Indian Embassy In US Issues Helpline Number Amid Concerns Over H-1B Visa Fees

Last Updated:September 21, 2025, 08:32 IST

According to a senior US official, those who are visiting or leaving the country, or visiting India, don’t need to rush back before Sunday or pay the $100,000 fee.

Under a proclamation that takes effect on 21 September 2025, employers will now need to pay a $100,000 fee for every H-1B worker entering the US.

Amid tensions after the hike in the application fees for the H-1B visa holders, the Indian Embassy in the US has issued an emergency assistance number for Indian nationals seeking support.

“Indian nationals seeking emergency assistance may call cell number +1-202-550-9931 (and WhatsApp). This number should be used only by Indian nationals seeking immediate emergency assistance and not for routine consular queries,” the Indian Embassy in the US said in a post on X.

The move by the US administration has sparked concerns for the Indians, as 71-72 per cent of H-1B visas are going to Indians.

Earlier, a senior US official clarified that the individuals currently holding H-1B visas, including those visiting India or abroad, won’t be affected.

“Those who are visiting or leaving the country, or visiting India, don’t need to rush back before Sunday or pay the $100,000 fee. $100,000 is only for new and not current existing holders,” the official told ANI.

Meanwhile, the Indian government on Saturday advised all its missions/posts to extend all possible help to Indian nationals who are travelling back to the US in the next 24 hours or so.

India Reacts To H-1B New Visa Fees

Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, in an official statement, said that industry in both India and the US has a stake in innovation and creativity and can be expected to consult on the best path forward.

“The Government has seen reports related to the proposed restrictions on the US H1B visa program. The full implications of the measure are being studied by all concerned, including by Indian industry, which has already put out an initial analysis clarifying some perceptions related to the H1B program,” read the official statement.

PM Modi Calls For Self-Reliance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday, after laying the foundation stone for several developmental projects in Gujarat, highlighted the importance of self-reliance.

“Today, India is moving forward with the spirit of ‘Vishwabandhu’. We have no major enemy in the world. Our biggest enemy is our dependence on other countries. This is our biggest enemy, and together we must defeat this enemy of India, the enemy of dependence,” he said.

“The greater the foreign dependence, the greater the country’s failure. For global peace, stability, and prosperity, the country with the world’s largest population must become Atmanirbhar. If we remain dependent on others, our self-respect will be hurt. We cannot leave the future of 1.4 billion countrymen to others,” added the prime minister.

About the Author

Anushka Vats

Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can follow her…Read More

Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can follow her… Read More

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