The White House clarified today that the newly announced $100,000 visa fee for U.S. work visas, widely used in the tech sector, will apply only to new applications and not to renewals or current holders.
“This is a one-time fee that applies only to visa applications. It will affect new visas, not renewals or existing visa holders,” a White House official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The clarification comes after concerns raised by India and several companies that would potentially be affected by President Donald Trump’s decision, announced yesterday.
Starting tomorrow, the U.S. will begin collecting the $100,000 fee for each H-1B work visa, the program that allows skilled foreign professionals, particularly in the technology sector, to work in the United States.
The National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM), India’s largest tech industry union, said the measure is cause for “serious concern among businesses, professionals, and students worldwide” and could jeopardize ongoing projects.
