Key U.S. Employment Visa Updates for Indian Professionals

A federal court on June 8 vacated a $100,000 supplemental fee for H-1B visa petitions, reverting to standard USCIS fees. The ruling provides temporary relief for employers, though an appeal could reinstate the fee.

For H-2B visas, a three-day filing window opens July 3-5, 2026, for fiscal year 2027 start dates in October. The annual cap remains 66,000 visas.

A pilot program at select consulates offers optional expedited B-1/B-2 visa interviews for a $750 fee, running through December 2026.

The Department of Homeland Security has proposed a rule, open for comment until August 4, that could tighten employment authorization document renewals and add biometrics for H-4 spouses and other applicants.