GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 20th Sept: India has expressed concern over the United States’ decision to impose a steep annual fee of $100,000 (about ₹88 lakh) on H-1B visa applicants, warning that the move could disrupt families and harm talent mobility between the two countries.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday said it is “studying the implications” of the hike and hopes Washington will address the issue. “The government has seen reports related to the proposed restrictions on the US H-1B visa program. The full implications of the measure are being studied by all concerned, including by Indian industry,” the ministry said, adding that both nations have a shared stake in “innovation and creativity” and can be expected to “consult on the best path forward.”
The proclamation, signed on Friday by US President Donald Trump, raises the H-1B application fee from the current $2,000–$5,000 range to $100,000 annually, a measure he said would ensure only “very highly skilled” foreign workers are brought in. “We need workers. We need great workers, and this pretty much ensures that that’s what’s going to happen,” Trump stated.
White House staff secretary Will Scharf called the H-1B program “one of the most abused visa systems,” insisting the fee hike will discourage the hiring of foreign workers who could be replaced by Americans.
Heavy Impact on Indian Tech
India accounts for around 71% of H-1B visa holders, with roughly 3 lakh high-skilled workers—largely in the technology sector—dependent on the program. Industry body Nasscom warned that the hike will disrupt business continuity for onshore projects and force “adjustments” across Indian IT services.
Top IT firms such as TCS, Infosys, and Wipro, which rely heavily on H-1B workers, could face billions of dollars in added costs, potentially reducing US hiring or pushing more jobs back to India.
About the H-1B Visa
The H-1B visa allows US companies to employ foreign professionals in specialised fields such as engineering, computer science and research. Issued for three years and extendable to six, the visa is capped at 85,000 approvals annually, with Indians historically winning the majority through a lottery system.
Applications surged during former President Joe Biden’s tenure but faced higher rejection rates during Trump’s first term.
The MEA underlined that the flow of talent between India and the US has long fueled technology development, economic growth, and innovation. “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 added.
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