'One-time payment, freedom of re-entry...', what update did the White House give on H1-B visa?

News Topical, Digital Desk : US President Donald Trump yesterday signed an executive order related to H1-B visas, which caused a stir not only in the US but across the world.

Trump overnight increased the fee for H1-B visas to US$100,000 (approximately 9 million rupees). This decision appeared to increase the difficulties of H1-B visa holders living in the US. However, the Trump administration has now clarified the new rules.

The fee will be annual, according to US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who announced the fee increase on Friday. The fee will apply to both new visa applications and visa renewals.

What are the new rules on H1-B visa?

White House Press Secretary Carolyn Levitt clarified the matter on Saturday, saying the fee would be one-time, not annual, and would only apply to new applications. Those already on H1-B visas will not be subject to this fee.

According to Carolyn Lavitt,

This fee is not an annual fee. It is a one-time fee applicable only to new H1-B visa applications. This fee will not apply to visa renewals or to H1-B visa holders.

When did the new order come into effect?

The US President's new order on H1-B visas came into effect at 12 a.m. on Sunday night. This new order has caused a stir, especially among American tech companies.

Most of the employees at companies like Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft are H1-B visa holders. Following the White House decision, all major companies sent emails to their employees urging them to return to the US within 24 hours.

What did the White House say?

"H1-B visa holders who are currently outside the United States will not be charged the $100,000 fee. H1-B visa holders can leave or re-enter the United States at any time," Levitt said.

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