India Responds to Trump's H-1B Visa Changes: Impact on Indian IT Professionals and Cross-Border Talent Mobility

New Delhi:

India's Foreign Ministry has acknowledged awareness of the 30-day public comment period before the Trump administration finalizes rules for revamping the H-1B visa lottery system. The statement comes amid growing concerns from Indian professionals working in the United States about recent visa policy changes. The ministry emphasized that skilled talent mobility has fostered innovation and growth in both nations and expressed hope that these factors would be considered during the final rule-making process.

Last Friday, President Trump signed a proclamation that would increase H-1B visa fees to $100,000 for new applicants, a move that could significantly affect millions of foreign workers planning to apply. The administration has also proposed replacing the current lottery system with a "weighted selection process" for allocating visas once applications exceed the annual 85,000 cap.

The Ministry of External Affairs stated, "We have seen the notice by the US Department of Homeland Security regarding the proposed rulemaking. I understand that stakeholders, including the industry, have one month to provide their comments."

The ministry further added, "As we stated earlier, skilled talent mobility and exchanges have contributed enormously to technology development, innovation, economic growth, competitiveness, and wealth creation in the United States and India. The government would remain engaged with all concerned, including the industry, hoping that these factors receive due consideration."

The substantial visa fee increase has created anxiety among Indian professionals in the US, prompting the Indian embassy in Washington to establish an emergency assistance helpline for those requiring immediate support. The Indian government has expressed concern that the fee hike could result in humanitarian consequences and disrupt families, while noting that it is currently assessing the implications and hopes US authorities will address these concerns.

H-1B visas are widely utilized by Big Tech and outsourcing companies to hire skilled foreign workers. According to available data, Indians constitute approximately 71% of approved H-1B applications, making them particularly vulnerable to these rule changes. Major Indian IT corporations such as TCS and Infosys, which depend heavily on H-1B visas, may face significant financial and workforce challenges due to these policy modifications.