Relief for Indian Professionals as US Clarifies $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee Rule

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has clarified that the steep $100,000 H-1B visa fee, announced by President Trump in September, will apply only to new applicants residing outside the US. The decision comes as a huge relief for thousands of foreign professionals and students—especially Indians—already living, studying, or working in America.

The confusion began after Trump’s September 19 proclamation, “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers,” which introduced the fee to discourage alleged misuse of the H-1B program. However, USCIS has now confirmed that the charge won’t affect current visa holders, extensions, or change-of-status applicants within the US. Those transitioning from student (F-1) to H-1B visas or renewing existing permits are exempt. Even current H-1B holders traveling abroad can re-enter without paying the fee.

Education experts, including University Living CEO Saurabh Arora, said the clarification has “restored confidence” among Indian students. Around 1.6 million international students study in the US, with 330,000 Indians among them. Arora advised students to remain in the country while visa changes are under review to avoid unnecessary costs.

Meanwhile, the policy has triggered legal backlash. The US Chamber of Commerce has filed a lawsuit calling the fee “unlawful” and harmful to American competitiveness. Critics argue it could hurt sectors like technology and healthcare that rely on skilled foreign professionals—70% of whom are Indian.

However, new restrictions on foreign student admissions, capping their share at 15% of total enrollments and 5% per country, could reduce future opportunities for Indian students. Experts warn that while the exemption offers short-term relief, the constant policy shifts are creating long-term uncertainty in the US immigration system, pushing many aspirants to explore alternatives like Germany or Ireland.