H-1B Visa: The new fee of $100,000 imposed by US President Donald Trump on H-1B visas came into effect on Sunday, September 21. The implementation of this rule caused a sudden panic among Indian professionals living in the US.
According to media reports, some Indian tech workers started returning to India ahead of schedule, while others were seen waiting in long queues for flights at major US airports. But now the White House has clarified some important things, which is expected to provide considerable relief. Let us tell you five important things about the new H-1B visa rules.
What is the new $1 lakh H-1B visa rule?
The H-1B visa program allows US companies to hire foreign professionals in specialized fields where domestic talent is scarce. Under the new mandate, companies will now have to pay $100,000 for each H-1B employee. Industry leaders have warned that this move could hurt technology companies that rely heavily on skilled professionals from India, China, South Korea, and other countries. The US issues around 85,000 new H-1B visas each year, with the majority going to Indian professionals, followed by citizens of China, South Korea, and other countries. These skilled professionals primarily work in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and research.
Now, here are five key facts about the $100,000 H-1B visa rule:
- White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt stated in a late-night tweet that the fee is a one-time fee and will not apply to existing visa holders or renewals. She outlined some key points, including:
- It’s just a one-time fee: According to Leavitt, the $100,000 fee announced by Trump is a one-time charge that applies only to new H-1B visa petitions and will not be repeated every year.
- Existing visa holders will remain unaffected: Caroline Leavitt clarified that those who are already on H-1B visas, and are currently outside the US, will not have to pay the $100,000 fee to re-enter the country.
- Travel rights will remain intact: Levitt also stressed that H-1B visa holders’ normal rights to leave and re-enter the US will remain intact and will not be affected by this announcement.
- Applies only to new visas: Levitt reiterated that the new fee will apply exclusively to new H-1B visas, with no impact on existing visa holders or those renewing their visas.
- Effective next lottery cycle: Leavitt confirmed that the $100,000 fee will be effective next H-1B lottery cycle.
