Steep H-1B visa fee hike in US sparks uncertainty for Indian graduates

The United States has raised the H-1B visa fee to over US $100,000 (approximately ₹88 lakh) under a new proclamation, affecting both new and renewing visa holders. The change is part of the Trump administration’s broader initiative aimed at reforming immigration rules and prioritizing “highly skilled” workers.

Indian nationals, who accounted for 71% of H-1B visa holders last year, are among those likely to be most affected by the fee increase.

Here are key details Indian students need to understand:

Fee application: The raised fee applies to new visa applications and is required during renewals.

Visa duration: H-1B visa holders are allowed stays of up to three years, with the possibility of extension.

Alternatives: Students who may find the fee burdensome are looking at other visa categories such as O-1 (for individuals with extraordinary abilities) and L-1 (for intracompany transfer).

The article notes that some Indian professionals are preparing plans to return home due to the financial and practical implications of this change.

Meanwhile, big tech companies like Microsoft and Meta have issued advisories advising their employees outside the US to return before the fee fully takes effect, and those inside to limit international travel until more clarity emerges.

For students and professionals relying on the H-1B visa, the fee hike represents a major shift in cost structure, potentially influencing career decisions, relocation plans, and long-term stay in the United States.