The $100k visa fee raises new hurdles for Indian students eyeing U.S. jobs, Pg11

Key Highlights:

• The U.S. government is imposing a one-time $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications.
• Indian students, the largest group of international students in the U.S., will be significantly affected.
• The fee hike may deter foreign students from settling in the U.S. and impact enrollment in American universities.
• In FY24, 57% of all initial H-1B beneficiaries were Indians.
• International students spent nearly $44 billion on education and living expenses in the U.S. last year.

Detailed Insights:

• The new rule primarily affects foreign students already in the U.S. pursuing degrees, especially Indians, who recently surpassed Chinese students in numbers.
• Many Indian students pursue a Master's degree and then opt for Optional Practical Training (OPT), working in the U.S. for 1-3 years before applying for an H-1B visa.
• The fee increase will disproportionately impact graduates with STEM degrees, as over 75% of Indian students in the U.S. are enrolled in STEM fields.
• In 2024, international students spent an average of $39,000 each in the U.S., with a significant portion coming from Indian households.
• 37% of all H-1B petitions approved for initial employment were filed by foreign students on F-1 visas in the U.S. last year.

Key Concepts Involved:

• H-1B Visa: A non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations.
• F-1 Visa: A non-immigrant student visa that allows individuals to pursue academic studies in the United States.
• OPT (Optional Practical Training): Temporary employment authorization for eligible F-1 students to work in the U.S. related to their field of study.