Rising H1-B Fees Worry Indian Nationals, US Embassy Provides Help Number

H1-B Visa Fee Hike: US President Donald Trump's administration has drastically increased the H1-B visa fee. New applicants will now have to pay approximately $100,000 (approximately ₹90 lakh) for this visa. Indians constitute the largest number of H1-B visa holders in the US, accounting for 71 percent of the total.

Embassy Issues Emergency Helpline

Following this fee increase, the Indian government took immediate action to assist its citizens in the US. The Indian Embassy has issued a helpline number, +1 202 550 9931, for emergency assistance. Citizens can call this number or WhatsApp. However, the embassy clarified that this feature is only for emergency conditions.

Social Media Advisory

The Indian Embassy shared the post on social media platform X and said that Indian citizens in any emergency can contact them immediately through this number. The embassy has appealed to the citizens to use the helpline only for serious and immediate help.

Who Is Affected?

White House Press Secretary Carolyn Levitt stated that the new fees will only apply to new applicants for H1-B visas. Existing visa holders will not be burdened by this new fee. The new rule will increase financial pressure on new applicants, especially Indian professionals who rely on this visa to find jobs in the US.

Embassy Guidance and Support

The embassy also stated that this helpline has been created to provide accurate and secure information to citizens. If needed, Indian citizens can immediately call or message this number in an emergency.

Potential Impact on Indian Professionals

Experts believe that this decision could make working in the US more expensive and challenging for Indian IT professionals and startups. Indian professionals relying on H1-B visas will now have to increase their preparation and vigilance under the new rules.