H-1B Visa Shakeup: Indian Workers Face Skyrocketing Flight Costs After Trump’s $100K Fee—One-Way New Delhi to New York Now Hits Rs…”

International News: US President Donald Trump has suddenly announced that the H-1B visa fee will rise to $100,000 (around Rs. 88 lakh). The decision comes with a very short deadline of September 21, leaving many Indian tech workers worried. Reports say that several professionals traveling to India quickly changed their plans or rushed back to the US after hearing the news. The sudden rule comes just as many Indians are preparing to return home for Durga Puja next week.

Airfares Surge as Indians Rush to Return

Those still in India are facing sharply higher flight prices for direct routes to the United States. Airlines have increased fares due to the sudden demand. Since Indians make up around 70 percent of all H-1B visa holders, this new rule impacts them the most. H-1B workers must reach the US before 12:01 am EDT (9:31 am IST) on September 21. After this time, entry will only be allowed if employers pay the new $100,000 visa fee.

Tech Companies Advise Employees Not to Travel

Leading US companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, and JP Morgan have advised their H-1B employees not to leave the US. Those already abroad were urged to return immediately. However, many workers who were on business or holiday trips to India may have already missed the deadline. Cyrus Mehta, a US immigration lawyer, explained, “H-1B visa holders out of the US for work or vacation will get stranded unless they arrive before midnight on September 21. Many in India may have already missed the deadline, as no direct flight can reach the US in time.”

Ticket Prices Double in Hours

The sudden announcement led to a massive rise in airfare. For instance, one-way tickets from New Delhi to New York (JFK) jumped to Rs. 70,000–80,000 from around Rs. 37,000 in just a couple of hours. “Flights from New Delhi to NYC are now USD 4,500. Everyone is rushing back because they are worried about the new H-1B rules,” tweeted a passenger. The unexpected change has left many H-1B holders scrambling to adjust their travel plans.