US Tightens Immigration Rules, Proposes Nearly Rs 1 Crore H-1B Visa Fee, Mass B1/B2 Visa Revocations

New Delhi: The Donald Trump-led administration is moving ahead with stricter immigration measures, invoking higher barriers to entry, that could substantially affect foreign workers, visa holders and United States employers, with a proposed permanent H-1B visa fee of a staggering $103,265 (Rs 98,84,499.98 per the current exchange rate) and plans to revoke up to 200,000 business and tourism visas.

As per a report by Reuters, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed making the $103,265 fee for H-1B visas permanent on Tuesday (August 25). The measures comes after a temporary hike in fee introduced by the Trump administration last year. The temporary fee is set to expire in September, while the new proposal is expected to be finalised by the end of 2026.

The H-1B visa programme allows US employers to hire foreign professionals in "specialty occupations" that require specialised knowledge and a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specific field. The programme provides 65,000 visas annually, along with an additional 20,000 for workers with advanced degrees.

Prior to the fee hike last year, typical H-1B visa charges ranged between $2,000-5,000. The visa is approved for three to six years.

The proposed change could have far-reaching implications for Indian nationals, who make up a large proportion of H-1B recipients, as well as US companies that depend on a skilled international workforce.

In July, a federal judge in Boston had struck down the $100,000 fee imposed by the Trump administration as an "unlawful tax" that had not been authorised by the US Congress. However, the case is currently under review by an appeals court.

According to the Reuters report, the proposed fee would not apply to foreign nationals already in the US on student visas who later receive H-1B visas, nor to renewals of existing visas. Court filings cited by Reuters showed that nearly 70 US employers had paid the $100,000 fee for 85 visa applications as of February 2026.

Separately, the US state department is preparing an unprecedented level of mass revocation of B1 and B2 visas, according to Associated Press. Up to 200,000 visas issued between 2016 ad 2026 could be potentially revoked if their holders applied for or are seeking asylum in the US.

B1 visas are normally issued for business trips and B2 visas for tourism, family visits or medical care.

US state department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the administration was coordinating with the DHS to identify people who entered as short-term visitors but subsequently sought asylum. According to the AP report, over the past 18 months, the department has revoked nearly 175,000 visas for people who have been convicted or accused of crimes like driving under influence (DUI), rape, robbery or speaking out against US policies concerning the Middle East.

Although the revocations would not necessarily trigger immediate deportation, affected individuals could lose their B1 and B2 visas status.

These proposed actions indicate the Trump administration's increasingly anti-immigration stance, especially for non-White countries, with restrictions like increased scrutiny of visa applicants, social media screening and visa bond requirements to be potentially implemented.

The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.