H-1B visa, increasing the application fee to $100,000, approximately rupees 88 lakh.

Previously Cost Around Rs 5 Lakh

Previously, the average cost for an H-1B visa was around rupees 5 lakh, and it was valid for three years, with the option to renew for another three years. Under the new rules, the cost for an H-1B visa over six years in the U.S. will now amount to rupees 5.28 crore.

White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt clarified on Saturday that the recently announced $100,000 H-1B visa fee is not an annual charge. It is a one-time fee applicable only to new H-1B applications. It will not apply to renewals or current visa holders.

The White House has stated that individuals who already hold an H-1B visa and are currently outside the country will not be charged this fee upon re-entry. H-1B visa holders can travel outside the country and re-enter without being affected by the new rules. Additionally, the new provisions will take effect starting with the upcoming H-1B lottery cycle.

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