Recently, the United States government announced significant changes to the H1B visa program, alongside updates affecting B1 visas. These developments have sparked widespread attention, particularly in India, a major source country for skilled immigrant workers in the US.
What Are H1B and B1 Visas?
H1B Visa: This visa allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise, such as IT, engineering, and science. It is typically granted for an initial period of up to three years, extendable to six.
B1 Visa: This is a short-term business visitor visa intended for individuals visiting the US for business activities such as meetings, conferences, and consultations. B1 visa holders are not permitted to work or stay long-term in the US.
Latest Announcements and Changes for US H1B and B1 Visa
On September 19, 2025, the US administration introduced a new one-time application fee of $100,000 for all new H1B visa petitions submitted from September 21, 2025 onward. This is a drastic increase from previous fees, which were only a few thousand dollars depending on the employer’s size. Importantly, this fee applies only to new visa applications and does not affect current H1B visa holders or renewal petitions.
For B1 visas, recent changes mostly focus on procedural updates like mandatory in-person interviews for most applicants starting late 2025, and the introduction of a non-refundable “Visa Integrity Fee” of $250 for several non-immigrant visa categories, including B1. These changes do not alter the fundamental nature or restrictions of the B1 visa but add layers to the application process.
Comparison with Existing Rules: US H1B and B1 Visa
| Aspect | Existing H1B Rules (Pre-Sept 2025) | New H1B Rules (From Sept 2025) | Existing B1 Visa Rules | New B1 Visa Updates (From Sept 2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $1,500–$5,000 depending on employer size | Flat $100,000 one-time fee per new H1B petition | Standard visa processing fees | Additional $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” added |
| Applicability | New petitions and renewals | New petitions only; renewals and current holders exempted | Business visits only; no work allowed | In-person interviews mandatory for most applicants |
| Duration | Initially 3 years, extendable to 6 | No change to duration | Typically up to 6 months | No change to duration |
| Entry Restrictions | No special entry fee | Entry only with paid petition | No work allowed | No work allowed |
| Interview Requirement | Varies by case | No significant change | Many exemptions for interviews existed | Age-based exemptions removed, more interviews needed |
Impact on India
India has been the largest beneficiary of the H1B program, accounting for approximately 70% of all H1B visas issued in recent years. The sudden imposition of the $100,000 fee has caused alarm within Indian IT professionals and firms, who worry about disruptions and increased costs for sending talent to the US.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed concerns over the humanitarian consequences, highlighting possible family separations and professional uncertainty. Indian tech companies, which heavily rely on H1B workers to provide services to US clients, are also bracing for the impact.
However, some experts see this as an opportunity for India to further bolster its domestic tech innovation ecosystem, potentially repatriating talent who may find the US entry cost-prohibitive. This could enhance India’s position as a global innovation and delivery hub, while US firms might face challenges in accessing skilled labor.
For B1 visa applicants, while the core visa purpose and eligibility remain unchanged, longer wait times and additional fees could add to travel planning complexity for Indian business travelers.
Conclusion
The US government’s sharp increase in H1B visa fees marks a significant shift in immigration and labor mobility policy, aimed at protecting American workers but also challenging the norms that have fueled US-India tech ties for decades. While current H1B holders and renewals remain unaffected, new applicants face a substantial financial hurdle.
For B1 visas, procedural changes mean stricter scrutiny and higher application costs but no fundamental policy shift.
These visa updates underline evolving geopolitical and economic dynamics between the US and India. The long-term effects may reshape talent flows and bilateral relations, with India potentially benefiting by strengthening its internal market for high-skilled professionals.