Summary
The United States clarified that a new $100,000 fee for H-1B visas applies only to new applicants and not to current visa holders. The fee is a one-time payment per petition and will not affect those renewing visas or current holders traveling. The policy aims to address concerns over foreign workers, particularly in the tech industry, and its impacts are currently under review by various stakeholders.
Key Facts
- The new $100,000 fee for H-1B visas will only apply to new applications, not existing visa holders.
- The fee is a one-time charge per submitted application and not an annual fee.
- President Trump signed the order for this fee, which begins on Sunday and lasts for one year, but it could be extended.
- H-1B visas allow companies to hire foreign workers with specialized skills like engineering or programming.
- Roughly three-quarters of H-1B visa holders are Indian nationals.
- The fee policy has caused concern among tech companies and workers, worrying about travel restrictions and job market impacts.
- The United States Chamber of Commerce and India’s Ministry of External Affairs have expressed concerns about the new policy's effects on workers and their families.
- Some visa holders rushed back to the US fearing they might be charged the fee if they were abroad.
