In the latest crackdown on immigration to the United States, the Trump Administration in a surprise order imposed an increased fee on some visas kicking off confusion among workers, tech companies and foreign governments, which, in particular, rely on H-1B visa to fill high-skilled jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
US President Donald Trump on September 19, 2025 signed a major proclamation in order to reset the H-1B visa programme, mandating the applicants to bear a “one-time” payment of $100,000 as application fee for the new H-1B visa. The order became effective from September 21 midnight. Entry under the program will be restricted unless accompanied by the payment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Later, officials sought to clear the air over the payment of $100,000 visa fee, which is a one-time charge for fresh H-1B visa applications and existing visa holders, including those stationed abroad wouldn’t be affected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before the clarification issued by the White House, the proclamation on the major fee increase on Friday (September 19) stated that the annual visa fee would apply to people seeking a new visa as well as renewals, triggering panic among current H-1B workers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hours after United States President Donald Trump signed the proclamation, panic, confusion and turmoil had gripped Indians in the U.S. on H-1B visas, forcing many to cancel travel plans outside of the U.S. and those already in India to travel back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n