Washington, USA (UNA) :
The United States government has announced an increase in visa fees, which will raise the cost of applications for several categories including H-1B work visas, Optional Practical Training (OPT) extensions for students and green card processing. The revised fee structure is designed to recover administrative costs but will mean higher expenses for applicants seeking to study, work or settle in the US.
For Indian professionals and students many of whom apply for H-1B visas or pursue OPT after graduation the fee hike translates into greater upfront costs. H-1B workers, who fill specialised professional roles, will see higher charges when submitting petitions, while foreign graduates on student visas may pay more when seeking practical work experience through OPT programmes.
Prospective immigrants applying for green cards will also encounter increased processing fees. Green cards offer long-term residency and work rights in the US, and rising costs may influence decisions about when and how to apply. Families planning to join relatives or settle abroad may need to budget for additional expenses in the immigration process.
Officials said the fee adjustments are intended to reflect inflation, rising administrative overheads and expanded services, but advocates for international students and workers have expressed concern about affordability. Higher fees could weigh on individual plans, particularly for early-career professionals or students financing their education and work transitions independently.
For everyday applicants, understanding the new fee schedule and factoring it into financial planning is now essential. Immigration advisers and career counsellors recommend that prospective travellers and workers review updated charges early to avoid unexpected costs in visa processing and work authorisation timelines.