The United States has once again revised its procedures for the H-1B visa, a move that will come as a relief to thousands of Indian professionals and students. According to Hindustan Times report, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that international grads will be spared from the hefty $100,000 fee for the H-1B visa while in the US. Last month, US President Donald Trump announced plans to introduce the H-1B visa application fee of $100,000.
Who Will Benefit from Relief?
Officials indicated earlier that H-1B visa holders would not have to pay the new fees as announced last month. In its new guidance, the USCIS provided clarity that the fee of $100,000 would not be assessed on any person in the U.S. under a valid visa. This exemption includes F-1 student visa holders, L-1 intra-company transferees, and current H-1B visa holders seeking to renew or prolong their employment.
UCSIS further confirmed that this announcement “does not apply to previously issued and currently valid H-1B visas, or any petitions submitted before 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on September 21, 2025.” H-1B visa holders can continue traveling to and from the U.S. without restrictions and uncertainty, which was one of the major fears expressed after the announcement of the fee.
USCIS just clarified who is supposed to pay $100k fee for new H1B petitions.
Change of Status within US is officially exempted from any fee, so any F1 visa holders who would be applying for 2026 lottery are safe.https://t.co/3IuEq8QmoL pic.twitter.com/1TyOZWIPyO
— Abhishek (@TheBoogeiman) October 20, 2025
Relief for Indian Tech Professionals
USCIS further indicated that foreign nationals requesting a change of status – such as international students on F-1 visas transitioning to H-1B employment – will not have to pay a fee of $100,000. This is a huge relief for Indian technology professionals, who account for the largest number of approved H-1B visas issued annually.
