"Likely To Have Humanitarian Consequences": India On Trump Hiking H-1B Visa Fee

The Ministry of External Affairs expressed concern that the H-1B visa fee hike could have humanitarian consequences through family disruptions

The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday stated that the H-1B visa fee increase could potentially result in humanitarian consequences by disrupting families. The ministry also mentioned that the government is currently analyzing the implications of this hike and is hopeful that US authorities will address this matter appropriately.

US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Friday implementing a substantial $100,000 (approximately Rs 88 lakh) annual fee for H-1B visa applicants as part of his continued immigration policy tightening. Previously, the visa fees ranged between $2,000 and $5,000, varying based on employer size and other factors.

According to Trump, this significant fee increase is designed to ensure that individuals entering the country are "actually very highly skilled" and do not replace American workers in the job market. "We need workers. We need great workers, and this pretty much ensures that that's what's going to happen," he explained.

In an official statement, the Foreign Ministry noted, "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."

Our statement regarding restrictions to the US H1B visa program⬇️🔗 https://t.co/fkOjHIxEu9 pic.twitter.com/1rM9W3GYqC

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) September 20, 2025The ministry emphasized that both India and the United States have significant interests in "innovation and creativity" and that the two countries can be expected to "consult on the best path forward".

White House staff secretary Will Scharf characterized the H-1B non-immigrant visa program as one of the "most abused visa" systems currently operating in the United States.

"What this proclamation will do is raise the fee that companies pay to sponsor H-1B applicants to $100,000. This will ensure that the people they're bringing in are actually very highly skilled and that they're not replaceable by American workers," he explained.

The Foreign Ministry highlighted how talent mobility and exchanges have benefitted both nations in terms of technology development, innovation, economic growth and wealth creation, stating, "Policy makers will therefore assess recent steps taking into account mutual benefits, which include strong people-to-people ties between the two countries."

Impact On Indians

India currently represents the majority of H-1B visa holders at 71 percent. Approximately 300,000 high-skilled workers in the technology industry rely on H-1B visas. Many Indian tech professionals and students depend on these visas for career advancement, international assignments, and employment opportunities with US companies.

Nasscom on Saturday stated that the US decision to increase the H-1B visa application fee to USD 100,000 will impact India's technology services companies as business continuity will be disrupted for onshore projects, potentially requiring "adjustments".

Major Indian IT corporations such as TCS, Infosys and Wipro heavily depend on H-1B visas, and this new fee could potentially cost these companies billions. A direct consequence would likely be reduced hiring or relocating jobs back to India.

What Is The H-1B Visa

H-1B visas permit companies to sponsor foreign workers with specialized skills, including scientists, engineers, and computer programmers, to work in the US for three years, with potential extensions up to six years.

The US allocates 85,000 H-1B visas annually through a lottery system, with India accounting for approximately three-quarters of the recipients.

H-1B visa applications have increased significantly in recent years, with most approvals occurring during former US President Joe Biden's administration, whereas peak rejections were recorded in 2018, during Trump's first presidential term.