As the new proclamation signed by United States President Donald Trump, imposing a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visas, takes effect today, the Indian Embassy in the US on Saturday issued an emergency assistance number for Indian nationals seeking support. With 71-72% of H-1B visas granted to Indian citizens, the move has sparked concerns about its impact on Indian tech professionals and remittances. However, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) clarified that the USD 100,000 fee will only apply to new H-1B applicants and not to petitions submitted before September 21.
Issuing the helpline number for Indian nationals, the Indian Embassy in the US wrote on X, “Indian nationals seeking emergency assistance may call cell number +1-202-550-9931 (and WhatsApp). This number should be used only by Indian nationals seeking immediate emergency assistance and not for routine consular queries.”
Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the USD 100,000 fee on the H-1B visa application is a one-time fee, clarifying the misconception that it is an annual fee. “To be clear: This is NOT an annual fee. It’s a one-time fee that applies only to the petition. This applies only to new visas, not renewals, and not current visa holders,” Leavitt stated in a post on X.
Indian nationals seeking emergency assistance may call cell number +1-202-550-9931 (and WhatsApp). This number should be used only by Indian nationals seeking immediate emergency assistance and not for routine consular queries.
— India in USA (@IndianEmbassyUS) September 20, 2025
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She further clarified that the fee will not be charged to H-1B visa holders who are currently outside the country. “Those who already hold H-1B visas and are currently outside of the country right now will NOT be charged $100,000 to re-enter. H-1B visa holders can leave and re-enter the country to the same extent as they normally would; whatever ability they have to do that is not impacted by yesterday’s proclamation,” she added.
MEA on H-1B visa fee rule
Earlier on Saturday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had issued a statement on the new rule applicable on H-1B visa holders, stating that the government is studying its full implications. “The Government has seen reports related to the proposed restrictions on the US H1B visa program. The full implications of the measure are being studied by all concerned, including by Indian industry, which has already put out an initial analysis clarifying some perceptions related to the H1B program,’ the statement read.
“This measure is likely to have humanitarian consequences by way of the disruption caused for families. Government hopes that these disruptions can be addressed suitably by the US authorities,” it added.
Our statement regarding restrictions to the US H1B visa program⬇️
🔗 https://t.co/fkOjHIxEu9 pic.twitter.com/1rM9W3GYqC— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) September 20, 2025
