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The recent major changes in the US’s H-1B visa regulations have created a stir in the IT and other professional sectors all over the world including India. Indian IT professionals, startup employees, researchers and people who travel to America regularly can be directly affected by this change. Especially for those Indians who visit America many times a year, this change can bring many new challenges in travel plans, expenses and working life.

What does the new rule say

The US administration has announced that the new H-1B visa applications will now be charged an additional fee of US $ 1 lakh (about 83 lakh rupees). This fee will have to be paid to the employer i.e. the American company that is sponsoring H-1B visa for a foreign employee. This rule will only apply to new applications. Those who are already on the H-1B visa and whose visa is valid will not have to pay this fee.

Although it was not clear in the beginning whether this fee would be applicable to the already released visa holders, but now US officials have made it clear that the current visa holders will not have to pay any new fee for their visit. Nevertheless, there is an atmosphere of uncertainty and anxiety after this rule.

Impact on existing visa holders

Indians who are already working in the US on H-1B visa and visit India from time to time are directly relief from this fee. This means that if their visa and stamping is valid, they can return to America by normal process. Nevertheless, many people are avoiding their trips or returning early as a precaution so that an unexpected problem can be avoided. Due to the strictness of the rules, now the investigation and documents at the airport can be more intensive than before. This means that the visitors will have to keep all their documents ready and do extra time and preparation during the journey.

Impact on new applicants and future plans

The most impact will be on those who were planning to apply for H-1B visa in the coming time. The fee of 1 million dollars is a huge amount for small and medium level employers. In such a situation, there is a possibility that they avoid making such expensive applications and either give jobs to local American employees or outsource the work in India or other countries. This will have a direct impact on the Indian professionals who were dreaming of making a career in America. The competition can be even more difficult because only large corporate or financially competent companies will be able to pay this fee.

Challenges for regular passengers

For those who travel frequently between Indians who travel again and again, this change will also bring many challenges. According to airlines and travel agencies, the demand for travel on the US-India route may decrease due to such rules. This is expected to reduce the number of flights or increase the ticket price. In addition, visa may be delayed in renewal, stamping and interview as the US embassy and consulate will have to change the process according to the new rules. This means that passengers will have to make their plans in advance and keep a margin of enough time.

Impact on companies

Indian IT companies and startups will be affected by this change. Many companies can now adopt a strategy to complete projects in India instead of sending employees to America. This can further boost the work-form-India and remote work culture. Big tech companies may be able to bear this fee, but they will also be more cautious in allowing employees to travel again and again. Many companies may advise employees to stay in the US for a long time so that the risk and uncertainty to frequent movement can be reduced.

Effect on family and personal life

Those who live with the family and come to India from time to time, they will now have to plan the journey very carefully. Other family members will have to pay attention to aspects such as visa, stamping and school holidays.

It can now be difficult to travel suddenly because if there is any problem in the paper - paper or renewal, the return may be delayed. It can affect both personal and professional life.

Airline industry and travel market impact

The reduction in travel demand will also affect the airline companies and the tourism sector. If a large number of IT professionals and business travelers reduce the journey to America, then airlines may have to reduce roots and flight frequency. This can make tickets expensive and the options can be limited.