Major Changes Coming to Banking and Immigration on Independence Day 2025

Significant Changes on August 15, 2025

On August 15, 2025, coinciding with India's Independence Day, several significant changes will be implemented across the country. The State Bank of India (SBI) will introduce modifications to its IMPS transaction charges for retail customers starting on this date.

New Fastag Pass by NHAI

Additionally, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is set to launch a new annual Fastag pass, aimed at reducing long queues at toll booths on national highways. Furthermore, a substantial immigration reform in the United States will affect the green card eligibility of children of H-1B visa holders. Let's delve into the details.

Changes to SBI's IMPS Transaction Charges

The SBI has announced changes to its IMPS transaction fees for retail clients, effective from August 15, 2025. This adjustment will apply to both online and branch transactions, although transactions up to ₹25,000 will incur no charges.

Updated Charges Structure

• Up to ₹25,000 – No charge.


• ₹25,001 to ₹1 lakh – ₹2 + GST.


• ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh – ₹6 + GST.


• ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh – ₹10 + GST.

Certain accounts, including those for defense personnel, police, and specific corporate salary packages, will be exempt from these charges.

Understanding IMPS

IMPS, or Immediate Payment Service, is a real-time digital payment system managed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). It allows users to transfer money instantly, 24/7, even on bank holidays, with a maximum limit of ₹5 lakh at SBI.

Annual Fastag Pass Launch

Starting August 15, 2025, NHAI will introduce a one-year valid Fastag pass. This initiative aims to alleviate congestion and long waits at toll booths, making travel on national highways and NHAI expressways faster and more convenient. The pass will be available exclusively for private, non-commercial vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans registered in the vehicle database and operating on highways managed by NHAI or the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

Impact of Changes on H-1B Visa Holders' Children

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will implement changes to the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) on August 15, 2025. Under the new rules, children of H-1B visa holders will lose their protected status upon turning 21, regardless of pending green card applications. This change could significantly affect many Indian families, making it more challenging for H-1B visa holders' children to obtain green cards.