By Rounak Bagchi
Copyright timesnownews
US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a $100,000 fee on every new H-1B visa application, effective September 21, has sent shockwaves through the foreign professionals’ community, especially. The H-1B visa, which allows US employers to hire foreign workers in specialised fields, has long been the preferred route for Indian engineers, IT professionals and researchers. Indians account for over 70% of H-1B holders. But with the sharp rise in costs, many are now scrambling for alternative pathways into the United States. The fee applies only to new applicants outside the US. Existing visa holders and those seeking renewals or extensions are exempt. L-1 Visa: Intra-Company Transfer The L-1 visa is used for employees transferring from a company’s foreign office to its US branch. Cost: $1,055 filing fee; optional $2,805 premium processing; plus $5,000–$25,000 in legal fees. Eligibility: Executives and managers with one year at the company abroad (L-1A), or workers with “specialised knowledge” (L-1B). O-1 Visa: For the ‘Extraordinary’ The O-1 visa is designed for individuals with “extraordinary ability” in fields such as science, arts, education, business or athletics. Cost: $1,055 filing fee; optional $2,805 premium processing; $5,500–$8,000 legal fees; plus a new $250 integrity fee. Eligibility: Must prove international recognition with evidence like awards, publications or significant achievements. EB-5 Visa: Investment Route The EB-5 visa offers a path to US residency for wealthy investors. Cost: $800,000 minimum investment in high-unemployment zones, or $1.05 million elsewhere. Additional $80,000 administrative fee, $25,000–$35,000 legal fees, and over $20,000 in USCIS petition costs. Eligibility: Must create at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers. OPT: Students’ Route Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 student visa holders to work temporarily in the US. Cost: $520 application fee. Eligibility: Students must work in jobs directly related to their field of study. Up to 12 months is allowed, with a 24-month STEM extension. The steep new H-1B fee has left aspiring Indian professionals weighing their options between prohibitively costly visas or taking the student route. As Trump seeks to reshape US immigration policy, the move has added uncertainty to one of the most sought-after visa programmes worldwide. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News and around the World.
