New Delhi / U.S. — A sweeping increase in the H-1B visa application fee is triggering desperation among Indian students and professionals, as many see their aspirations in the U.S. slipping away.
Under the new regulation, employers must now pay $100,000 for fresh H-1B petitions, a move critics say makes entry-level sponsorship nearly impossible. Students who planned to stay on in the U.S. worry their opportunities for work and long-term residency are evaporating.
Many beneficiaries of Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM extensions are now uncertain about renewed offers or continuing their careers in the U.S. Employers, especially startups or small firms, may shy away from subsidizing the steep cost.
Analysts warn that the change might prompt talent drain — with Indian students seeking alternatives in countries with more favorable migration pathways. Meanwhile, industry bodies and educational institutions are calling for clarity and relief for those caught in the transition.
