Visa Fee Hike Sparks Last-Minute Flight Rush to U.S

Quick Summary:

• Travel agents reported a surge in last-minute bookings to the U.S. following the Trump administration’s declaration of a $100,000 annual fee for H-1B work visas, effective September 21, 2025.
• Tech companies like Microsoft, JPMorgan, and Amazon urged H-1B visa holders outside the U.S. to return immediately or risk being stranded. Companies advised others to remain in the country.
• Airlines are adopting a wait-and-see approach regarding flight cancellations between India and the U.S., although some platforms like MakeMyTrip noticed atypical last-minute travel demand for long-haul flights.
• air India stated it has not yet observed a “discernible surge” but will monitor trends over coming days.Other airlines operating direct flights include united Airlines and American Airlines.
• The demand for travel between India and the U.S. has dropped in 2025 due to stringent immigration policies by the Trump administration, with Indian visitor arrivals down 8% in June compared to last year-a first decline in two decades.

Indian Opinion Analysis:
The implementation of an annual $100,000 fee for H-1B visas marks a notable shift impacting Indian professionals heavily reliant on this pathway for employment in U.S.-based tech roles. The immediate surge in ticket bookings signifies anxiety within affected segments of workers who face uncertainty surrounding their mobility post-deadline.

Airlines such as Air India appear cautious, pointing out no substantial trend yet amidst claims from other platforms noticing booking spikes that are atypical for this route’s category. However,if these policies persist coupled with declining tourism figures-already marked by an 8% drop-the broader relationship between travel ecosystems connecting India and America may further weaken.

Tech giants’ urgent advisories demonstrate how immigration directives directly burden global corporate operations involving highly-skilled Indian talent integral across industries signs of friction likely growing? tighter operational habitat awaiting closely=> track economic showedirectional impact continue scenario remains evolving role pivotal pressures later>?

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