H1B Visa: New rates effective, Indian Embassy launches helpline

WASHINGTON: Indians in the US are now in a state of fix over US President Trump signing a deal imposing a fee of $100,000 (Rs. 83 lakh) for H1B visa applications. Many Indians have already decided to return to their home country amid confusion over the process. In this situation, White House Secretary Karoline Claire Leavitt came out with an explanation.

The new rates will only apply to H1B visa applications filed starting today. Applications received until yesterday will continue to be charged the same old fee. The White House also said that this is not an annual fee and is a one-time payment when applying for a visa. Current H1B visa holders will not be affected by the new rate. Karoline Claire Leavitt clarified that there will be no additional fees when returning from the US or renewing a visa.

The explanation from the White House came after many companies in the US asked their employees to cut short their vacation and return to work immediately. Large tech companies may be able to pay this huge amount. But for smaller companies and startups, such a large amount is a huge financial burden. It is unlikely that companies will be able to hire new foreign employees as a result.

The Indian Embassy in the US launched a helpline number to resolve visa-related concerns. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, who is visiting the US tomorrow, is expected to raise the issue of H1B visas along with trade talks. Meanwhile, the US Chamber of Commerce expressed concern over the new decision.