A senior US administration official told ANI that the newly announced $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visas will apply only to fresh petitions and not to existing visa holders or renewals, easing concerns among Indian professionals.
According to the official, individuals already on H-1B visas, including those currently travelling abroad or visiting India, need not worry about rushing back to the US before the new rule takes effect.
"Those who are visiting or leaving the country, or visiting India, they don't need to rush back before Sunday or pay the $100,000 fee. $100,000 is only for new and not current existing holders.," the official told ANI.
White House Official Hints at Legal Challenges
“The H-1B fee is likely to face legal challenges. But if it survives, companies that hire skilled international workers would have to pay $100,000 each year for any employee working on the visa, for up to six years. The fee applies only to new applicants,” a White House official said, according to a report in the New York Times.
With nearly three-fourths of H-1B visas going to Indians, New Delhi on Saturday expressed concern over the fallout of the United States’ decision to impose a steep $100,000 annual fee on the programme, warning that it could disrupt families and hit Indian tech professionals and remittances.
Axios also reported that a steep $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visas in the United States will take effect from Sunday, though it will not apply to existing holders re-entering the country.
Nasscom Flags Impact on Indian IT Firms
The executive order, signed by President Donald Trump on Friday night, imposes the new fee on H-1B applications. Indian IT industry body Nasscom has cautioned that the move could disrupt the global operations of Indian technology firms deploying skilled professionals to the US.
According to Axios, the White House clarified that the fee will not affect current visa holders returning to the US or those seeking renewals. Instead, the revised fee structure will be applied to the next H-1B lottery cycle for new applicants.
MEA’s Response: Studying Implications, Extending Support
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it has directed all its Missions and Posts to extend assistance to Indian nationals travelling back to the US in the next 24 hours, even as the wider consequences of the move are still being assessed.
In a statement, the spokesperson said: "The Government has seen reports related to the proposed restrictions on the US H1B visa program. The full implications of the measure are being studied by all concerned, including by Indian industry, which has already put out an initial analysis clarifying some perceptions related to the H1B program."
The ministry stressed that both Indian and US industries have a stake in sustaining innovation and creativity and can be expected to consult on the best way forward.
*With Agency Inputs
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