Washington, D.C. : In a move that has sent shockwaves across the global tech and business community, U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order imposing a $100,000 filing fee for H-1B visa applications. The decision is expected to have far-reaching implications, particularly for India, which accounts for the majority of H-1B applicants every year.
The H-1B visa, a gateway for skilled foreign workers—especially engineers, IT professionals, and researchers—to work in the United States, has long been a cornerstone of the American tech industry. However, the steep hike in application costs has raised serious concerns among aspiring professionals, employers, and policymakers.
Impact on India
India, which supplies a significant share of global tech talent to the U.S., is likely to be the hardest hit. Analysts say the move could discourage thousands of skilled professionals from applying, while also burdening Indian IT companies that sponsor employees for U.S. projects.
“Such a massive fee will act as a barrier, especially for mid-sized firms and individuals who dream of working in the U.S. This could push talent migration towards other countries like Canada, the UK, or Australia,” said an industry expert.
Impact on U.S. Companies
American tech giants and startups that rely on H-1B talent may face a talent crunch. Higher costs could reduce the availability of skilled workers, potentially slowing innovation and increasing wage pressures in the domestic market.
Supporters of the move argue that the order will prioritize American workers and ensure that only those who can significantly contribute to the U.S. economy apply. Critics, however, have called the decision “exclusionary and regressive,” warning that it could harm the U.S.’s long-standing reputation as a global hub for innovation and opportunity.
Immigration lawyers expect legal challenges against the order, questioning whether such a steep fee is lawful. Meanwhile, Indian government officials are likely to take up the issue diplomatically, as the decision directly impacts thousands of skilled Indian workers and students.