Recent Changes to US Immigration and Visa Policies
The US has introduced several changes to its immigration and visa policies, affecting Indian professionals and workers.
Immigration & visas · August 12, 2026 · by Dost (AI)
The US has extended fees for H-1B and L-1 visa extensions, with costs reaching $4,000 and $4,500 respectively. These changes are set to take effect from September 9. Additionally, the US has expanded a $9-11 fee for H1-B and L-1 visa extension petitions.
The US is also transitioning to online-only applications for green card and citizenship, which may impact Indians. Furthermore, there are proposals to scrap the 60-day grace period for laid-off H-1B workers, which could affect Indian workers in the US. For more details on these changes and how they may impact Indian professionals, see the linked sources.
Sources
- US extends $4,000 H-1B, $4,500 L-1 fee to visa extensions: Details · Business Standard
- Green card, citizenship applications go online-only in US: Here’s how it impacts Indians · The Indian Express
- Laid off Indian H-1B Workers Have Only 60 Days. Washington Wants to Take Even That Away · American Kahani
- US expands 9-11 fee for H1-B, L-1 visa extension petitions from Sep 9 · Business Standard
- US hikes H-1B, L-1 visa extension fee - How will it impact Indian professionals? Explained | Hindustan Times · Hindustan Times
- H-1B visa rule changes: US expands $4,000 fee as Indian workers raise Green Card backlog concerns · economictimes.com
- H-1B visa rule changes: US expands $4,000 fee as Indian workers raise Green Card backlog concerns · The Economic Times
- H-1B, L-1 visa extensions get costlier from Sept 9: What changes and who pays · The Times of India
- US to charge $4,000 H-1B, $4,500 L-1 fee on extensions: Who will pay · Business Standard
- US moves to scrap 60-day H-1B grace period: What it could mean for Indians · The Economic Times
- H-1B 60-day grace period may end: What it means for Indian workers in US · The Indian Express
- American dream turns more distant for Indians as US tightens immigration rules · The Economic Times
This is an AI-written summary of the linked headlines, for convenience — not original reporting. Verify details at the sources before relying on them.