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NATIONAL EDITION | Volume 13 • Issue No. 843 SEPTEMBER 26, 2025 | The Community First - News Update 24X7 | South Asian Views On Global News
"Don't Want To Punish India" Fees, validity period, new rules, latest policy and changes you must know A new $100,000 fee and a weighted lottery system are the most significant changes affecting the H-1B visa program in 2025. These changes were introduced by a presidential proclamation signed on September 19, 2025, and are expected to apply to the 2026 lottery and all subsequent new H-1B petitions. The standard validity period of the visa remains unchanged.
New policies and rules
The remarks came as the Donald Trump administration in the US slapped 50 per cent tariffs on Indian imports -- among the highest globally -- 25 per cent of which are tied to New Delhi's Russian oil trade. Page No. 04
Sikh Grandmother Harjit Kaur Deported, Claims Shackling, Meal Denial The Sikh Coalition, a Sikh civil rights organization, released a statement alleging that Kaur endured harsh treatment while in ICE custody, including being shackled during transport, denied access to vegetarian meals, forced to sleep on the floor, and deprived of medicine, hygiene supplies, and water.
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$100,000 fee for new petitions • Effective date: The fee applies to all new H-1B petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025. • What it covers: The $100,000 is a one-time payment required from employers who file a new H-1B petition. • Who is affected: This fee does not apply to: Previously approved H-1B petitions. Current H-1B visa holders seeking extensions or renewals. Current H-1B visa holders traveling in and out of the U.S. • National interest exception: An exception to the fee may be granted for individuals, companies, or industries deemed in the "national interest". The specific process for requesting an exemption has not yet been announced. • Controversy and litigation: The proclamation is expected to face legal challenges regarding its implementation without the standard public notice and comment period required by federal law. Weighted H-1B lottery • Prioritizing wages: The Department of Homeland Security has proposed a weighted lottery that would give higher-paid workers a greater chance of selection. • Tiered system: Under the proposal, beneficiaries would be placed into one of four wage tiers based on the job's offered salary, with higher-paying tiers receiving more entries in the lottery. • Effective for 2026: If finalized, this new lottery system would apply to the H-1B cap for Fiscal Year 2026 and subsequent years. Fees for 2025 (pre-September 21) For H-1B cap registrations and petitions filed before September 21, 2025, the standard fee structure applies. • Registration fee: The fee for each H-1B registration for the FY 2026 cap was $215. • Prevailing wage increase: The Department of Labor has proposed revising and raising prevailing wage levels for H-1B positions. Visa validity period The standard duration for an H-1B visa remains unchanged. • Initial duration: An initial H-1B petition can be granted for up to three years. • Extensions: The visa can be extended for an additional three years, for a maximum stay of six years. • Exceeding six years: In some cases, such as for individuals with pending green card applications, extensions beyond the six-year limit may be possible.