New Delhi: Indian students and technology professionals planning careers in the United States may face higher immigration costs as the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) considers new fees for H-1B and F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) programmes.
According to immigration law firm Fragomen, proposals for both categories have been sent to the Office of Management and Budget for review. The precise cost estimates have not yet been disclosed.
Reports suggest the OPT fee could potentially reach $100,000, but this figure is only a possibility and has not been confirmed by the US government.
The development could significantly affect Indians, who accounted for about 71% of approved H-1B beneficiaries in fiscal 2024. Many Indian students follow the F-1 route, then use OPT and STEM OPT before seeking H-1B employment.
Currently, the Form I-765 filing fee for OPT is $470 online or $520 on paper. Unlike H-1B costs, which are generally paid by employers, OPT fees are usually borne by students.
Any major increase could therefore put additional financial pressure on Indian students seeking to work in the US.