New H-1B Visa Regulations: Fee Structure and Impact Explained

The H-1B visa program has been updated to include a $100,000 annual fee for new applicants. This change also applies to new petitions that build upon existing ones. Employers must furnish proof of payment to avoid petition rejection by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This new regulation applies to all individuals applying for an H-1B visa from outside the US, with exceptions made only if they align with national interests. The H-1B program, initially designed to attract highly skilled international workers for specific technical roles, has long been the subject of review. This program particularly affects Indian IT professionals, who represent the majority of beneficiaries. Companies like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro have used H-1B visas to train junior and mid-level developers in the United States.