Visa Fee Hikes - Adding Hurdles for Immigrant Workers.!

Sindujaa D N
The pursuit of the American dream has long attracted educated individuals from various countries, notably india and china, who seek opportunities for prosperity and success. However, concerns among Americans about job displacement and outsourcing have intensified, particularly with companies like tcs being accused of favouring indian hires over American workers.

Against this backdrop, the recent decision by the US government to hike fees for H1-B, L-1, and EB-5 visas has sent shockwaves to aspiring immigrants. This fee increase marks the first significant hike in eight years and is set to take effect from april 1, 2024. For instance, the application fee for an H1-B visa, previously $460, has skyrocketed to $780.


 Similarly, the cost of an L-1 visa has surged from $460 to $1385, while the EB-5 visa fee has more than tripled from $3675 to $11160. This substantial rise in visa fees is poised to burden employees of multinational corporations, especially those reliant on these visa categories for their workforce. Indians, in particular, are expected to bear the brunt of this fee increase, given their significant representation among H1-B visa holders. 


The united states Citizenship and Immigration services (USCIS) has issued guidelines for these fee hikes, signalling potential repercussions for international diplomatic relations amidst ongoing debates surrounding immigration policies, particularly in the lead-up to the US presidential elections. 


Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security has proposed various changes to visa services and procedures, further complicating the landscape for prospective immigrants. Ultimately, the surge in visa fees is anticipated to have a profound impact on individuals from india and china seeking employment opportunities in the US, particularly in the software sector reliant on H1-B visas. As the cost of entry to the American workforce rises, aspiring immigrants data-face greater financial barriers and uncertainties in their pursuit of the American dream.

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