Big Relief for Indian Techies and Students on H-1B Visa Fees
In a significant development that has brought relief to thousands of Indian professionals and students in the United States, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has clarified exemptions on the controversial $100,000 fee introduced by the Trump administration for H-1B visa petitions. This fee, announced in September 2025, initially sparked panic among Indian tech workers and their employers, as it would make sponsoring H-1B visas exorbitantly expensive.
The USCIS made it clear that the new fee will not apply to individuals who are already in the US on valid visas such as F-1 student visas, L-1 intra-company transferee visas, and existing H-1B holders applying for renewals or extensions. Further, international graduates on F-1 visas changing status to H-1B will also be exempted from this fee. The rule primarily targets new H-1B petitions filed for applicants outside the US after September 21, 2025.
This exemption eases the burden on Indian tech professionals, who constitute around 70% of all new H-1B visa recipients annually. Indian IT firms and major American tech companies heavily rely on this program to hire skilled talent. The move is regarded as a lifeline preventing a potential collapse of the H-1B visa pathway, critical for middle-class Indian families aspiring for upward mobility in the US.
US-Australia $8.5 Billion Rare Earths Deal and Trump's Direct Remark to Kevin Rudd
In another major geopolitical event, US President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed an $8.5 billion agreement focused on mining and processing critical minerals and rare earths. This deal is key to reducing reliance on China, which controls a large share of global rare earths production and processing.
The White House meeting became widely talked about not only for the deal but for Trump’s candid and blunt exchange with Australia's ambassador to the US, Kevin Rudd. Rudd had previously criticized Trump as the "most destructive president in history." During the signing, Trump asked if the ambassador was present, saw Rudd, and told him, “I don’t like you either. I don’t. And I probably never will,” causing an awkward laughter in the room.
The rare earths agreement aims to boost investments with each country pledging $1 billion over six months into projects and implementing pricing safeguards to stabilize the market. The cooperation marks a strategic effort amid growing global competition with China for critical minerals essential in high-tech industries, from smartphones to defense.
Ongoing US-India Diplomatic and Trade Relations in 2025
The broader context of US-India relations in 2025 remains complex. The US-India diplomatic and trade crisis escalated earlier in the year with the Trump administration imposing hefty tariffs reaching up to 50% on Indian exports, linked to India’s imports of Russian oil. India has strongly opposed these tariffs, viewing its energy policy as sovereign. While there have been concerns about disruption in defense procurement from the US, Indian authorities have denied any major derails.
Recent reports suggest that despite tensions, India and the US are making slow but positive progress in negotiating trade issues and narrowing differences, aiming toward a possible agreement. Trump has softened his tone, claiming to have spoken with PM Modi about phasing out Russian oil imports gradually but also warned India of continuing tariffs if compliance doesn't improve.
This backdrop highlights ongoing strategic balancing by India, maintaining ties with multiple global partners while managing pressure from the US. The H-1B visa fee exemption is a rare relief for the large Indian diaspora and tech professionals in the US, even as broader trade and geopolitical issues remain sensitive.