(a) whether the Government is aware of the fact that Indian professionals are
facing difficulties in getting the US Visa;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Government has taken up this issue with the US; and
(d) if so, the reaction of the US in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRIMATI PRENEET KAUR)
(a)&(b) The Government is aware of the difficulties faced by the Indian professionals
in obtaining U.S. visas, including increase in visa fees, denial of visas, processing
delays and other procedural difficulties. The United States enacted the Emergency
Supplemental Appropriations Act in August 2010 to raise $ 600 million for augmenting
U.S. Border Security by, inter alia, hiking the fee applicable to H1B and L category
visas until 2014. The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of December 2010
extended the period of enhanced fee on H1B and L visa categories to 2015.
(c)&(d) The Government uses every opportunity, including during trade-related meetings,
to raise with the U.S. Government its concerns over the increase in visa fees and other
difficulties faced by Indian companies in obtaining U.S. visas for their professionals.
The U.S. Government has conveyed that the increase in visa fees was mandated by an Act
of the U.S. Congress, and reiterated its commitment to take steps to facilitate the
movement of professionals and enhance trade relations between the two countries.