US: Trump administration clears up confusion over new H-1B visa rules, one-time payment not applicable to existing visa holders

New Delhi. US President Donald Trump has imposed a hefty fee for H-1B visas. The new fee has been set at $100,000, or 8.8 million. White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt clarified, “This is a one-time fee, not an annual fee, and will only apply to new petitions.”

USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) also clarified that the new rule will only apply to new, unfiled petitions. This fee will not apply to existing H-1B visa holders or those living abroad.

Press Secretary Levitt stated that those currently holding H-1B visas abroad will not be required to pay the $100,000 fee. These visa holders can enter and exit the US as normal. The new order applies only to new applications and upcoming lottery cycles, not to visa renewals or existing holders.

$100,000 Fee Only for New Visa Holders
A senior US administration official also stated that those traveling to or coming from the US to India do not need to rush or pay the $100,000 fee. This will only apply to new visa holders.

Indian Embassy Releases Helpline Number
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in the US has released a helpline number for emergency assistance: +1-202-550-9931. WhatsApp is also available on this number. This number is for emergency calls only for Indian citizens.