The recent immigration reforms initiated by the US government have significant implications for Indian professionals and students. With a focus on the H-1B visa, work permits, and the civic test, these changes aim to reshape the landscape for migrants in the United States.
Key Immigration Reforms Affecting Indians
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has implemented three major reforms that are particularly impactful for the Indian community in the US.
- Ending Automatic EAD Renewals: Effective October 30, the automatic renewal of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for certain migrants has been discontinued.
- Increased H-1B Visa Fees: Starting September 21, 2025, an annual fee of $100,000 will be required for new H-1B visa petitions.
- Tougher Civics Test for Citizenship: A revamped civics test for Green Card holders seeking citizenship will commence on October 20, 2025.
Impact of Automatic EAD Extension Cancellation
The cancellation of automatic EAD extensions will affect many, especially spouses of H-1B visa holders and F-1 students on Optional Practical Training (OPT). Previously, these individuals could continue working while waiting for their EAD renewals. Now, they face delays and potential job loss due to lengthy processing times, which can take 7 to 10 months.
H-1B Visa Fee Increase
The new fee structure for H-1B visas has raised concerns among Indian tech professionals. The fee hike will impact new applications filed for individuals outside the US, shifting the financial burden to employers rather than applicants. Existing visa holders in the US before the effective date will be exempt from this fee. However, the increased costs may deter companies from hiring international talent.
New Civic Test Regulations
Starting October 20, 2025, the civics test for naturalization applicants will become more challenging. Applicants will be required to answer 12 out of 20 questions correctly, drawing from a pool of 128. The previous criteria allowed a pass with just 6 correct answers out of 10. Furthermore, the evaluation of an applicant’s moral character will be more stringent.
Broader Implications of Recent Reforms
The recent changes reflect an overarching strategy to restrict immigration and tighten regulations. With Indian nationals being the largest recipients of H-1B visas—accounting for 70% of applications—these policies directly impact a significant number of individuals. Additionally, new border regulations necessitate that all non-US citizens, including Green Card holders, must be photographed when entering or leaving the country.
As these rules take effect, many Indian professionals and their families will need to navigate a more complex immigration system. This increased scrutiny and higher costs signal a shift in the US immigration atmosphere that could reshape the landscape for Indian nationals in the workforce.
