Indian Embassy In US Issues Emergency Helpline Amid H-1B Visa Fee

Indian Embassy In US Issues Emergency Helpline Amid H-1B Visa Fee

The $100,000 H-1B visa fee would specifically apply to individuals seeking new visas.

Washington:

President Donald Trump of the United States has signed a proclamation implementing an annual $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications, causing significant concern among Indian professionals.

In response to this announcement, the Indian Embassy in Washington released an emergency assistance number on Saturday for Indian nationals requiring immediate support.

"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," the Embassy announced via a post on X.

This measure has generated serious concerns about its impact on Indian technology professionals and remittance flows, especially considering that approximately 71 percent of all H-1B visas are granted to Indian citizens.

A senior US administration official attempted to alleviate concerns by clarifying that the substantial fee would only apply to new H-1B visa petitions, not to existing holders or those applying for renewals.

In an exclusive statement to IANS on Saturday, the White House emphasized: "This is a one-time fee that applies only to the petition. It only applies to new visas, not renewals or current visa holders. It will first apply in the upcoming lottery cycle."

Meanwhile, the Indian government has directed all its Missions and Posts to provide comprehensive assistance to Indian nationals scheduled to return to the United States within the next 24 hours.

The Ministry of External Affairs acknowledged the development, stating that it is thoroughly examining the extensive changes introduced to the H-1B visa program, particularly focusing on the newly imposed annual fee.

The ministry expressed concern that this measure could extend beyond financial implications and potentially create humanitarian challenges for families.

"The Government has seen reports related to the proposed restrictions on the US H-1B 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 H-1B program," stated MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

The spokesperson further warned that Trump's announced measure will likely have repercussions beyond business sectors.

"The full implications are being studied by all concerned, including the Indian industry, and the measure is likely to have humanitarian consequences by way of the disruption caused for families," he added.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)