As Trump Imposes $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee, Embassy Sets Up Helpline

WASHINGTON, D.C.-As alarm bells were set off among Indian professionals when President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing an annual fee of $100,000 on H-1B visa applications, the Indian Embassy here, released an emergency assistance number for Indian nationals in need of 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 stated.

The measure has raised serious concerns regarding its implications on Indian tech professionals and the flow of remittances, with nearly 71 per cent of all H-1B visas being granted to Indian citizens.

Seeking to calm nerves, a senior official from the US administration clarified that the steep fee would apply only to fresh H-1B visa petitions and not to existing holders or those seeking renewals.

After the panic was sounded, the White House on September 20 said that it is a ‘one-time fee’ that applies only to new visas and not renewals or current visa holders.

Meanwhile, the Indian government has instructed all its Missions and Posts to provide every possible assistance to Indian nationals who are scheduled to return to the United States in the next 24 hours.

The Ministry of External Affairs also took note of the development, stating that it is carefully examining the far-reaching changes introduced to the H-1B visa program, particularly the newly imposed annual fee. (IANS)