Starting September 21, 2025 (US time), new H-1B visa applicants will have to pay a staggering $100,000 fee (₹8.8 million approx.) under an executive order signed by President Donald Trump. The move has sparked widespread confusion, especially among immigrants and Indian IT professionals.
The White House and USCIS have since issued clarifications to clear the air on how this rule will apply.
🏛️ White House Clarifications on the H-1B Visa Fee
White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt emphasized:
The $100,000 fee is not annual — it is a one-time charge for new H-1B applications only.
Existing H-1B holders outside the US will not be charged for re-entry.
H-1B visa holders can still exit and re-enter freely.
The rule does not affect renewals or current visa holders.
The fee will first apply to the upcoming H-1B lottery cycle.
📝 USCIS Updates on the Rule
USCIS posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“President Trump’s new H-1B visa rules apply only to new, prospective applications that have not yet been filed. Applications submitted before September 21, 2025, will not be affected.”
📞 Indian Embassy Issues Emergency Contact
To assist Indian citizens facing confusion, the Indian Embassy in Washington, DC has released an emergency helpline:
📱 +1-202-550-9931 (also available on WhatsApp)
⚠️ The number is strictly for emergency help, not routine consular queries.
💼 NASSCOM Urges Immediate Action
Shivendra Singh, Vice President of NASSCOM, stated that the body has urged companies to bring back their H-1B employees currently outside the US before the deadline.
Singh said this decision disrupts both Indian and American IT operations, especially when AI and emerging technologies are rapidly shaping global innovation. He stressed that consultation with the industry should have taken place before such a sudden move.
😟 Impact on Indian H-1B Holders
The fee hike has caused panic among Indian professionals in the US:
Many canceled travel plans for Diwali and weddings.
Some were forced to call off trips just before boarding flights.
Others stuck in India are struggling to return due to unclear rules.
One individual even canceled his wedding travel plans amid the uncertainty.
📊 Top H-1B Visa Beneficiaries (2025 Data)
According to USCIS:
Amazon: 10,044 H-1B employees
TCS: 5,505
Microsoft: 5,189
Meta: 5,123
Apple: 4,202
Google: 4,181
Infosys: 2,004
Wipro: 1,523
Tech Mahindra Americas: 951
The $283 billion Indian IT industry, already facing challenges in the US outsourcing market, may take a significant hit.
✅ Conclusion
Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee is one of the most impactful immigration decisions in recent years. While the White House has clarified that the rule only applies to new applications, the move has already created panic among Indian professionals and IT companies.
The coming months will determine how this fee affects future applicants, Indian IT firms, and the US tech industry.
