Archive · 8 Dec 2025
US Visa Policies Impact Indian Students and Workers
The US has made some changes to its visa rules that are affecting Indian students and workers.
For example, since January 2025, students applying for F-1 visas have to go through stricter checks, which can cause delays.
Additionally, starting from September 21, 2025, some companies in the US have to pay a big fee of $100,000 to hire workers from other countries on H-1B visas.
The Indian government is keeping an eye on these changes and is working to protect the interests of Indian students and professionals.
The US is also thinking about limiting how long foreign students can stay and making changes to a program called OPT, which allows students to work in the US after they graduate.
However, the full impact of these changes is not yet known.
The US has implemented stricter scrutiny and verification for F-1 student visas since January 2025, causing delays in processing.
A new $100,000 petition fee for certain H-1B visa applicants has been introduced, affecting Indian professionals and students.
The Indian government is monitoring these changes and engaging in discussions to protect the interests of Indian students and professionals.
Proposed changes to F-1 visa stay limits and Optional Practical Training (OPT) could further impact Indian students.
No consolidated data is available yet on the impact of these visa policy changes on Indian nationals.
- Who
- Indian students and workers, US government, Indian Ministry of External Affairs
- What
- Changes in US visa policies affecting Indian students and workers
- When
- Since January 2025 for F-1 visas, September 21, 2025 for H-1B visas
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To address concerns over visa misuse, national security, and protection of American workers
- Visa Types Affected
- F-1 (student visas), H-1B (work visas)
- F-1 Visa Scrutiny
- Enhanced scrutiny and verification since January 2025
- Government Monitoring
- Regular monitoring of visa policies and their implications
- Impact Data Availability
- No consolidated data available yet on delayed or blocked visas
- Proposed F-1 Stay Limit
- Limiting stay to program length, up to 4 years
- OPT Changes Considered
- Potential changes to Optional Practical Training (OPT)
