Lok Sabha Question No. 1129 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-05
Subject: Reduction of US visas for Indians
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Km. Sudha R

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1129 ANSWERED ON- 05/12/2025 REDUCTION OF US VISAS FOR INDIANS

1129. KM. SUDHA R. Will the Minister of  EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :(a)   whether   the   recent   suspension   or   reduction   in   H-1B   visa sponsorships   by   US   firms   is   affecting   Indian   professionals   and students seeking work and study opportunities abroad, if  so, the details thereof; (b)   whether   Indian   students   and   skilled   workers   face   increased uncertainty or hurdles in obtaining US student visas (F-1) or work visas (H-1B) and if  so, the details thereof; (c) whether the Government regularly monitors and publishes data on Indian nationals whose visa or work-study opportunities abroad were delayed, blocked or withdrawn, if  so, the impact of  it on

India's talent pool; and

(d) whether the Government is reviewing diplomatic and consular responses   to   protect   the   interests   of Indian   students   and professionals abroad in light of  changing visa regimes, if  so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a to d) The U.S. Administration issued guidelines on 19 September 2025 under a 'Presidential Proclamation' imposing a fee of  USD 100,000 on new H-1B petitions filed by applicants applying from outside the United States and not already holding a valid H-1B visa.

Following   this   proclamation,   the   United   States   Immigration   and Citizenship   Services   (USCIS)   clarified   that   the   supplemental $100,000 payment applies to:

-  H-1B   petitions   filed   on   or   after   September   21,   2025,   for individuals who are outside the United States and do not hold a valid H-1B visa.

-  A petition that requests a change of status, amendment, or extension of stay, and USCIS finds the applicant ineligible for these requests.
-  The   applicant   departs   the   U.S.   before   the   petition   is
- adjudicated.

## The fee does not apply to:

-  Those   who   have   submitted   petitions   prior   to   12:01   a.m.
- eastern daylight time on September 21, 2025.
-  Those   who   already   have   a   H-1B   visas   (including   those
- traveling internationally).
-  H-1B petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025, requesting a  change   of   status,   amendment,   or   extension   of   stay   for someone already in the U.S.,  provided USCIS approves the request. For example: F-1 students already in the U.S. and who are transitioning to H-1B status without leaving the country, such   as   after   completing   their   Optional   Practical   Training (OPT).

Since the proclamation took effect only on 21 September 2025, there is presently no comparable data available to assess its impact on Indian professionals and students.

Separately,   the   U.S.   Department   of   Homeland   Security   is considering a weighted selection mechanism that would prioritise higher-skilled and higher-paid applicants for H-1B visas. However, data on the actual impact is not yet available.

On the F-1 visa front, the U.S. Administration has proposed limiting the stay of foreign students and exchange visitors (J-1 visa) to the length of their programme, up to a maximum of four years. Anyone needing more time would have to apply for an extension with USCIS, and if the extension is not approved before their visa end date, they would fall out of  status even while still studying. The comment period on this proposal has closed, and no decision timeline has been announced.

The U.S. Administration is also considering changes to the Optional Practical Training (OPT) with the stated aim is to prevent misuse,

increase monitoring of foreign students, protect American workers, and address concerns related to fraud and national security.

The Government regularly monitors developments relating to visa and mobility   policies   of   partner   countries,   including   the   United States,   to   assess   potential   implications   for   mobility   and   the economy. Since the measures in the U.S. have only recently come into effect, consolidated data on delayed, blocked, or withdrawn visa or work-study opportunities for Indian nationals is not presently available.   Such   data   rests   with   the   visa-issuing   country   and becomes available only if made public by them.

The Government of India remains actively engaged on all issues concerning the mobility of Indian professionals and students. While visa issues are sovereign matters, India believes that skilled talent mobility   has   long   contributed   to   innovation-led   growth   in   both countries,   and   stakeholders   on   both   sides   continue   discussions aimed at ensuring sustained support for innovation-driven sectors.

The Government will continue to take appropriate diplomatic and consular measures to protect the interests of Indian students and professionals in light of evolving visa regimes. *****