US Visa Changes: H-1B Visa’s $100,000 Fee Extended, Social Media Checks Expand From Oct 1

The US has introduced and extended several visa restrictions that could affect Indians travelling to or seeking employment in the country. The latest changes include an extension of the H-1B restrictions, including a $100,000 payment requirement, roughly ₹95.9 lakh, for certain workers entering the US, and an expansion of social media screening to three more non-immigrant visa categories. Scroll down to know more.

US Govt Tightens Visa Rules & H-1B Restrictions

According to reports by NDTV, the H-1B restrictions have been extended until September 21, 2027. Under the latest proclamation, certain H-1B workers who are outside the US and seeking entry under a covered petition will require the employer to make the $100,000 payment, unless an exception is granted. The requirement does not mean every H-1B visa holder, including Indians already living and working in the US, suddenly has to pay ₹95.9 lakh to continue their employment.

The Secretary of Homeland Security can also grant exceptions for particular workers, companies or groups when their entry is considered to be in the national interest. The development is significant for Indians because they make up the largest group among H-1B beneficiaries. According to USCIS data for FY2024, people born in India accounted for about 71% of approved H-1B petitions, compared with around 12% for those born in China.

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Social Media Checks Expanded To 3 More Visa Categories

From October 1, the US State Department will expand its online presence screening to I, TN and TD visa applicants. Applicants in these categories will be instructed to make their social media accounts public or open as part of the screening process. The I visa is used by foreign media representatives, including eligible journalists, while TN visas are available to qualifying professionals who are citizens of Canada or Mexico under the USMCA. TD visas cover eligible dependents of TN visa holders. For Indians, the I visa is therefore the category most directly relevant among the three.

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Social media screening is not entirely new. The US already applies online presence reviews to several categories, including H-1B, F-1, M-1 and J-1 applicants. The latest announcement expands the list rather than introducing such screening for all visa applicants. The State Department says publicly available information may be reviewed as part of visa vetting and to identify potential security or public-safety concerns. It has not specified particular posts that applicants must delete or avoid, and the announcement does not state that a particular type of post automatically results in visa refusal.

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