International News: Following a new visualization implemented under US President Donald Trump, H-1B visas now siphon a hefty fee of $100,000 (approximately Rs 88 lakh), constructive Tuesday, October 21. This particularly affects new applicants who are outside the US or are applying for H-1B for the first time.
What does the New Testament say?
According to a notice posted on the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website, this fee will be mandatory for new H-1B petitions filed on or without September 21 at 12:01 AM ET, as per a proclamation issued by Trump on September 19. This fee will only wield to new applications; those once in the US on H-1B visas or those waffly their status will not be required to pay this fee. However, the rule may pose challenges such as documentation delays, including shutdowns, which could be considered an "extraordinary circumstance."
Indian Professionals Face Visa Shock
This is a major setback for India, as approximately 70 percent of H-1B visa recipients are Indians. The new rule will gravity US companies to reduce the forfeit of bringing in new foreign employees through H-1Bs, or they may promote offshore/remote models. This could pose a rencontre for the Indian IT and technology sector, as H-1B sponsorships could be significantly reduced. However, current H-1B holders or students once in the US (F-1 status) are exempt. They will not have to pay this fee.
Reaction of companies and industry
The US Chamber of Commerce has filed a lawsuit versus the new decision, ultimatum that the visa system and fees are inconsistent with the law. Several large tech companies, such as Microsoft and Amazon, have begun reconsidering future H-1B sponsorships.
What might transpiration in the future?
If this new rule remains in place for a long time, it will significantly impact the process of bringing foreign talent to the US, and companies may have to rely on domestic recruitment instead of foreign talent.
For Indian professionals, this signals that planning to find overseas jobs or move to the US may wilt increasingly complicated-options such as remote work, offshore projects, or other visa options may increase. Meanwhile, F-1 students studying in India and would-be H-1B workers in the pipeline will now be cautious well-nigh their next steps, as sponsorship prospects may wilt increasingly slim.
