# US H‑1B policy changes affecting Indian workers

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-h1b-policy-changes-affecting-indian-workers
> Updated: 2026-08-04T20:53:19.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

In early July 2026 the United States announced proposals to tighten H‑1B and green‑card regulations that would particularly impact Indian students and professionals. A month later, the Department of Homeland Security issued a notice expanding the 9‑11 Response and Biometric Entry‑Exit Fee to cover extensions of H‑1B and L‑1 visas, requiring large employers to pay the fee for renewal petitions as well as new applications. Indian nationals comprise about 78 % of H‑1B extension approvals, so the change raises costs for firms that rely on them.

In early August 2026 the Trump administration drafted a rule that would impose a $4,000 renewal fee for H‑1B and a $4,500 fee for L‑1 petitions on employers with 50 or more employees where more than half of the workforce holds such visas. The proposal also references a separate $100,000 fee on Optional Practical Training that a federal appeals court blocked on July 24, and a pilot green‑card bond program for Dominican Republic applicants. The renewal‑fee rule remains listed in the 2026 Unified Regulatory Agenda pending OMB review.

## Claims

- The Trump administration proposes expanding the 9‑11 Response and Biometric Entry‑Exit Fee to H‑1B and L‑1 visa renewal petitions. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The fee for H‑1B renewal would be $4,000 and for L‑1 renewal $4,500. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The proposed rule applies to employers with at least 50 employees where more than half of the workforce holds H‑1B or L‑1 visas. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The proposed renewal‑fee rule is listed in the 2026 Unified Regulatory Agenda and will be reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget before finalization. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Indian nationals accounted for about 78 % of H‑1B renewal approvals in fiscal year 2025 (approximately 226,000 of 291,000 renewals). (corroborated by 2 sources)
- A pilot program would require certain green‑card applicants, starting with Dominican Republic nationals, to post a bond of up to $250,000. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Trump administration is considering a $100,000 fee on Optional Practical Training for international students. (single source)
- A federal appeals court on July 24 2026 blocked the $100,000 fee on new H‑1B petitions, keeping the fee suspended while the administration’s appeal proceeds. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-04: Trump admin proposes higher H-1B, L-1 renewal fees for Indian workers

Trump administration proposes extending H‑1B/L‑1 renewal fees ($4K/$4.5K) to large employers, impacting Indian workers; also eyes a $100K OPT fee and a bond for certain green‑card applicants.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-proposes-new-h1b-renewal-fees-targeting-indian-tech-workers

### 2026-07-09: US proposes stricter H-1B and green‑card rules affecting Indian workers and students

US immigration officials plan August rules that would tighten H‑1B, green‑card and student visa requirements, raising fees and wage thresholds and adding documentation hurdles, especially affecting Indian tech‑

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-immigration-visa-reforms-target-h1b-h2a-programs

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Cite as: US H‑1B policy changes affecting Indian workers. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-h1b-policy-changes-affecting-indian-workers