Trump's H-1B Shock For Indians: US Eyes $103,265 Visa Fee, May Scrap 60-Day Grace Period
The Trump administration is considering a major overhaul of US immigration costs and rules, with proposed changes that could significantly increase expenses for H-1B visa holders, F-1 students using Optional Practical Training (OPT), and American employers hiring skilled foreign workers. According to a notice published in the Federal Register on Monday, the US Department of Homeland Security…
The Trump administration is contemplating a significant overhaul of US immigration costs and rules, with proposed changes set to raise the H-1B visa fee to $103,265 and potentially eliminate the 60-day grace period for H-1B workers after their employment ends. This move could have a particularly severe impact on Indian immigrants, who constitute the majority of H-1B beneficiaries.
Indian nationals received 71% of the 399,402 H-1B petitions approved by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services in 2024. The proposed fee increase comes alongside a separate proposal to end the 60-day grace period currently granted to H-1B workers after their employment concludes. Currently, eligible H-1B workers have up to 60 days to secure alternative employment, change their immigration status, or make other arrangements before they must leave the US.
Removing this protection could force foreign professionals and their dependents to depart the country sooner, creating additional uncertainty for those whose legal status hinges on their employment.
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