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
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
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
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 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.
A federal judge in Boston blocked President Donald Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee on Monday, June 8, 2026, ruling that the charge was unlawful and must be vacated.
The H-1B visa fee ruling gives immediate relief to U.S. employers that depend on skilled foreign workers in technology, engineering and other specialized fields.
H-1B Visa Fee Ruling Deals Setback to Trump Administration
U.S. District Judge Leo T. Sorokin ruled in Massachusetts tha
A federal judge in Boston blocked President Donald Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee on Monday, June 8, 2026, ruling that the charge was unlawful and must be vacated.
The H-1B visa fee ruling gives immediate relief to U.S. employers that depend on skilled foreign workers in technology, engineering and other specialized fields.
H-1B Visa Fee Ruling Deals Setback to Trump Administration
U.S. District Judge Leo T. Sorokin ruled in Massachusetts tha
A recent US federal court ruling has brought temporary relief to many immigrants affected by strict immigration restrictions introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration. The court blocked immigration curbs that had slowed or paused several applications, including asylum cases, work permits, green cards and citizenship-related processes for people from 39 countries.
India was not part of the restricted country list. So, Indian citizens do not receive direct relief from th
A recent US federal court ruling has brought temporary relief to many immigrants affected by strict immigration restrictions introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration. The court blocked immigration curbs that had slowed or paused several applications, including asylum cases, work permits, green cards and citizenship-related processes for people from 39 countries.
India was not part of the restricted country list. So, Indian citizens do not receive direct relief from th
The 2026 USCIS green card policy update has created fresh concern among NRIs, H-1B workers, F-1 students and families in the US, especially those applying through the Adjustment of Status route.
USCIS Tightens Green Card Review Process
USCIS has issued a policy update that may make the green card process more closely reviewed for applicants already living in the United States. The update focuses on Adjustment of Status, the process that allows eligible imm
The 2026 USCIS green card policy update has created fresh concern among NRIs, H-1B workers, F-1 students and families in the US, especially those applying through the Adjustment of Status route.
USCIS Tightens Green Card Review Process
USCIS has issued a policy update that may make the green card process more closely reviewed for applicants already living in the United States. The update focuses on Adjustment of Status, the process that allows eligible imm
DHS Green Card Update Eases Applicant Concerns
Green Card Applicants Get Big Relief
The US Department of Homeland Security has clarified that most green card applicants will not have to leave the United States while their applications are under review. The DHS green card clarification comes after earlier remarks from USCIS created confusion among immigrants, employers, and visa holders.
Adjustment Of S
DHS Green Card Update Eases Applicant Concerns
Green Card Applicants Get Big Relief
The US Department of Homeland Security has clarified that most green card applicants will not have to leave the United States while their applications are under review. The DHS green card clarification comes after earlier remarks from USCIS created confusion among immigrants, employers, and visa holders.
Adjustment Of S
Green Card and H-1B Applications Face Growing Scrutiny
The United States is tightening scrutiny on green card and H-1B visa applications, affecting thousands of IT professionals, doctors, and students seeking employment and educational opportunities in the country. Recent updates from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) indicate a more rigorous review process for applicants, prompting concerns among skilled
Green Card and H-1B Applications Face Growing Scrutiny
The United States is tightening scrutiny on green card and H-1B visa applications, affecting thousands of IT professionals, doctors, and students seeking employment and educational opportunities in the country. Recent updates from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) indicate a more rigorous review process for applicants, prompting concerns among skilled
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the new US green card rule for Indians is not aimed specifically at India, but is part of a broader global immigration reform effort by Washington.
Speaking to NDTV after arriving in New Delhi and meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, May 23, 2026, Rubio said the policy applies worldwide. He said the United States is trying to restructure its immigration system after what he described as a major migration crisis.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the new US green card rule for Indians is not aimed specifically at India, but is part of a broader global immigration reform effort by Washington.
Speaking to NDTV after arriving in New Delhi and meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, May 23, 2026, Rubio said the policy applies worldwide. He said the United States is trying to restructure its immigration system after what he described as a major migration crisis.
The latest wave of Silicon Valley layoffs affecting Indian H-1B visa holders has put thousands of Indian techies under extreme pressure. Professionals working at major companies like Meta, Amazon, and LinkedIn now face a ticking 60-day clock to either find a new employer willing to sponsor their visa, switch to another legal status, or leave the United States. In today’s slowing US tech job market, securing H-1B visa transfers or completing interviews and background checks within this short
The latest wave of Silicon Valley layoffs affecting Indian H-1B visa holders has put thousands of Indian techies under extreme pressure. Professionals working at major companies like Meta, Amazon, and LinkedIn now face a ticking 60-day clock to either find a new employer willing to sponsor their visa, switch to another legal status, or leave the United States. In today’s slowing US tech job market, securing H-1B visa transfers or completing interviews and background checks within this short
Laid-off H-1B workers are facing a tighter immigration deadline as tech layoffs at Meta, Amazon and Oracle add pressure on Indian professionals living in the United States.
For visa-dependent employees, job loss can quickly become a legal, financial and family crisis because the H-1B grace period is limited.
Why Laid-Off H-1B Workers Face a 60-Day Deadline
US immigration rules generally give H-1B workers up to 60 consecutive days after employme
Laid-off H-1B workers are facing a tighter immigration deadline as tech layoffs at Meta, Amazon and Oracle add pressure on Indian professionals living in the United States.
For visa-dependent employees, job loss can quickly become a legal, financial and family crisis because the H-1B grace period is limited.
Why Laid-Off H-1B Workers Face a 60-Day Deadline
US immigration rules generally give H-1B workers up to 60 consecutive days after employme
The Trump administration’s proposed H-1B wage hike could raise salary requirements for foreign workers and make US hiring more expensive for employers.
The rule, published by the US Department of Labor on Friday, March 27, 2026, is open for public comments until Tuesday, May 26, 2026, before any final decision is made.
What the New H-1B Rule Proposes
The proposal, titled “Improving Wage Protections for the Temporary and Permanent Employment
The Trump administration’s proposed H-1B wage hike could raise salary requirements for foreign workers and make US hiring more expensive for employers.
The rule, published by the US Department of Labor on Friday, March 27, 2026, is open for public comments until Tuesday, May 26, 2026, before any final decision is made.
What the New H-1B Rule Proposes
The proposal, titled “Improving Wage Protections for the Temporary and Permanent Employment
Did Indian nationals exploit H-1B visas? Guilty plea reveals visa fraud scheme. Two Indian nationals have admitted to orchestrating a fraudulent H-1B visa scheme, confirming that the program was deliberately misused through false job claims linked to the University of California system. Between June 2020 and January 2023, the accused used a firm associated with one of them to submit petitions containing fabricated employment details, influencing approvals under the US immigration process.
Did Indian nationals exploit H-1B visas? Guilty plea reveals visa fraud scheme. Two Indian nationals have admitted to orchestrating a fraudulent H-1B visa scheme, confirming that the program was deliberately misused through false job claims linked to the University of California system. Between June 2020 and January 2023, the accused used a firm associated with one of them to submit petitions containing fabricated employment details, influencing approvals under the US immigration process.
Applications for the H-1B visa program for skilled non-immigrant workers have dropped sharply this year, with immigration experts estimating a decline of nearly 50 percent compared with the previous year. The fall in filings follows significant changes to the US immigration framework that have altered the dynamics of employer participation in the work visa program.
Experts say the decline is linked largely to policy adjustments that introduced a steep increase in registration costs
Applications for the H-1B visa program for skilled non-immigrant workers have dropped sharply this year, with immigration experts estimating a decline of nearly 50 percent compared with the previous year. The fall in filings follows significant changes to the US immigration framework that have altered the dynamics of employer participation in the work visa program.
Experts say the decline is linked largely to policy adjustments that introduced a steep increase in registration costs
Major US technology companies are increasingly turning to the H-1B visa programme to recruit skilled foreign professionals as they accelerate investments in artificial intelligence and related digital infrastructure. New data show that a large share of visa petitions filed by leading firms are tied directly to AI-driven roles, underscoring how access to global talent has become central to their long-term strategy.
An analysis of labour condition applications indicates that more than
Major US technology companies are increasingly turning to the H-1B visa programme to recruit skilled foreign professionals as they accelerate investments in artificial intelligence and related digital infrastructure. New data show that a large share of visa petitions filed by leading firms are tied directly to AI-driven roles, underscoring how access to global talent has become central to their long-term strategy.
An analysis of labour condition applications indicates that more than
