H-1B Visa: India Voices Concern as Trump Hikes Fees to $100K

In a dramatic move with sweeping consequences, US President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation imposing $100,000 annual H-1B visa fees, a decision expected to impact hundreds of thousands of skilled foreign workers and their families. The measure, titled “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers”, comes into effect from 12:01 am on September 21 and has already triggered panic among technology giants and diplomatic responses from India.

What the H-1B Visa Fees Rule Means

H-1B visas allow US companies to hire foreign professionals in specialized fields such as IT, engineering, and scientific research. They are typically granted for three years, with a maximum extension of six years. Under the new proclamation, any petition for H-1B visas must now include proof of a $100,000 payment, without which the application will be denied. Furthermore, workers linked to non-compliant petitions will be barred from entering the US.

Impact on Indians – The Hardest Hit

The H-1B visa fees hike is expected to hit India the hardest. In 2024 alone, Indians received 71% of the 399,395 H-1B approvals, compared to China’s 11.7%. Historically, Indian professionals have dominated the program, forming the backbone of America’s technology and innovation workforce.

Reacting to the development, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed deep concern:

“This measure is likely to have humanitarian consequences by way of the disruption caused for families. The government hopes these disruptions can be addressed suitably by the US authorities.”

H-1B Visa: Industry Scramble and Corporate Panic

Tech majors including Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta have issued urgent advisories to employees. Microsoft urged H-1B holders outside the US to return immediately, while Amazon and Meta echoed similar warnings. Immigration attorneys have also advised workers and their families to re-enter the US within 24 hours to avoid being stranded after the deadline.

According to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) data as of June 2025:

• Amazon had 10,044 employees on H-1B visas

• TCS employed 5,505 H-1B visa workers

• Microsoft (5,189), Meta (5,123), Apple (4,202), Google (4,181) followed closely

• Indian IT firms like Infosys, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra also feature among the top users

The new H-1B visa fees burden could force companies to rethink hiring strategies, slow down global projects, and restrict talent flow.

Trump’s Justification – “National Security Threat”

Defending his decision, President Trump described misuse of the H-1B program as a “national security threat.” He cited investigations into outsourcing firms heavily dependent on the visa route and emphasized the need to safeguard American jobs. The White House press release stated that employers must retain documentation proving the $100,000 payment before filing any petition for an “alien” worker outside the United States.

India’s Response and Diplomatic Angle

India’s Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the disruption the rule could cause to families and businesses alike. The statement underlined that both Indian and US industries benefit from cross-border talent mobility, which fuels technology development, innovation, and economic growth. New Delhi has indicated it will continue to engage with Washington to minimize humanitarian and economic fallout.

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