Surge in Last Minute India-US Flight Bookings
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The recent hike in H-1B visa fees has triggered a sharp surge in last-minute flight bookings from India to the US. Scroll down to understand the key reasons behind this sudden spike and how it is impacting travelers and the IT sector.
Last-minute travel bookings from India to the US spiked significantly after the Trump administration announced a USD 100,000 fee for new H-1 B visa petitions. According to MakeMyTrip, the surge in same-day and next-day bookings for long-haul flights is unusual. Like, on one of the days of the announcement, a one-way economy ticket from Delhi to New York was priced at over INR 1.05 lakh, with American Airlines flight AA 293, leaving it the last viable option to reach on time before the new fee rule took effect.
Huge tech giants such as Amazon and Microsoft advised their H-1B and H-4 visa holders in India to return quickly, while recommending employees already in the US to remain there. Travel firms anticipate a wave of inbound cancellations during the upcoming festive season.
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White House Clarification on the Fee
The white house later clarified that the USD 100,000 fees apply only to new H-1B petitions starting with the lottery cycle in March 2026. It is a one-time fee that does not apply to renewals or current visa holders. People holding H1-B visas, even if currently outside the US, are not required to pay these fees to re-enter the country. Their chance to travel remains unaffected by the recent proclamation.
Hit on India and the Indian IT Sector
India, catering to close to 71% of H-1 visa holders, is expected to be the most heavily impacted when the fees come into effect. Top IT companies like Infosys, Wipro, TCS, and Cognizant, and others that depend heavily on the H-1B program to staff US projects, saw their stock prices fall by 2-5% following the announcement. Critics warn that the steep fee threatens talent mobility and innovation, while supporters argue it will protect American jobs and promote local hiring.
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