India, Aug. 26 -- A proposed six-figure H-1B fee could create a major new hurdle for Indian students in the US hoping to move from F-1 student status to employment after graduation, as the Trump administration seeks to make companies pay $103,265 for certain new H-1B petitions.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed the fee on August 24-25, 2026, covering H-1B petitions subject to the annual cap, including cases eligible for the 20,000-visa advanced-degree exemption. The proposal is not yet in effect.

The proposed charge would come on top of other existing H-1B filing costs, potentially making the transition from an international student to an H-1B worker substantially more expensive for employers.

For many international st...