Indians living in the United States again push! Donald Trump's administration is planning to introduce new fees on HWANB visas and optical practical training (OPT). It is known that the cost of HWANB and OPT is going to increase as a result. According to sources, the Homeland Security of America has started the process of presenting a proposal in this regard.
But a recent US report said the proposal is still under review. The amount of the new fee is yet to be disclosed. But this issue is very significant for Indians. Because, many Indians work in USA on HWB visa. According to a report by USCIS, Indians accounted for 71 percent of all HWNB visa applicants in fiscal year 2024-25. It should be noted that foreigners are given the opportunity to work in America through the HWB visa. On the other hand, students need an F-1 visa to study in the US. They then get a fixed-term job opportunity related to their studies through the Optical Practical Training (OPT) program. A fee is also charged for this special permit. It is known that the US government is going to increase this fee.
It should be noted that in September of last year, Trump charged a one-time fee of 1 lakh dollars with the HWANB visa, which is more than 95 lakh rupees in Indian terms! But this year, the US court overturned that fee. Such fees are, in effect, taxes, requiring the approval of the US Congress to be enacted. Trump didn't take it. He took this decision without legal action. As a result, this fee is cancelled.