US Eases $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee Rules: A Limited Relief for Indians
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: International Relations (India-US relations, US visa policies); Indian Economy (Indian Diaspora, Remittances, IT Sector).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2 (International Relations): "Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests" (CORE TOPIC); "Indian diaspora."
General Studies Paper 3 (Economy/S&T): Impact on the IT services export sector; Awareness in the fields of IT, Computers.
General Studies Paper 1 (Society): "Globalization and its effects on Indian society" (Migration).
Key Highlights from the News
The US government has issued new guidelines, granting an exemption from the controversial $100,000 H-1B visa fee ($100,000 H-1B visa fee).
This massive new fee will only apply to new applications (those applying from outside the US).
Those currently in the US do not have to pay this fee for a change of status (e.g., from an F-1 student visa to H-1B) or for an extension of stay.
This exemption is a huge relief for thousands of Indian professionals and students already studying and working in the US.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, stating that this fee is unlawful.
This move is seen as part of the US's protectionist policy.
India is concerned that this policy will affect India's remittances and service trade.
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