One-time fee announced, relief for existing holders as US updates H-1B visa rules
Washington (The Uttam Hindu): US President Donald Trump yesterday signed a new executive order related to H1-B visas causing a stir not only in the US but across the world. Under this order, the H1-B visa fee was increased overnight to US$100,000 (approximately 9 million rupees).
One-time fee, relief for old visa holders; US updates H1-B visa rules: This decision had increased the concerns of H1-B visa holders living in America but now the Trump administration has clarified on this and said that some things have come out incorrectly. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick had announced on Friday that this fee will be charged on an annual basis and it will be applicable on both new visa applications and visa renewals.
However, on Saturday, White House Press Secretary Carolyn Levitt clarified the statement saying that the fee would be a one-time fee not an annual one. It would only apply to new H1-B visa applications. It would not affect existing visa holders or those renewing their visas.
According to Carolyn Levitt, those already living in the US on H1-B visas will not have to pay this fee. Visa holders currently outside the US will also not have to pay this fee. They can re-enter the US at any time.
This new order came into effect at 12 a.m. Sunday night. The order has caused a stir in the American tech industry. A large number of employees at companies like Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft work on H1-B visas.
Immediately after the decision, many big companies sent emails to their employees advising them to return to America within 24 hours, so that they do not come under the purview of the new rules. Although now there is hope of relief after the clarification from the administration, but the political and economic impact of this big step related to visa will be kept under watch for the next few days.