US Revokes 300,000+ Visas as H-1B and J-1 Issuance Falls, Hitting Indian Workers

The Trump administration is stepping up its immigration crackdown, revoking more than 300,000 visas and opening investigations into nine American universities over their use of J-1 exchange visas. Issuance of H-1B work visas and J-1 exchange visas is declining, leaving Indian professionals among those facing growing uncertainty about working in the United States.

Key facts

• More than 300,000 visas have been revoked
• Nine American universities are under investigation over their use of J-1 exchange visas
• A $70,000 fee has been proposed for international students seeking Optional Practical Training
• More than 12,000 Indian technology professionals have returned from the United States this year
• H-1B and J-1 visa issuance is declining

What is changing?

Washington says visa fraud threatens American jobs and national security. Alongside the visa revocations and university investigations, the administration has expanded screening of applicants.

A proposed $70,000 fee for international students seeking Optional Practical Training — the temporary employment permission tied to study in the United States — could raise barriers for foreign talent, the report says.

Who is affected?

Indian professionals are among those facing growing uncertainty as H-1B and J-1 visa issuance declines. More than 12,000 Indian technology professionals have returned from the United States this year, according to Xpheno data shared with Firstpost.

What this means for travellers

Workers and students planning US moves on H-1B or J-1 visas face a tighter issuance environment and expanded screening. The proposed $70,000 Optional Practical Training fee has not been confirmed as in force, and the source gives no start date for it.

No timeline has been announced for the investigations into the nine universities or for further changes to H-1B and J-1 issuance.