How should you plan your USA visa after the U.S. announces a Major H-1B Fee Hike and stricter Visa Interview Rules in September 2025?

25-09-25

Yogesh shukla

596

Last updated: September 2025
Written by Aptech Visa Editorial Team – 10+ years helping travellers get approved for their international destinations.

U.S. visa policies have raised serious concerns among Indian applicants. Effective from September 21, 2025, a 100,000 USD fee will be imposed on all new H-1B Visa applications. With major applicants from India for the H-1B Visa, the USA immigration from India has been affected.

Applicants from H, L, F, M, and J categories have to attend mandatory in-person interviews from October 1, 2025. The dropbox facility has been removed. This means the verification process for the Visa can take longer than before, which involves much stricter scrutiny over the Visa checking process. These updates have affected skilled professionals, international students, and frequent travelers planning to move or work in the U.S.

Planning a US visa becomes difficult after all these day-to-day changes, especially with the steep increase in the H-1B Visa fees. If you and your family are planning for the US Visa in 2025-2026, this news will help you to understand everything New about the Visa terms. Especially if you are an Indian applicant.

What are the changes in the USA Visa from India in September 2025?

Change Area	What Has Changed	Effective Date / Period
H-1B Visa Fee Increase	A one-time fee of US$100,000 will now be imposed on new H-1B visa petitions (in addition to existing fees).	From September 21, 2025, onward (for new filings)
Interview Waiver / “Dropbox” Removal	Most applicants for non-immigrant visas will be required to attend in-person interviews. The interview waiver (Dropbox) facility has been withdrawn for many visa categories, including H, L, F, M, and J.	Changes in waiver eligibility effective October 1, 2025 (or around that time)
Designated Location Rules for Visa Appointments	Applicants must schedule interviews in their country of nationality or residence; overseas interview locations may lead to longer wait times or complications.	Already updated; applicable immediately as per consular guidance
Exemptions / Exceptions	Some visa categories (diplomatic/official, certain renewals) may continue to qualify for waiver exemptions.	Ongoing, based on consular discretion and category rules

How are Indian applicants affected by these USA Visa changes?

Much Higher Cost for New H-1B Petitions
The new $100,000 fee applies to new H-1B visa petitions, placing a significant financial burden on employers and making visa sponsorship costlier.
No Immediate Effect on Renewals
Existing H-1B holders and their renewals are not subject to the $100,000 fee.
Longer Waits & More Rigid Procedures
With most applicants required to attend in-person interviews (even those previously eligible for dropbox), longer processing times and scheduling challenges may occur.
More Planning & Cost for Students & Professionals
Students on F, J visas, and professionals on H, L visas will face more stringent scrutiny and procedural steps.
Potential Shift in Preference to Other Countries

Due to rising costs and cumbersome processes, India’s STEM professionals may increasingly consider alternate destinations (like Canada) for opportunities.

Next Steps for the USA Visa application, after the changes have been imposed.

For new H-1B applications, employers must incorporate the $100,000 fee into their planning.
Even if one qualifies for an interview waiver, consular officers retain the authority to require an in-person interview. Call Aptech Visa to understand better about the waiver and if you are eligible.
To minimize complications and potential disqualification, file in one’s country of nationality or residence.
Arrange for the eligible educational records, employment proof, immigration history, and other supporting documents, as per the latest Visa policies. Proofread them properly, as a small mistake may lead to total rejection, which can cost a lot.
These rules may evolve, especially in the early months after implementation—monitor U.S. State Department and consulate announcements.

How AptechVisa Can Help You Plan Your USA Visa in 2025?

Every day, a new update is released by the US authorities, which has caused chaos and confusion among the applicants. At AptechVisa, we specialize in guiding clients through complex immigration changes, and here’s how we can support you in this evolving U.S. visa landscape:

We help Indian applicants with processing Visa costs, structuring sponsorship plans, and if nothing suits you, we can guide you with the alternative Visa options.
Aptech Visa, with its expert panel members, assesses your eligibility for interview waivers, prepares you for in-person interviews.
Our experts ensure your applications are error-free, complete, and presented in the strongest possible way. Even if you have the eligibility but if your papers are not properly demonstrated, you may face rejection or delays.
If H-1B is no longer viable, we can assess alternate options (e.g., other U.S. visa types or immigration to countries like Canada), as per your eligibility we can check.
With a strong team of experts, we are updated every minute on the Visa changes, trust the expert panel at Aptech Visa, and begin your application.