The US has been a leading destination for study abroad students, thanks to its top-ranked universities, high-tech economy, and several career opportunities. One of the many benefits of studying in the US is the H-1B visa, which enables graduates to work in occupations that require a specific set of skills. So, let’s understand the recent H-1B visa updates to make wise decisions.
Key highlights:
- All the Important H-1B visa updates
- What Exactly is the H-1B Visa?
- What are Specialty Occupations?
- All the Important H-1B visa updates
- What F-1 Visa Holders Must Know About H-1B Charges
- H-1B Visa System: Employers to Pay USD 1,00,000
- H-1B Wish List About H-1B Charges
- Key Insights for Students
What Exactly is the H-1B Visa?
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the US Department of Labour (DOL) state that the H-1B program, a non-immigrant category, permits US employers to temporarily hire international professionals in specialty occupations such as Accounting. You need to have theoretical or technical knowledge in such domains to apply for an H-1B visa. Furthermore, you also need a bachelor’s degree or advanced degree (or its equivalent) to be eligible for an H-1B visa.
What are Specialty Occupations?
- Architecture
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Business Management
- Physical Science
- Medicine and Health Education
- Social Sciences
- Accounting
- Law
- Theology
- Arts
All the Important H-1B visa updates
What F-1 Visa Holders Must Know About H-1B Charges
In great relief to international students, USCIS has waived the newly imposed $100,000 visa fee for F-1 visa holders switching their status to H-1B. This waiver is particularly for Indian students pursuing education in the US, which reduces their financial-related stress when they are transitioning from CPT/OPT to their full-fledged career in the US.
So, if you are already studying in the US and hold a valid F-1 visa, you don’t have to pay the USD 1,00,000 fee when opting for an H-1B visa. The relief acknowledges the fact that existing students in the US are already making a contribution to the US economy and should not be subjected to cost pressures.
H-1B Visa System: Employers to Pay USD 1,00,000
As per the H-1B news, the USD 1,00,000 H-1B visa fee requirement introduced by recent US administration policies is applicable to IT companies and outsourcing organisations that rely heavily on international recruits. So, this fee will be applied to new H-1B applications filed by employers. This might spike the recruitment expenses for tech companies.
So, in brief, students who are applying to study in the US don’t have to worry about the charges. Although USD 1,00,000 will be applicable to new applicants, the companies will have to bear the fees and not the students.
H-1B Wish List About H-1B Charges
You will be amazed to know that, every year, 60% of H-1B visa holders are Indians. Many students who have opted for OPT and CPT depend on an H-1B visa. Therefore, a letter is proposed by US authorities which sets out possible reforms to make the H-1B visa system more transparent and fairer.
The letter highlights the following points:
- Enhancing the regulation of outsourcing companies. Companies that hire skilled engineering professionals should not face any issues. So, start-ups and deep-tech labs should be able to attract a genuinely talented workforce.
- When H-1B visa holders change jobs and join a new company without affecting their legal status, it is known as visa portability. As per the H-1B visa news related to the proposed changes, it is crucial to offer proper grace periods for the transition and immediate work authorisation.
- Updating the classification of wage levels and skills is important. This will enable professionals in domains such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, semiconductor design and site reliability engineering to expect better remuneration. When talent with critical and scarce skills is onboarded by the companies, it will lead to long-term productivity.
- A lower fee can be considered instead of USD 1,00,000 as smaller firms may not be able to bear such high costs.
Also Read: USA Student Visa: A Brief Guide for Study Abroad Students
Key Insights for Students
- For Indian students seeking American degrees, relief from paying the substantial USD 1,00,000 fee greatly lowers barriers to career development and provides a seamless transition from academic life to professional life. There is a chance that employer hiring tactics may tighten the competition for H-1B positions. However, with the right skill sets and talent, you can achieve all your career goals.
- As per the H-1B visa update, from 21 September 2025, employers will be required to produce proof of payment for the USD 1,00,000 fee.
- You should keep yourself informed about the latest updates by visiting official immigration websites, organise your OPT timeframes responsibly, and seek STEM extensions (where applicable) to continue being able to work within the US.
The US continues to be a top destination for higher education and international careers, and the H-1B visa remains a crucial bridge from academia to the workplace. With changing regulations and fees, keeping pace with the H-1B visa updates is essential for students looking to secure their academic and career future in the US.
So, if you are planning to study and build your career in the US, you can start planning your academic journey. Do not let finance-related worries trouble you, as you can opt for an education loan to fund your studies independently. At Avanse Financial Services, we offer an abroad education loan with benefits such as 100% finance, quick loan sanctions and flexible repayment options. If you have any queries, please feel free to connect with us.
