With the implementation of President Donald Trump’s directive imposing a $100,000 fee on H-1B visas, the Indian Embassy in the US has announced an emergency helpline for Indian citizens. This new rule, effective today, has sparked apprehension, given that a substantial percentage (71-72%) of H-1B visas are allocated to Indian nationals, potentially affecting tech professionals and remittances. However, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has confirmed that the fee will be applicable only to new H-1B applications and not to those submitted before September 21.
The Indian Embassy in the US, through X, has provided the emergency contact number +1-202-550-9931 (and WhatsApp) for Indian nationals needing urgent assistance, specifically excluding routine consular inquiries. In a separate statement, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that the $100,000 fee is a one-time charge, not an annual one. It applies only to new visa applications and does not affect visa renewals or existing visa holders.
Leavitt added that current H-1B visa holders who are presently outside of the United States will not be subject to the fee upon re-entry. These individuals can travel and return to the country as they have been able to, unaffected by the recent changes.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a statement on the new H-1B visa fee. The government is carefully examining the implications of the restrictions, with Indian industry also providing preliminary analysis. The government acknowledges that these restrictions could potentially cause humanitarian consequences. It expressed the hope that the US authorities will address the disruptions that could arise.