How to Transition F-1 Student Visa to H-1B in 2025: Fees, Rules & Loan Support

Introduction

For thousands of Indian students, the F-1 Student visa is the gateway to study in the United States. But the dream doesn’t end at graduation — most aspire to stay back, gain work experience, and transition to the H-1B work visa.

In 2025, however, this pathway has become more expensive and uncertain. From a new $100,000 H-1B petition fee to additional charges and stricter stamping rules, students must now plan carefully. At Lorien Finance, we simplify study abroad financing and guide you through these policy changes so you can focus on your U.S. career.

What is an F-1 Student Visa and H-1B Visa?

F-1 Student Visa

• The F-1 Student visa allows international students to pursue full-time education at accredited U.S. universities.
• Students can also take up Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT extension to gain work experience after graduation.
• Maintaining valid F-1 status (enrolling full-time, adhering to work rules) is critical to later transition.

H-1B Visa

• The H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant work visa for specialty occupations (engineering, IT, finance, etc.) requiring at least a bachelor’s degree.
• Employers must sponsor the visa by filing Form I-129 with USCIS.
• It is initially valid for 3 years, extendable to a maximum of 6 years.
• After this, many pursue employer-sponsored green cards.

Standard F-1 to H-1B Transition Process

• Stay on valid F-1 Student visa status (usually via OPT or STEM OPT).
• Employer registers you for the H-1B lottery (March window).
• If selected, employer files petition + fees + supporting documents.
• USCIS adjudicates, and if approved, H-1B status begins October 1.
• If outside the U.S., visa stamping is required at a U.S. consulate.

2025 Updates: New Fees & Rule Changes

$100,000 H-1B Petition Fee

• Effective September 21, 2025, U.S. employers must pay a one-time $100,000 fee for new H-1B petitions for beneficiaries outside the U.S.
• Does not apply to:
  • Current H-1B holders filing extensions/renewals
  • Change-of-status petitions from within the U.S.
  • Petitions filed before Sept 21, 2025
• Valid until Sept 20, 2026, unless extended.

Other Key Changes

• $250 Visa Integrity Fee from Oct 1, 2025 for all nonimmigrant visas (including F-1 and H-1B).
• Third-country stamping abolished — stamping must now be done in home country.
• Processing delays due to government shutdowns, causing risk of status gaps.

Before vs After 2025: H-1B Cost Comparison

The new fee makes H-1B sponsorship a massive cost burden for employers, especially smaller firms.

Lenders Offering U.S. Education Loans for Indian Students

If you’re starting your journey on an F-1 Student visa, securing funding is the first step. Here are some lenders providing loans for U.S. study:

• SBI – Public sector bank option for up to ₹1.5 Cr with collateral.
• Credila – Flexible repayment, higher loan limits, popular with U.S.-bound students.
• Avanse – Secured/unsecured loans, customized packages up to ₹1.25 Cr.
• ICICI Bank – Loans for overseas study with parental co-applicant.
• Prodigy Finance – No collateral, no co-signer loans for postgraduate programs.
• MPOWER Financing – No collateral loans for Indian students, mainly postgraduate.
• Ascent – Requires co-signer (U.S. citizen/PR).

How Lorien Finance Helps You Secure Loans & Plan Ahead

At Lorien Finance, we go beyond being a loan aggregator:

• 18+ Lender Network in One Form – Compare multiple lenders (Indian banks, NBFCs, and global lenders) in one place.
• Quick Loan Sanction & Disbursal – Provided with complete verified documentation so you don’t miss I-20 or visa deadlines.
• Collateral Advisory – Guidance on whether secured or unsecured loans suit your profile.
• End-to-End Visa Readiness – Help plan finances considering new U.S. rules like the $100K H-1B fee and $250 integrity fee.
• Backup Planning – If H-1B sponsorship becomes uncertain, we advise on alternate pathways and funding security.
• Repayment Flexibility – Support in managing EMI when you transition from F-1 Student visa (student status) to H-1B (employee status).

With Lorien Finance, you don’t just get a study abroad loan, you get a strategic partner for your U.S. education and career pathway.

Final Thoughts

The F-1 Student visa to H-1B pathway is still the most popular route for Indian students who want to study and work in the U.S., but 2025 has introduced significant new costs and challenges. The $100K employer fee, integrity charges, and stamping restrictions make it critical to have your finances, documentation, and employer discussions in place.

At Lorien Finance, we provide not just quick loan sanction and disbursal, provided with complete verified documentation, but also the foresight you need to navigate U.S. visa policy changes. Check your loan eligibility now and stay one step ahead in your U.S. journey.

FAQs

What is the F-1 Student visa?
It is the visa that allows international students to pursue full-time studies in the U.S. and includes eligibility for OPT/STEM OPT.

What is the H-1B visa?
It is a work visa for specialty occupations in the U.S., valid for 3 years initially, extendable to 6 years.

How many times do you pay the $100K H-1B fee?
Only once, for a new petition filed after Sept 21, 2025 for a beneficiary outside the U.S. Extensions/renewals don’t require this fee.

Will my OPT to H-1B change-of-status inside the U.S. require the fee?
No. If you are already in the U.S. on F-1 Student visa, and your employer files for change-of-status, the $100K fee does not apply.

Which lenders are best for U.S. study abroad loans?
Options include SBI, Credila, Avanse, ICICI, Prodigy, MPOWER, and others. Lorien Finance helps you pick the right one based on your profile.