The United States has recently introduced three significant immigration policy changes within a span of two months, directly impacting Indian professionals, students, and Green Card holders. These critical updates include the abrupt discontinuation of automatic Employment Authorization Document (EAD) extensions, a substantial increase in H-1B visa application fees, and a more stringent civics test for those seeking naturalization.
These combined measures are set to significantly reshape the employment and overall immigration landscape for Indians in the country.
Indian nationals consistently represent one of the largest groups of recipients for US work visas, particularly the H-1B program and its associated categories. Data from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for Fiscal Year 2024 reveals that nearly 49,700 Indian-born individuals achieved naturalized citizenship, making up 6.1% of all new US citizens. The latest revisions to EAD extensions, H-1B fees, and the citizenship examination have undeniably made the immigration process more intricate and protracted for Indian migrants.
Automatic EAD Renewals Discontinued
Effective October 30, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ceased the automatic extension of certain EADs. Previously, individuals applying to renew their EADs could continue working legally while their applications were under review. This crucial provision benefited various groups, including spouses of H-1B visa holders, F-1 students undergoing Optional Practical Training (OPT), and specific categories of asylum seekers. The elimination of automatic renewals means that each renewal application will now require a complete re-vetting process, potentially leading to significant periods without work authorization.
Given that processing times for EAD renewals can stretch anywhere from seven to ten months, this change poses a substantial threat to employment continuity for many Indian professionals and their families.
H-1B Visa Fees Skyrocket to $100,000
On September 19, the US government announced a drastic increase in the annual H-1B visa fees, now set at an astounding $100,000 for new petitions filed on behalf of beneficiaries located outside the US who do not already possess a valid H-1B visa. It’s important to note that this substantial fee is borne by the employers, not the visa applicants themselves. Existing H-1B visa holders and those submitting change-of-status petitions from within the US are exempt from this particular hike. The steep increase has already triggered apprehension among companies reliant on Indian talent, with major employers such as Walmart reportedly pausing new hires requiring H-1B sponsorships. This new fee represents a considerable financial strain for organizations heavily dependent on Indian professionals in crucial sectors like technology.
Naturalization Test Requirements Toughened
As of October 20, USCIS implemented an updated civics test for Green Card holders aspiring to become US citizens. Applicants must now correctly answer a minimum of 12 out of 20 questions chosen from an expanded pool of 128 questions. Two attempts are permitted; however, failing the second attempt results in the denial of citizenship. The new evaluation places greater emphasis on assessing an applicant’s moral character. For applicants aged 65 or older with at least 20 years of permanent residency, simplified versions of the test are available. In addition to these changes, all non-US citizens, including Green Card holders, are now mandated to be photographed upon both entering and exiting the country.
The Impact on Indian Talent in the US
These three key policy adjustments—the end of automatic EAD extensions, the dramatic increase in H-1B fees, and the stricter citizenship tests—collectively indicate a broader strategy by the US government to tighten immigration and work authorization regulations. Indian nationals, who form a significant portion of H-1B visa recipients and recently naturalized citizens, are directly and profoundly affected by these changes. The new rules introduce considerable delays, higher financial burdens, and more stringent eligibility criteria, directly impacting career planning, employment stability, and the entire naturalization journey for Indian professionals and their families.
These recent immigration adjustments clearly illustrate a shifting landscape in US policies concerning foreign workers. For Indian talent, navigating EAD renewals without previous automatic ease, facing significantly higher H-1B visa costs, and preparing for a more demanding citizenship test will require increased preparation and resources, fundamentally altering long-established pathways for work and residency in the United States.