New Delhi: The recent steep hike in H-1B visa fees in the United States may provide unexpected relief to some high-skilled professionals. President Donald Trump has raised the fee to $100,000, creating hurdles for new applicants.

However, legal experts and recruitment specialists suggest this move could open doors for professionals recently laid off by companies such as Microsoft, Oracle, Intel and AWS. The fee applies only to new visa applicants. Current H-1B holders, those renewing visas, transferring employers or re-entering the United States remain exempt.

Navneet S. Chugh, an immigration attorney with Chugh LLC, explained that some laid-off employees could be rehired. He highlighted that the U.S. government has clearly stated that the new fee does not affect existing H-1B visa hold

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