In a latest update, the Department of State successfully concluded a pilot program in 2024 enabling numerous speciality occupation workers from India to renew their visas domestically as announced by the US Embassy in India.
How Does It Work?
Considering the same, the United States is planning to implement a new program allowing H-1B visa holders to renew their visas without leaving the country soon.
This move holds a great significance as it is likely to benefit many Indian professionals in speciality occupations.
Considering the existing process, these workers need to travel back to India in order to complete the renewal and restamping processes.
It appears that the Department of State successfully concluded a pilot program in 2024 as per the information provided by the US Embassy in India.
This would enable numerous speciality occupation workers from India to renew their visas domestically.
It is noteworthy here that this pilot program has streamlined the renewal process for thousands.
Further alleviating the challenges associated with securing appointment slots at consulates, which have often been particularly difficult for Indian workers.
Moving ahead, the embassy mentioned, “The Department of State is now focused on formalizing this U.S.-based renewal program for 2025.”
As we know, the H-1B visa program facilitates the entry of foreign workers in specialized fields such as technology, engineering, medicine, and finance.
The topic has already sparked debate in U.S. politics.
It appears that the foreign workers, particularly from India, compete with American citizens for jobs, critics argued.
So far, the public figures such as President-elect Donald Trump, along with business leaders like Elon Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, have expressed support for the program.
They have highlighted the necessity of skilled foreign talent in addressing labor shortages in the U.S.
When it comes to the Indian nationals, they have consistently been the dominant recipients of H-1B visas, securing a significant share each year.
For instance, Indian applicants accounted for 77% of the 320,000 approved H-1B visas during 2022.
Similarly, they represented 72.3% of the 386,000 visas issued in 2023.
Their new renewal program is expected to further facilitate the visa process for Indian workers, who make up the largest demographic of H-1B recipients.
H-1B Visa Price Hike & Distribution
With the start of 2025, H-1B visa hopefuls and their employers are bracing for the intricate costs tied to this coveted work permit.
As we know that H-1B program comes with hefty fees that vary by circumstances.
To be presicse, one can enter into the H-1B lottery with a $10 registration fee, a figure unchanged since 2024.
Please note here that this small charge marks the first step for prospective applicants.
Moving ahead, the employers must shell out $460 as a base filing fee for all H-1B petitions.
In addition to this, there is a $500 anti-fraud fee which is applicable for first-time applicants or those switching employers, aiming to curb misuse.
As per the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016, companies with over 50 employees—where more than half hold H-1B or L-1 visas—face a $4,000 fee under.
Notably, these surcharges are effective through September 2025.
If your employer is in a rush to get a visa then they can opt for premium processing at a steep $2,805.
With the help of this service, they guarantees the processing within 15 days, a necessity for critical hires in time-sensitive industries.
As per the industry standards, the employers should shoulder most of the financial burden, covering the filing and anti-fraud fees, along with optional premium processing.
Besides this they also have to pay the $4,000 employer fee.
Besides this, the Employees may have to pay for the visa stamping and interview-related fees.
