H-1B Visa Fee Hike : For thousands of Indian professionals who dream of working in America, the situation seems to be more difficult than before. The impact of major changes in the rules related to H-1B visa is now clearly visible. The huge increase in visa fees, changes in the application process and difficulties related to renewal have increased the concerns of many people.

The biggest indication of this is the huge decline in applications for H-1B visas. Many Indian professionals have to wait for months for visa interviews, while some people have even lost their jobs due to non-renewal of visas. In such a situation, let us know how difficult it has become for Indian professionals to go to America due to the increase in H-1B visa fees.

H-1B visa fees increased manifold

US President Donald Trump has made the rules for H-1B visa more stringent than before. The biggest change has been made in visa fees. Earlier the fee for H-1B visa was $ 1,000 (about Rs 85 thousand), which has been increased to $ 1,00,000 (about Rs 85 lakh). In such a situation, the fees have been increased almost 100 times.

1.32 lakh applications reduced after fee increase

The impact of increase in visa fees is directly visible on the number of H-1B applications. Only 2,11,600 Indian professionals have applied for the H-1B visa lottery for the year 2027. While for 2026 this number was 343981, this time around 1.32 lakh applications have come less.

H-1B visa lottery rules also changed

The US Immigration Department said on July 15 that new applications for the H-1B visa lottery will no longer be accepted. Along with this, changes have also been made in the lottery process from this year. Earlier the lottery for H-1B visa was held twice a year, but now the lottery will be held only once.

Renewal of H-1B visa happens in July

Renewal of H-1B visa in America happens in the month of July. This time many Indian professionals are worried about their future. Due to problems in visa renewal, the jobs and careers of many people are being affected.

How difficult was it for Indian professionals to go to America?

After the changes in H-1B visa rules, it has become more difficult than ever for Indian professionals to go to America and work. The biggest reason is the increase in H-1B visa fee from $ 1,000 (about Rs 85 thousand) to $ 1,00,000 (about Rs 85 lakh). Its effect is also visible on the application numbers. Apart from this, now the lottery for H-1B visa will be held only once a year, whereas earlier the chance was available twice. Many Indian professionals have to wait for 10 months for visa interviews, while some people have even lost their jobs due to non-renewal of visas. In such a situation, increased costs, strict rules and lengthy processes have made it more challenging than before for Indian professionals to get a job in America and stay there.

Also read – NEET UG 2026: Rickshaw puller’s grandson created history, for the first time someone cracked NEET UG in a small village of Bihar

Most of the people getting H-1B visa are Indians

According to the data of the last five years, about 7 out of every 10 people who obtained H-1B visas have been Indians. The share of Indians was 74 percent in the year 2021, which was 73 percent in 2022 and 2023. After this it reduced to 71 percent in 2024 and 70 percent in 2025. Although the percentage has declined slightly, Indians still remain the largest group of H-1B visa recipients.

Which companies obtained the most H-1B visas

According to statistics, big tech companies are at the forefront in obtaining H-1B visas. Amazon got the maximum share of 14,532 H-1B visas. After this, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) got 5,293, Microsoft got 4,863, Meta 4,740, Apple got 4,610 and Google got 4,509 H-1B visas. American and global tech companies make the most use of the H-1B visa program to hire skilled foreign professionals, especially Indian IT and tech talent.

Also read – UGC NET June 2026 Answer Key: NTA can release the answer key of UGC NET June exam anytime, download it like this

Education Loan Information:
Calculate Education Loan EMI

Thousands of Indian professionals working in America are dependent on H-1B visa, in such a situation, it is very important to have correct information about the rules related to visa. Often people remain confused about H-1B extension and H-1B amendment. Sometimes due to filling wrong form or not applying on time, visa status can be in danger. Let us know what are H-1B extension and amendment, what is the difference between the two and in which situation which application is necessary.

What is H-1B extension?

An H-1B extension is filed when a person is already working in the US on an H-1B visa and his or her visa is about to expire, but there has been no change in the terms of his or her employment.

This means that work continues at the same company, same post, same salary and same location, only the visa deadline is extended. If nothing has changed in your job and only the visa is about to expire, an extension is the right option. This process allows the employee to legally remain in the US and continue working.

What is H-1B amendment?

When there is a major change in the employment conditions of a person working on an H-1B visa, it is necessary to file an H-1B amendment. This simply means informing the government that there has been some important change in your job.

Also read – CII report claims, 8.6 crore students are needed by 2035 to achieve the target of NEP 2020.

Main difference between extension and amendment

H-1B extension is related to time, while H-1B amendment is related to change. Extension happens when everything is the same as before and only the duration of the visa needs to be extended. Amendment is necessary when there is a major change in the terms and conditions of employment. In many cases, it happens that the employee has to file both extension and amendment simultaneously, like when there is a change in job and the date of the visa is also about to expire.

Why is correct filing important?

If the correct application is not made on time, then the visa status can be affected. This can also jeopardize the future green card, visa renewal or permission to stay in America, hence it is very important for every H-1B employee to understand the difference between extension and amendment.

Also read – RRB PO Mains 2025 admit card released, know how to download

Education Loan Information:
Calculate Education Loan EMI