Full Breakdown
Extension of U.S. H-1B Visa Fee Policy Affects Indian Applicants
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Extension of U.S. H-1B Visa Fee Policy
The administration announced on Friday that the visa-fee extension first introduced in September 2025 will remain in effect. The rule excludes visa renewals and student visa holders who are transitioning to H-1B status. President Donald Trump also signed a proclamation directing agencies to apply tighter scrutiny to applications, instructing them to consider recent employer layoffs of American workers when reviewing petitions. The policy continues to face legal challenge, with an appeals court reviewing a June ruling that found the fee unlawful.
Background and Legal Context
The fee was initially launched the previous year and sparked immediate concern among travelers from India, including passengers who left a Delhi-bound flight fearing they might be barred from returning to the United States. The ongoing lawsuit argues that the fee violates existing immigration statutes, prompting the appeals court to re-examine the June decision.
Impact on Indian Applicants
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) data for fiscal year 2025 show that Indian nationals accounted for 69.9 % of approved H-1B petitions, far surpassing China’s 12.1 %. Because the extension targets new applicants rather than renewals, it disproportionately affects Indian professionals seeking to enter the U.S. workforce.
Official Government Actions
President Trump’s proclamation explicitly links the fee to protecting American jobs, directing agencies to weigh employer layoffs in their adjudication. The Department of State has indicated that the extension will remain while the courts consider the pending appeal.
Opposition and Political Criticism
Khera also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of appeasing Trump, suggesting that India bears the humiliation and economic hit from the policy.