Visa Panic: How One Man Spent $8,000 to Return to the U.S. Before Deadline

Tue Oct 21 2025 01:59:50 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a scramble against time, Rohan Mehta (not his real name) invested over $8,000 to secure his return to the U.S. after the recent Trump visa deadline threatened to spike fees for skilled workers. This story sheds light on the anxiety faced by many H-1B visa holders amidst drastic immigration changes.

Rohan Mehta rushed back to the U.S. from India, spending over $8,000 in a panic over looming visa fee increases announced by President Trump. He faced confusion and urgency after the government clarified the fee would not apply to current visa holders too late for many to react. This case highlights the struggles of countless foreign workers under H-1B visas.

Rohan Mehta - not his real name - spent over $8,000 (£5,900) on flights in his scramble to get back to the US ahead of a deadline that would dramatically increase visa fees for some.

He had been in Nagpur, India for the anniversary of his father's death before he cut his trip short.

On Friday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order adding a $100,000 (£74,000) fee for applicants to the visa programme for skilled foreign workers which US-based companies would have to pay.

Companies and immigration lawyers had already advised those on the H-1B visa who were outside the US to return before the order came into force Sunday.

A day later, the White House clarified it would be a one-time fee and would not apply to current visa holders, but it was too late for some.

Rohan, a software professional, has lived in the US with his family for 11 years but feared being unable to return home after being in India.

He described the situation as “traumatic,” explaining he booked multiple return flights within eight hours to ensure he wouldn’t miss the deadline, saying, “Even if there was a slight delay, I’d have missed the deadline.”

His swift actions reflect the widespread anxiety among H-1B visa holders. Many were unaware of the White House's last-minute clarifications, adding to the confusion and worry about their status.

Despite being a crucial solution for U.S. companies seeking skilled labor, individuals on H-1B visas like Rohan continue to navigate a system filled with uncertainties and evolving rules.