H-1B visa fee hike: India on Saturday said it is closely examining the implications of the United States’ decision to impose a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visas, cautioning that the move could have “humanitarian consequences.”
“The government has seen reports related to the proposed restrictions on the US H1B visa program. The full implications of the measure are being studied by all concerned, including by Indian industry, which has already put out an initial analysis clarifying some perceptions related to the H1B program,” a statement issued by the ministry of external affairs said.
The ministry underlined that both India and the US have a stake in “innovation and creativity” and said the two sides “can be expected to consult on the best path forward.”
Highlighting the role of high-skilled migration, the MEA added, “Skilled talent mobility and exchanges have contributed enormously to technology development, innovation, economic growth, competitiveness and wealth creation in the United States and India. Policy makers will therefore assess recent steps taking into account mutual benefits, which include strong people-to-people ties between the two countries.”
The ministry further warned that the new visa requirement is “likely to have humanitarian consequences by way of the disruption caused for families.”
Trump Signs Order Raising H-1B Fees
US President Donald Trump on Friday signed a proclamation authorizing the increase of H-1B visa fees to $100,000 annually — a sharp jump from the earlier $1,000–5,000 range. The move is part of the administration’s ongoing immigration crackdown.
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India, which accounts for 71% of H-1B visa holders, is expected to be hit hardest. Currently, around 300,000 skilled Indian workers, mostly in the technology sector, are employed in the United States under the H-1B program.
An analysis shows that the new fee surpasses the median annual salary of fresh H-1B visa holders and amounts to more than 80% of the average annual salary of all visa holders, raising questions about the program’s viability.
