America’s $100,000 H-1B Fee Move: What It Means If You’re Indian and Planning to Travel

If you’re an Indian on an H-1B Visa in the US, and planning to travel home for the festivities in the coming weeks, your plans might have to change. The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has just signed a proclamation to impose a USD 100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa petitions. This is more than just another policy change. Before you book that ticket or pack your bags, here’s what you need to know — and what people on the ground are saying (and tweeting).

What’s Going On With the Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers?

As of September 19, 2025, the U.S. White House signed a proclamation titled “Restriction On Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers”. It requires a USD 100,000 annual payment (fee) to accompany or substitute for H-1B petitions of many new and renewing non-immigrant workers. The policy takes effect at 12:01 a.m. EDT on September 21, 2025. If you are outside the U.S. or attempt to “enter or re-enter” after that, this rule could apply.

Exceptions or waivers are possible: If an individual, employer, or industry is declared “in the national interest,” or if security/welfare concerns are addressed, the fee or entry restriction might be waived. Detailed guidance is awaited.

Why are Indians affected?

India accounts for a substantial proportion of H-1B visa holders (~70% of recent approvals). This means the policy shift hits India-origin workers more than many others. Big U.S. tech, finance, and consulting firms have internal memos advising H-1B holders to avoid travelling abroad if possible, to prevent re-entry complications. This is also the advice that is being publicly echoed, for instance, by Vijay Thirumalai, who has a firm that sets up people for Global Mobility:

So many WA messages and emails on how it affects existing H1B holders

Here is what we know
–> If you are 12:01 AM ET, Sep 21st, you will not be able to reenter US if you dont have a $100K bond

What we recommend

1/ If you are H1B in US, stay in US and don't travel out of US,…

— Vijay Thirumalai (@VijayT1609) September 20, 2025

Courts may eventually push back, but until then, enforcement could be uneven, confusing, and stressful. Also, remember that the best legal advice can come from your immigration lawyer, so reach out to them if you find yourself in a difficult situation.

Bottomline

The USD 100,000 fee is a shock. It’s not just about money—it changes the logic of travelling, planning, and staying in legal status. For many Indians on H-1B, it means more certainty when you stay put, more headaches when you go abroad. If you move now, travel only when necessary, maintain clean paperwork, stay informed, and consult an immigration lawyer if you are unsure.

What do you make of the new move, and what advice do you have for people who might be in a soup because they are travelling and this sudden shock hits them?

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