By News Karnataka
Copyright newskarnataka
Washington D.C.: The Indian Embassy in the United States on Saturday (local time) issued an emergency assistance number for Indian nationals seeking urgent support after former U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing an unprecedented $100,000 annual fee on new H-1B visa applications.
The Embassy stated on X, “Indian nationals seeking emergency assistance may call cell number +1-202-550-9931 (and WhatsApp). This number should be used only by Indian nationals seeking immediate emergency assistance and not for routine consular queries.”
Indian nationals seeking emergency assistance may call cell number +1-202-550-9931 (and WhatsApp). This number should be used only by Indian nationals seeking immediate emergency assistance and not for routine consular queries.
— India in USA (@IndianEmbassyUS) September 20, 2025
Clarifications from U.S. administration
A senior U.S. administration official clarified that the fee would apply only to new H-1B visa petitions, not to existing visa holders or renewals.
“Those who are visiting or leaving the country, or visiting India, don’t need to rush back before Sunday or pay the $100,000 fee. $100,000 is only for new and not current existing holders,” the official told ANI.
India’s response
With 71–72% of all H-1B visas issued to Indians, the proclamation has raised alarm in India’s tech industry and among thousands of professionals in the U.S.
The Indian government stated it is studying the full implications of the measure and has asked its missions to provide all possible assistance to Indian nationals caught in urgent travel situations.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised that the restrictions could disrupt families and impact innovation ties between India and the U.S. He said, “This measure is likely to have humanitarian consequences by way of the disruption caused for families. Government hopes that these disruptions can be addressed suitably by the US authorities.”
Our statement regarding restrictions to the US H1B visa program⬇️
🔗 https://t.co/fkOjHIxEu9 pic.twitter.com/1rM9W3GYqC
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) September 20, 2025
Industry impact and talent mobility
Jaiswal added that skilled talent mobility has contributed significantly to technology development, innovation, economic growth, competitiveness, and wealth creation in both countries. He said policymakers will assess recent steps taking into account mutual benefits, including strong people-to-people ties between India and the U.S.
Indian IT firms, among the largest beneficiaries of the H-1B programme, are expected to engage with U.S. counterparts and lobby groups to explore ways to mitigate the impact of the new fee structure.
