USCIS clarifies $100,000 H 1B visa fee: Who pays, who’s exempt, and how it works

Last Updated: Oct 21 2025 | 6:27 PM IST

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued new guidance clarifying the controversial $100,000 H-1B visa fee introduced under a recent presidential proclamation. Here’s what Indian professionals, US employers, and global tech firms need to know about who must pay, who’s exempt, and when rare exceptions may apply.

NEW LABOUR CODES: IMPACT ON JOBS IN INDIA

Former labour secretary, Sumita Dawra, decodes the new labour codes, in a conversation with Nivedita Mookerji, executive editor, Business Standard, and AK Bhattacharya, editorial director,

Updated On: 06 Dec 2025 | 3:09 PM IST

RBI rate cut is here: What happens to FD rates, EMIs and your savings now

RBI has cut the repo rate by 25 bps to 5.25%. That’s great news for borrowers but it can be bad news for fixed deposit investors. Here’s what may happen to FD rates, what senior citizens can do

Updated On: 05 Dec 2025 | 8:05 PM IST

RBI cuts repo rate; SBI, HDFC, ICICI to remain ‘too big to fail’ banks, & more

The RBI’s six-member MPC cut the repo rate by 25 bps to 5.25% and kept the policy stance neutral.

Updated On: 05 Dec 2025 | 7:38 PM IST

H-1B under the lens: US to scan LinkedIn and online footprints before granting visas

The Trump administration has tightened checks on H-1B visa applicants once again. This time, even your LinkedIn activity and content moderation history could determine your eligibility. Here’s what’s

Updated On: 05 Dec 2025 | 1:59 PM IST

I-T flags 25,000 “high-risk” cases for undisclosed foreign assets

The Income Tax Department has launched a fresh compliance drive targeting undisclosed foreign assets and income. Around 25,000 individuals will receive SMS and email alerts asking

Updated On: 05 Dec 2025 | 1:55 PM IST

RBI cuts repo rate by 25 bps to 5.25%, keeps policy stance ‘neutral’

The Reserve Bank of India has reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25 per cent in its December policy review. The central bank has also raised its growth forecast and lowered its inflation

Updated On: 05 Dec 2025 | 1:52 PM IST

Why the Aravallis matter (and what a new rule could put at risk)

The Aravalli range is more than a backdrop to Delhi-NCR. It helps recharge groundwater, buffers dust and desert winds, and supports crucial wildlife corridors.

Updated On: 05 Dec 2025 | 1:53 PM IST

Putin in India: The real agenda behind the summit

Vladimir Putin’s two-day India visit is packed with symbolism — but the real story is what’s being negotiated: defence upgrades, nuclear energy, oil and payment routes, and a plan to rebalance trade.

Updated On: 05 Dec 2025 | 1:43 PM IST

Rupee at record low: Can a US trade deal trigger a turnaround?

The Indian rupee has slipped to an all-time low against the US dollar, pressured by foreign investor exits and global trade tensions. A new poll suggests a mild recovery could be ahead