Several U.S. immigration changes championed by former President Donald Trump formally kicked in on 1 January 2026. Most headline-grabbing is an expanded travel ban affecting 39 predominantly African and Middle-Eastern nations, barring most new visa issuances. While India is not on the list, mobility teams must check for dual-national employees or family members whose secondary passports could now be disqualifying.
In parallel, a suite of fee hikes—branded the “Visa Integrity Fee” in Congress—raise costs across asylum, parole and Temporary Protected Status filings; a separate $250 surcharge on all visitor and work-visa categories for non-exempt nationals will especially sting frequent travellers. For an Indian B-1/B-2 applicant the total payable at consular cashiers rises from $185 to roughly $472, once I-94 and security-surcharge components are added.
For employers and individual travelers who suddenly face new hurdles, VisaHQ can help demystify the process. Its India-specific platform (https://www.visahq.com/india/) provides live fee updates, customized document checklists, and expert guidance that can flag issues such as dual nationality before an application is lodged.
![U.S. travel ban on 39 countries and higher immigration fees take effect; implications for Indian firms]()
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) also published an inflation-indexed schedule that bumps several Employment Authorization Document (EAD) fees by $10–$15. Critics argue that higher costs and additional social-media vetting slow the talent pipeline just as American tech companies face labour shortages.
Indian IT majors with large U.S. benches must adjust project budgets and may need to front higher advance costs for client visits. Travel policy experts recommend revising cost-allocation models and warning travellers to build in longer lead times for visa issuance. Firms should also review crisis-management protocols in case an employee using a restricted passport is denied boarding or entry.
The State Department has hinted at limited waivers for athletes and diplomatic travellers, but attorneys caution that the adjudication standard remains opaque.
In parallel, a suite of fee hikes—branded the “Visa Integrity Fee” in Congress—raise costs across asylum, parole and Temporary Protected Status filings; a separate $250 surcharge on all visitor and work-visa categories for non-exempt nationals will especially sting frequent travellers. For an Indian B-1/B-2 applicant the total payable at consular cashiers rises from $185 to roughly $472, once I-94 and security-surcharge components are added.
For employers and individual travelers who suddenly face new hurdles, VisaHQ can help demystify the process. Its India-specific platform (https://www.visahq.com/india/) provides live fee updates, customized document checklists, and expert guidance that can flag issues such as dual nationality before an application is lodged.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) also published an inflation-indexed schedule that bumps several Employment Authorization Document (EAD) fees by $10–$15. Critics argue that higher costs and additional social-media vetting slow the talent pipeline just as American tech companies face labour shortages.
Indian IT majors with large U.S. benches must adjust project budgets and may need to front higher advance costs for client visits. Travel policy experts recommend revising cost-allocation models and warning travellers to build in longer lead times for visa issuance. Firms should also review crisis-management protocols in case an employee using a restricted passport is denied boarding or entry.
The State Department has hinted at limited waivers for athletes and diplomatic travellers, but attorneys caution that the adjudication standard remains opaque.
