US clarifies $100,000 H-1B fee to apply only for new applicants, not existing holders

September 21, 2025

New Delhi: The United States has clarified that the newly announced $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visas will apply only to fresh applications and not to existing visa holders or renewals, easing widespread anxiety among Indian professionals who make up over 70% of H-1B recipients.

A senior US administration official told ANI that individuals already working in the US on H-1B visas, including those currently travelling abroad or visiting India, would not be required to pay the new fee. “They don’t need to rush back before Sunday. The $100,000 is only for new petitions, not current holders,” the official said.

The clarification comes amid uproar in India following President Donald Trump’s proclamation introducing the steep annual charge, seen as a move that could disrupt the lives of thousands of Indian tech workers and impact remittances.

Reacting to the development, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it has directed its Missions and Posts to extend assistance to nationals travelling back to the US in the next 24 hours. The MEA noted that the full implications of the fee hike are being studied in consultation with Indian industry, which has already issued an initial analysis to clear misconceptions about the H-1B programme.

“The government has seen reports on the proposed restrictions. Both Indian and US industries have a stake in sustaining innovation and creativity, and we expect consultations to find the best way forward,” the MEA spokesperson said.

The H-1B programme is a cornerstone of India-US economic ties, with a significant share of beneficiaries employed in the American technology sector. The new clarification is likely to bring temporary relief to professionals and their families as negotiations continue between the two countries.