The proposed $4,000 H-1B extension fee would not apply to every employer or visa holder. It targets companies with at least 50 U.S. employees when more than half hold H-1B or L-1 status, expanding the surcharge to same-employer extension petitions as well.
Which employers meet the threshold?
The eligibility rules are part of a broader
The proposed $4,000 H-1B extension fee would not apply to every employer or visa holder. It targets companies with at least 50 U.S. employees when more than half hold H-1B or L-1 status, expanding the surcharge to same-employer extension petitions as well.
Which employers meet the threshold?
The eligibility rules are part of a broader
A pending DHS rule could extend the $4,000 H-1B extension fee and $4,500 L-1 surcharge to routine stay extensions filed by large visa-dependent employers, increasing retention costs for technology and consulting companies and affecting many India-born professionals.
DHS keeps broader surcharge at final-rule stage
The Department of Homeland Security proposed the change on June 6, 2024. It would
A pending DHS rule could extend the $4,000 H-1B extension fee and $4,500 L-1 surcharge to routine stay extensions filed by large visa-dependent employers, increasing retention costs for technology and consulting companies and affecting many India-born professionals.
DHS keeps broader surcharge at final-rule stage
The Department of Homeland Security proposed the change on June 6, 2024. It would
The US visitor visa bond program has become permanent, affecting selected B1/B2 visa applicants from 50 countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal. Eligible travellers may need to pay a refundable bond of up to $20,000, depending on a consular officer's assessment.
US Visitor Visa Bond Program Becomes Permanent
The United States has
The US visitor visa bond program has become permanent, affecting selected B1/B2 visa applicants from 50 countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal. Eligible travellers may need to pay a refundable bond of up to $20,000, depending on a consular officer's assessment.
US Visitor Visa Bond Program Becomes Permanent
The United States has
Trump OPT Proposal Could Cost Indian Students $100,000
The Trump OPT proposal could dramatically increase the cost of studying in the United States by introducing a reported $100,000 fee for post-study work authorization. While the proposal has not been officially announced, it has raised concerns among Indian students, universities and employers because of the OPT programme's importance.
US OPT Programme F
Trump OPT Proposal Could Cost Indian Students $100,000
The Trump OPT proposal could dramatically increase the cost of studying in the United States by introducing a reported $100,000 fee for post-study work authorization. While the proposal has not been officially announced, it has raised concerns among Indian students, universities and employers because of the OPT programme's importance.
US OPT Programme F
The Padilla green card bill would replace the Registry’s January 1, 1972 cutoff with a rolling seven-year rule. Supporters say it could help more than 8 million long-term residents, including Dreamers, TPS holders and some H-1B workers, but the measure remains in committee.
Sen. Alex Padilla renewed his push on July 27, 2026, for legislation that could allow millions of long-term U.S. residents to apply for lawful perman
The Padilla green card bill would replace the Registry’s January 1, 1972 cutoff with a rolling seven-year rule. Supporters say it could help more than 8 million long-term residents, including Dreamers, TPS holders and some H-1B workers, but the measure remains in committee.
Sen. Alex Padilla renewed his push on July 27, 2026, for legislation that could allow millions of long-term U.S. residents to apply for lawful perman
USCIS scrutiny of H-1B workers seeking B-2 status is creating new uncertainty for laid-off professionals. Attorneys report more evidence requests, questions about temporary intent and job hunting, and pressure to secure a transfer or leave.
USCIS increases scrutiny of B-2 applications
Laid-off H-1B workers generally have up to 60 days to secure new employment, change immigration status or leave
USCIS scrutiny of H-1B workers seeking B-2 status is creating new uncertainty for laid-off professionals. Attorneys report more evidence requests, questions about temporary intent and job hunting, and pressure to secure a transfer or leave.
USCIS increases scrutiny of B-2 applications
Laid-off H-1B workers generally have up to 60 days to secure new employment, change immigration status or leave
A US federal appeals court has kept the Trump administration’s $100,000 charge on new H-1B petitions blocked, preserving a lower-court injunction while the government continues its appeal. The Trump H1B fee ruling affects employers, skilled workers and applicants following the wider immigration dispute.
H-1B Fee Block Remains in Place
On Friday, July 24, the Boston-based First US Circuit Cour
A US federal appeals court has kept the Trump administration’s $100,000 charge on new H-1B petitions blocked, preserving a lower-court injunction while the government continues its appeal. The Trump H1B fee ruling affects employers, skilled workers and applicants following the wider immigration dispute.
H-1B Fee Block Remains in Place
On Friday, July 24, the Boston-based First US Circuit Cour
US visa restrictions for NRIs do not automatically affect ordinary Indian professionals, students or families. The new policy targets people linked to cyberscams, sextortion and enabling networks, while immediate family members of designated individuals may also face restrictions.
The United States’ new global visa restriction policy targeting cyberscams, sextortion and related cyber-enabled crime may concern non-residen
US visa restrictions for NRIs do not automatically affect ordinary Indian professionals, students or families. The new policy targets people linked to cyberscams, sextortion and enabling networks, while immediate family members of designated individuals may also face restrictions.
The United States’ new global visa restriction policy targeting cyberscams, sextortion and related cyber-enabled crime may concern non-residen
H-1B parents generally cannot obtain Parent PLUS loans based on H-1B status alone, even when their child is a U.S. citizen. Families may still use FAFSA, student federal loans, institutional aid, 529 funds and other financing options.
An H-1B parent may help a child complete the FAFSA, but that does not automatically make the parent eligible to borrow a federal Parent PLUS loan.
H-1B parents generally cannot obtain Parent PLUS loans based on H-1B status alone, even when their child is a U.S. citizen. Families may still use FAFSA, student federal loans, institutional aid, 529 funds and other financing options.
An H-1B parent may help a child complete the FAFSA, but that does not automatically make the parent eligible to borrow a federal Parent PLUS loan.
The proposed $100,000 green card bond has created uncertainty among H-1B professionals seeking permanent residency. Here's what is currently known about who could be affected, the difference between Adjustment of Status and consular processing, and why the proposal has not yet changed existing immigration procedures.
The Trump administration's reported proposal to require certain green card applicants to post bonds of up to $100,000 has raised questions among H-1B
The proposed $100,000 green card bond has created uncertainty among H-1B professionals seeking permanent residency. Here's what is currently known about who could be affected, the difference between Adjustment of Status and consular processing, and why the proposal has not yet changed existing immigration procedures.
The Trump administration's reported proposal to require certain green card applicants to post bonds of up to $100,000 has raised questions among H-1B
An H-4 visa 221(g) administrative processing case from Hyderabad reportedly ended in approval after 90 days. The account details the interview documents, follow-up emails, a senator’s inquiry, and the CEAC status change from refused to approved and then issued.
According to a user-shared account that has not been independently verified, an H-4 visa renewal applicant in Hyderabad received approval after 90 days under Section 221(g). The timeline describes one case
An H-4 visa 221(g) administrative processing case from Hyderabad reportedly ended in approval after 90 days. The account details the interview documents, follow-up emails, a senator’s inquiry, and the CEAC status change from refused to approved and then issued.
According to a user-shared account that has not been independently verified, an H-4 visa renewal applicant in Hyderabad received approval after 90 days under Section 221(g). The timeline describes one case
Microsoft Xbox layoffs have intensified the US debate over H-1B visas after Rep. Riley Moore linked the job cuts to foreign-worker approvals. Microsoft says the restructuring is based on business needs and that H-1B employees were also affected.
Microsoft announces thousands of job cuts
Microsoft’s Xbox layoffs have renewed political scrutiny of the H-1B visa program, with critics questioning
Microsoft Xbox layoffs have intensified the US debate over H-1B visas after Rep. Riley Moore linked the job cuts to foreign-worker approvals. Microsoft says the restructuring is based on business needs and that H-1B employees were also affected.
Microsoft announces thousands of job cuts
Microsoft’s Xbox layoffs have renewed political scrutiny of the H-1B visa program, with critics questioning
The Trump H-1B visa fraud probe has cited Cognizant as U.S. officials examine alleged H-1B and PERM abuse, labor trafficking claims, wage-related violations and possible worker displacement in the technology sector.
The Trump administration’s H-1B visa probe could matter to NRIs who are working in the United States, waiting for employer-sponsored green cards or planning to move through the H-1B route.
The NRI impact follows the main investigation in which Cognizant was mentioned in Trump’s H-1B visa fraud probe.
The investigation, reported on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, focuses on alleged abuse involving H-1B and PERM employment-based visa programs. U.S. labor officials have described the probe as part of a wider effort to examine suspected visa fraud, labor exploitation and possible displacement of American workers.
H-1B workers may face closer employer checks
The H-1B program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations, including technology, healthcare, research, education and business roles. The Department of Labor says H-1B employers must follow wage and job-condition rules when hiring foreign workers.
For NRIs already on valid H-1B visas, the probe does not automatically mean their status is at risk. The bigger concern is whether employers, staffing firms or consulting companies face more scrutiny over wages, job locations, job duties, benching, subcontracting or visa paperwork.
PERM applicants should watch green card cases
The PERM process is important for many Indian professionals because it is often the first major step in an employer-sponsored green card case. A permanent labor certification from the Department of Labor allows an employer to hire a foreign worker permanently in the United States before filing an immigration petition with USCIS.
NRIs in the green card queue may need to watch whether employers become more cautious about new PERM filings, audits, recruitment records or job advertisements. A broader enforcement push could slow some cases if companies review older filings or tighten internal compliance.
Why Indian tech workers are watching closely
Indian nationals make up the largest share of approved H-1B beneficiaries. USCIS data for fiscal year 2024 showed that 71% of approved H-1B petitions were for beneficiaries born in India.
That makes the investigation especially relevant for Indian tech workers, students moving from F-1 to H-1B, families on H-4 visas and professionals waiting for green cards. Any major change in enforcement can affect hiring decisions, sponsorship timelines and immigration planning.
What NRIs should do now
NRIs should avoid panic but stay careful. Workers should keep copies of offer letters, pay records, job descriptions, worksite details, visa approvals and immigration filings. Anyone facing wage issues, forced payments, fake job placement, benching without pay or pressure from an employer should speak with a qualified immigration attorney or report concerns through official channels.
The wider impact will depend on whether the probe leads to formal enforcement action, company-level penalties or broader rule changes. Until then, the main effect for NRIs is likely to be greater attention on employer compliance, documentation and the accuracy of H-1B and PERM filings.
The Trump H-1B visa fraud probe has cited Cognizant as U.S. officials examine alleged H-1B and PERM abuse, labor trafficking claims, wage-related violations and possible worker displacement in the technology sector.
The Trump administration’s H-1B visa probe could matter to NRIs who are working in the United States, waiting for employer-sponsored green cards or planning to move through the H-1B route.
The NRI impact follows the main investigation in which Cognizant was mentioned in Trump’s H-1B visa fraud probe.
The investigation, reported on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, focuses on alleged abuse involving H-1B and PERM employment-based visa programs. U.S. labor officials have described the probe as part of a wider effort to examine suspected visa fraud, labor exploitation and possible displacement of American workers.
H-1B workers may face closer employer checks
The H-1B program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations, including technology, healthcare, research, education and business roles. The Department of Labor says H-1B employers must follow wage and job-condition rules when hiring foreign workers.
For NRIs already on valid H-1B visas, the probe does not automatically mean their status is at risk. The bigger concern is whether employers, staffing firms or consulting companies face more scrutiny over wages, job locations, job duties, benching, subcontracting or visa paperwork.
PERM applicants should watch green card cases
The PERM process is important for many Indian professionals because it is often the first major step in an employer-sponsored green card case. A permanent labor certification from the Department of Labor allows an employer to hire a foreign worker permanently in the United States before filing an immigration petition with USCIS.
NRIs in the green card queue may need to watch whether employers become more cautious about new PERM filings, audits, recruitment records or job advertisements. A broader enforcement push could slow some cases if companies review older filings or tighten internal compliance.
Why Indian tech workers are watching closely
Indian nationals make up the largest share of approved H-1B beneficiaries. USCIS data for fiscal year 2024 showed that 71% of approved H-1B petitions were for beneficiaries born in India.
That makes the investigation especially relevant for Indian tech workers, students moving from F-1 to H-1B, families on H-4 visas and professionals waiting for green cards. Any major change in enforcement can affect hiring decisions, sponsorship timelines and immigration planning.
What NRIs should do now
NRIs should avoid panic but stay careful. Workers should keep copies of offer letters, pay records, job descriptions, worksite details, visa approvals and immigration filings. Anyone facing wage issues, forced payments, fake job placement, benching without pay or pressure from an employer should speak with a qualified immigration attorney or report concerns through official channels.
The wider impact will depend on whether the probe leads to formal enforcement action, company-level penalties or broader rule changes. Until then, the main effect for NRIs is likely to be greater attention on employer compliance, documentation and the accuracy of H-1B and PERM filings.
The Trump H-1B visa fraud probe has drawn attention after Cognizant was mentioned in connection with whistleblower claims. U.S. labor officials are investigating alleged H-1B and PERM abuse, labor trafficking and possible worker displacement.
The Trump administration’s H-1B visa fraud probe has drawn attention after Cognizant was mentioned while U.S. officials described a wider investigation into alleged abuse of employment-based visa programs.
The Trump H-1B visa fraud probe has drawn attention after Cognizant was mentioned in connection with whistleblower claims. U.S. labor officials are investigating alleged H-1B and PERM abuse, labor trafficking and possible worker displacement.
The Trump administration’s H-1B visa fraud probe has drawn attention after Cognizant was mentioned while U.S. officials described a wider investigation into alleged abuse of employment-based visa programs.
US opens H-1B visa fraud investigation
The United States has launched a major investigation into alleged fraud involving the H-1B visa programme, with IT services company Cognizant among the firms named as authorities examine possible misuse. The probe was announced by US Labour Department Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito, who said investigators were looking into
US opens H-1B visa fraud investigation
The United States has launched a major investigation into alleged fraud involving the H-1B visa programme, with IT services company Cognizant among the firms named as authorities examine possible misuse. The probe was announced by US Labour Department Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito, who said investigators were looking into
Texas is considering a Texas REAL ID rule change that could make it harder for some lawful temporary visa holders to obtain a driver’s license or state identification card.
The proposal from the Texas Department of Public Safety would require a foreign passport submitted with a REAL ID application to contain a valid U.S. visa. Public comments are open through Sunday, July 26, 2026.
How the Texas REAL ID Rule Change Would Work
Current Texas ru
Texas is considering a Texas REAL ID rule change that could make it harder for some lawful temporary visa holders to obtain a driver’s license or state identification card.
The proposal from the Texas Department of Public Safety would require a foreign passport submitted with a REAL ID application to contain a valid U.S. visa. Public comments are open through Sunday, July 26, 2026.
How the Texas REAL ID Rule Change Would Work
Current Texas ru
Anthropic, OpenAI and Nvidia increased their use of the H-1B program during the second quarter of U.S. fiscal year 2026, even as several larger technology companies reduced certified labor applications.
The shift illustrates how aggressively leading artificial intelligence companies are competing for specialized engineers, researchers and infrastructure workers from the global talent pool.
AI Companies Increase H-1B Hiring
Anthropic recorded 59
Anthropic, OpenAI and Nvidia increased their use of the H-1B program during the second quarter of U.S. fiscal year 2026, even as several larger technology companies reduced certified labor applications.
The shift illustrates how aggressively leading artificial intelligence companies are competing for specialized engineers, researchers and infrastructure workers from the global talent pool.
AI Companies Increase H-1B Hiring
Anthropic recorded 59
Anthropic H-1B jobs carried base salaries ranging from $112,778 to $1.38 million, according to newly disclosed federal filings covering nearly 80 certified positions during the first half of U.S. fiscal year 2026.
The records show that the artificial intelligence company sponsored workers across technical, research, product and business functions. The figures represent fixed annual base pay and do not include bonuses, stock awards or other benefits.
Anthropic H-1B
Anthropic H-1B jobs carried base salaries ranging from $112,778 to $1.38 million, according to newly disclosed federal filings covering nearly 80 certified positions during the first half of U.S. fiscal year 2026.
The records show that the artificial intelligence company sponsored workers across technical, research, product and business functions. The figures represent fixed annual base pay and do not include bonuses, stock awards or other benefits.
Anthropic H-1B
The birthright citizenship ruling issued by the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, provides important clarity for families living in the United States on temporary visas. Children born in the country to parents who are lawfully but temporarily present remain U.S. citizens at birth under the 14th Amendment.
For the court’s vote and constitutional reasoning, read NRIPage’s full report on the
The birthright citizenship ruling issued by the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, provides important clarity for families living in the United States on temporary visas. Children born in the country to parents who are lawfully but temporarily present remain U.S. citizens at birth under the 14th Amendment.
For the court’s vote and constitutional reasoning, read NRIPage’s full report on the
Four July 1, 2026 travel rule changes will affect tourists, business visitors, transit passengers and employer-sponsored workers in the United States, Japan, Vietnam and Australia.
The measures include an optional expedited U.S. visa interview fee, higher Japanese visa charges, a Vietnamese health declaration and increased Australian sponsored-work salary thresholds. The rules take effect on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, but eligibility differs by country.
What the Jul
Four July 1, 2026 travel rule changes will affect tourists, business visitors, transit passengers and employer-sponsored workers in the United States, Japan, Vietnam and Australia.
The measures include an optional expedited U.S. visa interview fee, higher Japanese visa charges, a Vietnamese health declaration and increased Australian sponsored-work salary thresholds. The rules take effect on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, but eligibility differs by country.
What the Jul
