US President Donald Trump has extended the H-1B visa petitions for another year, imposing a $100,000 payment and continuing the controversial immigration restriction until September 21, 2027. The development unfolded as legal challenges continue in US courts. In response, the White House said Trump had increased the executive order behind the fee, issued in September 2025, which was set to expire this month. The H-1B programme authorises US employers to employ skilled workers from different countries, including technology professionals, for several years. The extension plays a significant role for Indian professionals as it covers the largest share of approved H-1B beneficiaries by country of birth.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-rebuilding-nuclear-facilities-new-satellite-images-show-tehran-may-be-rapidly-restoring-bombed-parchin-taleghan-2-under-cover-of-tarpaulin-1789807891009">Iran rebuilding nuclear facilities? New satellite images show Tehran may be rapidly restoring bombed Parchin base</a><h3>What it means for Indians?</h3>USCIS figures for FY2024 show that Indian nationals accounted for 71 per cent of approved H-1B petitions, compared with roughly 12 per cent for Chinese nationals. Since many Indian applicants are based outside the US and would require to enter the country to take H-1B opportunities, the ongoing $100,000 fee could carry significant implications for both employers and prospective visa holders. The White House said the original proclamation, issued in September 2025, aimed at curbing what the administration called abuses of the H-1B system, particularly by IT staffing and outsourcing firms. The proclamation alleged that some companies had used H-1B workers to fill lower-paying roles and, in certain cases, subsequently moved those jobs overseas. According to the administration, this practice had helped suppress wages and made it harder for some US workers and recent STEM graduates to secure employment. The administration also noted that more than 700 petitions have incurred the $100,000 fee since the restriction took effect on September 21, 2025.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-will-receive-xi-at-airport-during-his-state-visit-full-schedule-released-1789809288433">Trump will receive Xi at airport during his state visit. Full schedule released</a>

The H-1B programme authorises US employers to employ skilled workers from different countries, including technology professionals, for several years. It covers the largest share of approved H-1B beneficiaries by country of birth.

US President Donald Trump has extended the H-1B visa petitions for another year, imposing a $100,000 payment and continuing the controversial immigration restriction until September 21, 2027. The development unfolded as legal challenges continue in US courts. In response, the White House said Trump had increased the executive order behind the fee, issued in September 2025, which was set to expire this month. The H-1B programme authorises US employers to employ skilled workers from different countries, including technology professionals, for several years. The extension plays a significant role for Indian professionals as it covers the largest share of approved H-1B beneficiaries by country of birth. Also read: Iran rebuilding nuclear facilities? New satellite images show Tehran may be rapidly restoring bombed Parchin base What it means for Indians? USCIS figures for FY2024 show that Indian nationals accounted for 71 per cent of approved H-1B petitions, compared with roughly 12 per cent for Chinese nationals. Since many Indian applicants are based outside the US and would require to enter the country to take H-1B opportunities, the ongoing $100,000 fee could carry significant implications for both employers and prospective visa holders. The White House said the original proclamation, issued in September 2025, aimed at curbing what the administration called abuses of the H-1B system, particularly by IT staffing and outsourcing firms. The proclamation alleged that some companies had used H-1B workers to fill lower-paying roles and, in certain cases, subsequently moved those jobs overseas. According to the administration, this practice had helped suppress wages and made it harder for some US workers and recent STEM graduates to secure employment. The administration also noted that more than 700 petitions have incurred the $100,000 fee since the restriction took effect on September 21, 2025. Also read: Trump will receive Xi at airport during his state visit. Full schedule released

The H-1B programme authorises US employers to employ skilled workers from different countries, including technology professionals, for several years. It covers the largest share of approved H-1B beneficiaries by country of birth.

Trump extends H-1B visa's $100,000 fee until September 2027: What it means for Indians?

The Donald Trump administration has proposed a major change to the rules governing foreign workers in the United States. The proposal would end the current 60 day grace period available to some temporary visa holders after they lose or leave their jobs.&nbsp;The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed the rule change, which could put greater pressure on Indian professionals holding H-1B and certain other temporary work visas. Under the proposed system, workers would be required to leave the US once their employment ends.<h2>What the proposed rule would change</h2>At present, eligible foreign workers can generally remain in the US for up to 60 days after a layoff or termination, or until their authorised stay expires, whichever comes first. The period can allow them to search for another employer, apply for a change of status such as a transition to a B visitor visa, or prepare to leave the country.&nbsp;The proposed change would remove that flexibility and directly link a worker's non-immigrant status to the employment or activity that supported their admission or status in the US.&nbsp;“This proposal restores a direct relationship between an alien’s non-immigrant status and the specific employment or activity that formed the basis of his or her admission or grant of status in the United States and reduces administrative burden,” the DHS said in a statement on Thursday.&nbsp;The proposal would also affect American technology companies and other businesses that depend on foreign workers. The DHS acknowledged the potential impact on companies but said the affected positions could instead be offered to American workers.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-seeks-to-bridge-brics-divisions-ahead-of-new-delhi-summit-1789062012165">India seeks to bridge BRICS divisions ahead of New Delhi summit</a><h2>Policy introduced in 2016 could be reversed</h2>The proposed rule represents a reversal of a policy introduced by DHS in 2016. The agency had then recognised that workers could lose their jobs through circumstances beyond their control and allowed skilled foreign workers additional time to secure new employment.&nbsp;The DHS said some workers who leave the US could potentially return if their employer later files a petition on their behalf.&nbsp;"DHS presumes that they will either offer the same jobs to equally qualified U.S. workers or go through the I-129 petition process depending on their workforce requirement," the notice said.&nbsp;The proposal comes as the Trump administration continues to tighten rules around legal migration after returning to office in January 2025. The administration has also introduced higher visa fees for skilled workers and recently paused immigrant visa appointments at US missions worldwide while it rolls out a new training programme.

The Trump administration has proposed ending the 60 day grace period for H-1B workers after job loss, a move that could particularly affect Indian professionals in the US.

The Donald Trump administration has proposed a major change to the rules governing foreign workers in the United States. The proposal would end the current 60 day grace period available to some temporary visa holders after they lose or leave their jobs. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed the rule change, which could put greater pressure on Indian professionals holding H-1B and certain other temporary work visas. Under the proposed system, workers would be required to leave the US once their employment ends. What the proposed rule would change At present, eligible foreign workers can generally remain in the US for up to 60 days after a layoff or termination, or until their authorised stay expires, whichever comes first. The period can allow them to search for another employer, apply for a change of status such as a transition to a B visitor visa, or prepare to leave the country. The proposed change would remove that flexibility and directly link a worker's non-immigrant status to the employment or activity that supported their admission or status in the US. “This proposal restores a direct relationship between an alien’s non-immigrant status and the specific employment or activity that formed the basis of his or her admission or grant of status in the United States and reduces administrative burden,” the DHS said in a statement on Thursday. The proposal would also affect American technology companies and other businesses that depend on foreign workers. The DHS acknowledged the potential impact on companies but said the affected positions could instead be offered to American workers. Also Read: India seeks to bridge BRICS divisions ahead of New Delhi summit Policy introduced in 2016 could be reversed The proposed rule represents a reversal of a policy introduced by DHS in 2016. The agency had then recognised that workers could lose their jobs through circumstances beyond their control and allowed skilled foreign workers additional time to secure new employment. The DHS said some workers who leave the US could potentially return if their employer later files a petition on their behalf. "DHS presumes that they will either offer the same jobs to equally qualified U.S. workers or go through the I-129 petition process depending on their workforce requirement," the notice said. The proposal comes as the Trump administration continues to tighten rules around legal migration after returning to office in January 2025. The administration has also introduced higher visa fees for skilled workers and recently paused immigrant visa appointments at US missions worldwide while it rolls out a new training programme.

The Trump administration has proposed ending the 60 day grace period for H-1B workers after job loss, a move that could particularly affect Indian professionals in the US.

Trump administration proposes to end 60 day H-1B grace period after job loss; Indian workers to get impacted

Indian professionals working in the United States are likely to be among the most affected if the Donald Trump administration goes ahead with its proposal to increase the cost of H-1B visa renewals, as they account for the majority of extension approvals every year.&nbsp;According to the Department of Homeland Security's regulatory agenda, a final rule is expected in July to extend the "9-11 Response and Biometric Entry Exit Fee" to H 1B and L 1 visa extension petitions.&nbsp;The proposal would raise immigration related costs for US employers that depend on foreign skilled workers, including thousands of Indians.&nbsp;Under the existing rules, employers with more than 50 employees, where over half hold H 1B or L 1 visas, pay an additional $4,000 for H 1B petitions and $4,500 for L 1 petitions only when filing an initial petition or when an employee changes employers.&nbsp;"DHS is amending and clarifying the regulations to specify that the 9-11 Response Fees will apply to all H-1B and L-1 extension petitions," the proposed rule states.&nbsp;<h2>Indian professionals could see the biggest impact</h2>Most H 1B visa holders seek an extension after completing their initial three-year stay, meaning the proposed rule could increase costs for companies employing large numbers of Indian professionals.Data from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services shows that 406,685 H 1B petitions were approved during fiscal year 2025. Of these, 291,542, or 71 per cent, were approved for continuing employment rather than first-time applicants.&nbsp;Indian nationals accounted for 226,359 of those approvals, representing 77.6 per cent of all H 1B extensions. Chinese nationals were second with 31,581 approvals.<h2>Big tech firms may also face higher costs</h2>The proposal follows a US federal appeals court decision refusing to pause a lower court ruling that struck down the Trump administration's proposed $100,000 fee on new H 1B visa applications.&nbsp;The changes would also affect multinational companies such as Google and Meta, which use L 1 visas to transfer executives, managers and employees with specialised knowledge to their US operations.&nbsp;A report by the National Foundation for American Policy, cited by The Times of India, showed that several of the world's largest technology companies depend heavily on H 1B workers already employed in the United States.&nbsp;During fiscal year 2025, Amazon received the highest number of approved H 1B petitions for continuing employment at 14,532. Tata Consultancy Services followed with 5,293 approvals, while Microsoft received 4,863. Meta Platforms recorded 4,740 approvals, Apple had 4,610, and Google received 4,509.&nbsp;The think tank said these figures do not represent individual employees because an H 1B worker may receive more than one approval in a year due to job transfers or changes in work location.

The Trump administration's proposal to expand H 1B visa renewal fees could increase costs for US employers and have the biggest impact on Indian professionals, who account for most H 1B visa extensions.

Indian professionals working in the United States are likely to be among the most affected if the Donald Trump administration goes ahead with its proposal to increase the cost of H-1B visa renewals, as they account for the majority of extension approvals every year. According to the Department of Homeland Security's regulatory agenda, a final rule is expected in July to extend the "9-11 Response and Biometric Entry Exit Fee" to H 1B and L 1 visa extension petitions. The proposal would raise immigration related costs for US employers that depend on foreign skilled workers, including thousands of Indians. Under the existing rules, employers with more than 50 employees, where over half hold H 1B or L 1 visas, pay an additional $4,000 for H 1B petitions and $4,500 for L 1 petitions only when filing an initial petition or when an employee changes employers. "DHS is amending and clarifying the regulations to specify that the 9-11 Response Fees will apply to all H-1B and L-1 extension petitions," the proposed rule states. Indian professionals could see the biggest impact Most H 1B visa holders seek an extension after completing their initial three-year stay, meaning the proposed rule could increase costs for companies employing large numbers of Indian professionals. Data from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services shows that 406,685 H 1B petitions were approved during fiscal year 2025. Of these, 291,542, or 71 per cent, were approved for continuing employment rather than first-time applicants. Indian nationals accounted for 226,359 of those approvals, representing 77.6 per cent of all H 1B extensions. Chinese nationals were second with 31,581 approvals. Big tech firms may also face higher costs The proposal follows a US federal appeals court decision refusing to pause a lower court ruling that struck down the Trump administration's proposed $100,000 fee on new H 1B visa applications. The changes would also affect multinational companies such as Google and Meta, which use L 1 visas to transfer executives, managers and employees with specialised knowledge to their US operations. A report by the National Foundation for American Policy, cited by The Times of India, showed that several of the world's largest technology companies depend heavily on H 1B workers already employed in the United States. During fiscal year 2025, Amazon received the highest number of approved H 1B petitions for continuing employment at 14,532. Tata Consultancy Services followed with 5,293 approvals, while Microsoft received 4,863. Meta Platforms recorded 4,740 approvals, Apple had 4,610, and Google received 4,509. The think tank said these figures do not represent individual employees because an H 1B worker may receive more than one approval in a year due to job transfers or changes in work location.

The Trump administration's proposal to expand H-1B visa renewal fees could increase costs for US employers and have the biggest impact on Indian professionals, who account for most H-1B visa extensions.

What Trump's proposed H-1B visa renewal fee means for Indian professionals

The Trump administration is preparing a new set of immigration rules that could make it harder for foreign professionals, students and employers to use the US immigration system. The proposals target some of the most widely used pathways for Indians seeking to study and work in the United States.&nbsp;The proposed measures appeared in the latest Unified Regulatory Agendas released by the US Departments of Homeland Security (DHS), Labour, and State. Although the changes have not yet come into force, they provide the clearest picture of the administration's immigration plans. If approved, they could bring stricter eligibility rules, additional paperwork, closer checks on employers and higher hiring costs for companies employing foreign workers.&nbsp;One of the most significant proposals focuses on the H 1B visa programme, which allows US companies to hire skilled foreign professionals in specialised occupations. Every year, 85,000 new H-1 B visas are issued under the annual cap.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ready-to-attack-iran-for-third-time-if-necessary-says-israel-amid-new-fighting-between-us-and-tehran-1783619632925">Ready to attack Iran for 'third time if necessary', says Israel amid new fighting between US and Tehran</a><h2>Proposed H-1B changes to tighten employer rules</h2>DHS is expected to publish a proposed rule in August that would tighten several parts of the H-1B programme. The proposal could limit exemptions from the H-1B cap that are currently available to universities and certain research organisations.&nbsp;It would also introduce stricter requirements for employers placing H 1B workers at third-party client locations. In addition, authorities plan to increase scrutiny of employers that have previously violated programme rules.&nbsp;The department also plans to widen an existing supplemental fee that currently applies to certain large employers. At present, the fee covers initial H-1B petitions and change of employer applications. Under the proposal, it would also apply to visa extension requests.&nbsp;The change would affect employers with more than 50 employees in the United States if more than half of their workforce holds H-1B or L 1 visas. This would increase costs for firms that rely heavily on outsourced foreign workers.<h2>Higher wages could raise hiring costs</h2>The Labour Department is also preparing changes that could make it more expensive for employers to sponsor foreign workers for H -1B visas and employment-based Green Cards.&nbsp;It plans to revise the prevailing wage levels used for H-1B and PERM labour certification cases. Under the proposal, the entry-level wage would rise from the 17th percentile to the 34th percentile, while higher wage categories would also increase. As a result, employers would have to offer higher minimum salaries to sponsor foreign workers.&nbsp;India is expected to be among the countries most affected because Indians make up a large share of H 1B visa holders, employment-based Green Card applicants and international students in the United States.&nbsp;The proposed changes could also affect international students. India sent about 3.6 lakh students to the United States during the 2024 to 25 academic year, making it the largest source of international students.

The Trump administration is proposing stricter immigration rules that could tighten H-1B visa requirements, raise employer costs and affect thousands of Indian professionals and students seeking opportunities in the United States.

The Trump administration is preparing a new set of immigration rules that could make it harder for foreign professionals, students and employers to use the US immigration system. The proposals target some of the most widely used pathways for Indians seeking to study and work in the United States. The proposed measures appeared in the latest Unified Regulatory Agendas released by the US Departments of Homeland Security (DHS), Labour, and State. Although the changes have not yet come into force, they provide the clearest picture of the administration's immigration plans. If approved, they could bring stricter eligibility rules, additional paperwork, closer checks on employers and higher hiring costs for companies employing foreign workers. One of the most significant proposals focuses on the H 1B visa programme, which allows US companies to hire skilled foreign professionals in specialised occupations. Every year, 85,000 new H-1 B visas are issued under the annual cap. Also Read: Ready to attack Iran for 'third time if necessary', says Israel amid new fighting between US and Tehran Proposed H-1B changes to tighten employer rules DHS is expected to publish a proposed rule in August that would tighten several parts of the H-1B programme. The proposal could limit exemptions from the H-1B cap that are currently available to universities and certain research organisations. It would also introduce stricter requirements for employers placing H 1B workers at third-party client locations. In addition, authorities plan to increase scrutiny of employers that have previously violated programme rules. The department also plans to widen an existing supplemental fee that currently applies to certain large employers. At present, the fee covers initial H-1B petitions and change of employer applications. Under the proposal, it would also apply to visa extension requests. The change would affect employers with more than 50 employees in the United States if more than half of their workforce holds H-1B or L 1 visas. This would increase costs for firms that rely heavily on outsourced foreign workers. Higher wages could raise hiring costs The Labour Department is also preparing changes that could make it more expensive for employers to sponsor foreign workers for H -1B visas and employment-based Green Cards. It plans to revise the prevailing wage levels used for H-1B and PERM labour certification cases. Under the proposal, the entry-level wage would rise from the 17th percentile to the 34th percentile, while higher wage categories would also increase. As a result, employers would have to offer higher minimum salaries to sponsor foreign workers. India is expected to be among the countries most affected because Indians make up a large share of H 1B visa holders, employment-based Green Card applicants and international students in the United States. The proposed changes could also affect international students. India sent about 3.6 lakh students to the United States during the 2024 to 25 academic year, making it the largest source of international students.

The Trump administration is proposing stricter immigration rules that could tighten H-1B visa requirements, raise employer costs and affect thousands of Indian professionals and students seeking opportunities in the United States.

WION Horizons: US proposes stricter H-1B and Green Card rules from August, Indians likely to be affected

A draft legislation was introduced in the US Congress on Thursday (June 4) seeking to overhaul the H-1B visa programme, including ending its use as a pathway to permanent residency in the United States. The bill titled “American White-Collar Worker Jobs Act of 2026” has been proposed by Republican lawmaker Chip Roy.<h2>So, what does the bill seeking to bring changes to the H-1B visa programme actually proposes</h2>&nbsp;<ul><li>H-1B visa, is one of the most utilized pathways for skilled workers to reside and work in the United States. The implementation is going to impact Indian nationals in a big way as close to 70% of H-1B visa holders in the US are of Indian origin.</li><li>The bill also aims to eliminate the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program which allows foreign students to work in the US for a limited period after graduation.</li><li>Chip Roy, who introduced the bill in the US Congress argues that “For its nearly forty-year history, the H-1B visa has been abused, allowing employers to routinely sideline American STEM workers in favour of cheap foreign labour, while masking layoffs and wage suppression as ‘shortages.’”</li><li>The bill's motive is to replace the current lottery system with a merit-and-wage-based approach. It also focuses on mandating employers make genuine efforts to hire American workers first, and prohibits companies that have recently laid off employees from hiring H-1B workers.</li><li>It also proposes to shorten the maximum duration of the visa from six years to two years so that applicants don't intend to stay in US, rather return to their country.</li><li>The bill also aims at eliminating the extension provisions that are currently available while awaiting a Green Card.</li><li>Under the earlier provision, visa holders could pursue permanent residency while working in the United States.</li></ul>The bill has been introduced in the US Congress at a time when the Trump administration has launched a crackdown on legal migration programmes by tightening restrictions, prioritising higher wages for H-1B applicants, and imposing a fee of USD 1,00,000 &nbsp;on new petitions.&nbsp;Notably, Roy is retiring from Congress and was one of the frontrunners for the post of Texas attorney general.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The draft legislation introduced in the US Congress also aims to eliminate the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program which allows foreign students to work in the US for a limited period after graduation.

A draft legislation was introduced in the US Congress on Thursday (June 4) seeking to overhaul the H-1B visa programme, including ending its use as a pathway to permanent residency in the United States. The bill titled “American White-Collar Worker Jobs Act of 2026” has been proposed by Republican lawmaker Chip Roy. So, what does the bill seeking to bring changes to the H-1B visa programme actually proposes H-1B visa, is one of the most utilized pathways for skilled workers to reside and work in the United States. The implementation is going to impact Indian nationals in a big way as close to 70% of H-1B visa holders in the US are of Indian origin. The bill also aims to eliminate the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program which allows foreign students to work in the US for a limited period after graduation. Chip Roy, who introduced the bill in the US Congress argues that “For its nearly forty-year history, the H-1B visa has been abused, allowing employers to routinely sideline American STEM workers in favour of cheap foreign labour, while masking layoffs and wage suppression as ‘shortages.’” The bill's motive is to replace the current lottery system with a merit-and-wage-based approach. It also focuses on mandating employers make genuine efforts to hire American workers first, and prohibits companies that have recently laid off employees from hiring H-1B workers. It also proposes to shorten the maximum duration of the visa from six years to two years so that applicants don't intend to stay in US, rather return to their country. The bill also aims at eliminating the extension provisions that are currently available while awaiting a Green Card. Under the earlier provision, visa holders could pursue permanent residency while working in the United States. The bill has been introduced in the US Congress at a time when the Trump administration has launched a crackdown on legal migration programmes by tightening restrictions, prioritising higher wages for H-1B applicants, and imposing a fee of USD 1,00,000 on new petitions. Notably, Roy is retiring from Congress and was one of the frontrunners for the post of Texas attorney general.

The draft legislation introduced in the US Congress also aims to eliminate the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program which allows foreign students to work in the US for a limited period after graduation.

What American White-Collar Worker Jobs Act introduced in US Congress proposes? WION Decodes

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Trump extends H-1B visa's $100,000 fee until September 2027: What it means for Indians?

Trump admin proposes ending 60 day H-1B grace period; Indian workers to be hit

What Trump's proposed H-1B visa renewal fee means for Indian professionals

US proposes stricter H-1B and Green Card rules, Indians likely to be affected

What American White-Collar Worker Jobs Act introduced in US Congress proposes?