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Like many H-1B workers, he had only 60 days to find another job and retain his visa status.
Earlier this year, the Trump administration slapped a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications.
The Trump administration is considering a $100,000 fee for international students' work permits. This proposed charge would impact the Optional Practical Training program significantly. US universities and tech firms could face substantial repercussions from this policy change. The Department of Homeland Security is currently discussing the fee's implementation details. Revised regulations for the OPT program are expected later this fall.
The US government is reportedly considering a $100,000 fee for foreign students seeking post-graduation work. This proposed fee targets the Optional Practical Training program, impacting many international graduates. This follows a significant H-1B visa fee hike imposed on sponsoring companies last year. Indian engineers, who dominate H-1B approvals, face increased challenges in securing US careers. The new measures may significantly narrow career paths for many skilled foreign professionals.
The US government plans to expand an additional visa fee. This fee currently applies to certain large employers filing H-1B and L-1 petitions. The planned change will extend this charge to visa extension requests. Qualifying employers with over fifty employees and a majority in H-1B or L-1 status will be affected. This expansion aims to fund biometric entry-exit system improvements and other government programs.
The move is likely to affect Indian professionals working in the US
Revanth Reddy meets Sergio Gor, urges easing H-1B visas, increase student visas
Mr. Revanth Reddy seeks more visas to Telangana students
A US government proposal could eliminate the current 60-day grace period for H-1B visa holders. Affected workers might need to depart the United States immediately after job termination. They generally cannot change immigration status or employers within the country. This rule change applies to several temporary worker visa categories and their dependents. The proposal is currently under federal review and public comment.
More than 5.2 million people of Indian origin live in the US.
In January, the department said it had revoked more than 100,000 visas, a record at the time.
The US State Department has taken a bold step by revoking more than 175,000 visas for foreign nationals, primarily due to criminal activity and the misuse of the immigration system. This move follows serious law enforcement encounters resulting in visa cancellations. Additionally, the administration is tightening rules that could affect international students and H-1B visa holders, indicating a significant shift in immigration policy.
Effective September 9, new regulations from the U.S. government will introduce increased visa fees for certain categories of workers, specifically targeting H-1B and L-1 visa holders applying for extensions. Companies with over fifty employees utilizing a significant number of visa workers will also experience the higher financial burden as these changes pertain to initial petitions and status extensions.
He filed his O-1 petition in April.
H-1B visas have long been the main road for Indian professionals who are seeking employment, long-term career opportunities, and eventually even the green card in the US. But over the past two years, several changes in the H-1B visa application and selection criterion have added a huge layer of uncertainty.
The US Department of Homeland Security is considering a proposal that may eliminate the 60-day grace period for foreign workers, particularly affecting H-1B visa holders and countless Indian professionals. This grace period currently allows individuals to seek new jobs or modify their status before needing to leave the US. Without it in place, workers may face immediate departure following job loss, with final details pending further evaluation.
The US H-1B visa system could look significantly different within a year as federal investigators widen a probe into alleged misuse of the foreign-worker programme, including claims of fraudulent hiring, worker exploitation and human trafficking.The warning came from Labor Department Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito, who said the government is putting substantial resources into investigating how the foreign-labour system is being used and whether companies have abused it.Also Read: Trump extends $100,000 H-1B visa fee order for another yearD’Esposito himself did not announce a shutdown. He
Jaiswal noted that the decision could have some impact on the permanent residency or green card process for eligible employees of the affected companies
Government reminds Trump administration that Indian professionals are “skilled contributors” to U.S. economy after U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance calls foreign workers “indentured servants”
India said the US freeze on permanent labor certification filings by major technology companies undermines shared ambitions.
Piyush Goyal said that he has never raised the issue of H-1B visas and green cards in his talks with the US administration
H-1B status is granted for up to three years initially, with an extension of up to three more years.
Smith said Microsoft hired more than 9,000 US-born workers last year.
The new proposed rule being considered would allow federal immigration officers to disregard previous approvals when reviewing extension requests.
A federal judge has ordered the reopening of the diversity visa lottery for 2027, allowing 55,000 applicants. The ruling came after a lawsuit filed against Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the lottery's registration. Judge Jinsook Ohta mandated a 30-day registration period for submissions, which must meet eligibility requirements. Additionally, new policy changes require some applicants to return to their home countries for Green Card processing.
More US universities could come under investigation for potential J-1 visa fraud, US Department of Labor Inspector General Anthony D'Esposito said. He also said that subpoenas had been served and investigations were already underway.“Nine universities under investigation for potential J-1 visa fraud—more to come. Companies suspended. Warrants executed. Subpoenas issued,” D'Esposito wrote. “American first. Just getting started," D'Esposito said in a post on X.— USLaborIG (@USLaborIG) Earlier, last Thursday, US Vice President JD Vance announced a federal investigation into nine univers
US Vice President JD Vance admitted his rhetoric on H-1B visas was flawed during a recent town hall event. An Indian-American woman challenged him on his stance, suggesting it scapegoats immigrants. Vance defended his position by claiming he was criticizing corporate practices rather than foreign workers. His remarks have led to significant backlash from various groups regarding his mixed heritage.