A senior US administration official has clarified that the newly announced $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visas will be applicable only to fresh petitions, not to existing visa holders or renewals. The clarification eases concerns among thousands of Indian professionals working in the United States.
The official confirmed that those already on H-1B visas — including individuals currently travelling abroad or visiting India — will not be required to return to the US before the rule takes effect. “Those who are visiting or leaving the country don’t need to rush back before Sunday or pay the $100,000 fee. It is only for new applicants, not existing holders,” the official told ANI.
India, which accounts for nearly three-fourths of all H-1B visa recipients, has expressed strong concerns over the move. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) warned that the decision could disrupt families, impact Indian IT professionals, and hurt remittances.
In a statement, the MEA spokesperson said: “The Government has seen reports related to the proposed restrictions on the US H-1B visa program. The full implications of the measure are being studied by all concerned, including Indian industry, which has already issued an initial analysis clarifying some perceptions related to the program.”
The ministry emphasized that both Indian and US industries benefit from sustaining innovation and creativity, and consultations are expected to explore a way forward.
