US Spares Indian Tech Professionals from $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee

The United States has announced significant exemptions to a newly proposed $100,000 H-1B visa fee. This move offers major relief to Indian professionals and students. The clarification was issued by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It directly addresses widespread confusion following last month’s proclamation.

The steep fee was initially set to take effect in September 2025. It had triggered panic among foreign workers and their US employers. According to Reuters, the new guidance specifies who will and will not be impacted by the costly change.

Who is Exempt from the New H-1B Visa Fee?

The USCIS guidance provides clear exemptions. The $100,000 fee will not apply to anyone already in the United States on a valid visa. This includes current H-1B holders seeking renewals.

It also protects F-1 student visa holders transitioning to H-1B status. L-1 intra-company transferees are similarly exempt. The agency confirmed the fee does not apply to petitions submitted before the September 2025 deadline.

This clarification allows existing visa holders to travel freely. They can continue to enter and exit the United States without restriction. This addresses a primary concern for the international workforce.

Why This Decision Matters for Indian Workers

Indian tech professionals are the largest group of H-1B visa holders. There are approximately 300,000 Indian workers currently in the US on this visa. They form the backbone of the program, especially in the technology sector.

Indians account for about 70% of all new H-1B visas issued annually. The proposed fee would have been 20 to 100 times higher than previous costs. This would have made the visa unaffordable for many employers and startups.

The H-1B program is a critical gateway for skilled workers. It allows them to live and work in the US for up to three years at a time. An extension for another three years is possible.

The Broader Impact on the Tech Industry

The decision prevents major disruption for both American and Indian companies. Major US tech firms like Google and Microsoft rely heavily on this talent. Indian IT giants like Infosys and TCS also depend on the visa for client projects.

The fee was defended as a measure to attract only “high earners.” Officials argued it would protect American jobs. The political reaction was swift in both countries, with Indian opposition leaders criticizing the initial move.

The policy clarification stabilizes the immediate future for thousands. It ensures continuity for projects and families built around the visa program. The long-term effects of such proposals on global talent flow remain a topic of discussion.

This policy update provides crucial stability for the H-1B visa program. It safeguards the status of a significant portion of the US tech workforce. The final outcome demonstrates the program’s continued importance to the American economy.

Thought you’d like to know

Who exactly is exempt from the $100,000 H-1B fee?

The exemption applies to anyone already in the US on a valid visa. This includes current H-1B holders, F-1 students, and L-1 visa holders. Petitions filed before the September 2025 deadline are also exempt.

Can current H-1B visa holders still travel internationally?

Yes, the USCIS has confirmed that travel is not restricted. Existing visa holders can continue to enter and exit the United States freely. Their valid visas remain unaffected by the new fee proclamation.

How many Indian workers hold H-1B visas in the US?

There are roughly 300,000 Indian professionals on H-1B visas in the United States. They represent about 70% of all new H-1B visas issued each year. This makes them the largest group of beneficiaries.

What was the cost of an H-1B visa before this change?

Previous application costs ranged from $215 to $5,000. The amount depended on the company size and the specific visa category. The new fee would have been a massive increase from these levels.

Why was the $100,000 fee proposed?

US officials stated the goal was to attract only “high earners.” They argued it would discourage companies from hiring foreign workers for lower-wage roles. The intention was to better protect jobs for American citizens.