New Delhi, 21 Oct 2025

The US government has clarified rules about the new H-1B visa fee. Current H-1B holders and students changing to H-1B status will not have to pay the $100,000 fee. This news brings relief to many Indian workers and students in America.

Who is affected by the new H-1B fee?

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services said the fee will not apply to people already in America on valid visas. This includes F-1 student visa holders, L-1 workers, and current H-1B visa holders seeking renewals. The new rule also does not affect H-1B visas issued before September 21, 2025. H-1B holders can still travel in and out of the US without problems.

Impact on Indian tech workers

This news is good for Indian tech professionals. About 300,000 Indian workers are in the US on H-1B visas. They work mostly in technology and service jobs. Indians get about 70% of all new H-1B visas each year. Chinese workers get 11-12%. The H-1B visa lets skilled workers live and work in the US for up to 6 years. Every year, 85,000 new visas are given out through a lottery. NEW DELHI: In a major relief for Indian professionals and students in the United States, the Trump administration has clarified that recent international graduates sponsored for H-1B status while already in the country will not be required to pay the steep $100,000 fee introduced last month. The officials…

The proclamation does not apply to any previously issued and currently valid H-1B visas, or any petitions submitted prior to 12:01 a.m. ET on September 21, 2025.

The new H-1B fee rules take effect from September 21, 2025. Follow The Rising News for more verified updates.

Updated 21 Oct 2025, 14:02 IST; source: link