The US has once again improved the rules regarding its H-1B visa. This new decision of America will provide great relief to thousands of Indian professionals and students.
According to a report in Hindustan Times, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has clarified that international graduates will not have to pay the hefty fee of $100,000 for H-1B visa while living in America. Let us tell you that last month US President Donald Trump had announced to increase the application fee of H-1B visa to $1,00,000.
Who will get relief?
Officials had also previously said that existing H-1B visa holders would not have to pay the new fee announced last month. In its new guidance, USCIS said the $100,000 fee would not apply to anyone already in the US on a valid visa, including F-1 student visa holders, L-1 intra-company transferees, and current H-1B visa holders seeking renewal or extension.
H-1B visa holders can continue to travel to and from the US without restrictions.
USCIS clarified that this announcement “does not apply to previously issued and currently valid H-1B visas, or to any petitions submitted before 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on September 21, 2025.” It also stated that H-1B visa holders can continue to travel to and from the United States without restrictions, addressing one of the biggest concerns raised after the fee announcement.
Indian tech professionals are the backbone of the H-1B visa program.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) further confirmed that existing foreign nationals applying for a change of status—such as international students on F-1 visas transitioning to H-1B jobs—will not have to pay the new fee of USD 100,000. This announcement comes as a major relief to Indian tech professionals, who form the backbone of the H-1B visa program.
