New Delhi, Sep 20 (UNI) As the Trump administration hiked the H-1B visa fees to a massive $100,000 annually, India said that it is studying the full implications of the measure and added that it would cause disruption for families and expressed hope that this aspect could be addressed by the US authorities.
US President Donald Trump on Friday (September 19) signed a proclamation– ‘Restriction on entry of certain non-immigrant workers’, that will raise the fee for H-1B visas to a staggering $1,00,000 annually, in a move to crack down on immigration. The new rule is effective September 21, 2025.
The fee, which currently ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 per application, may now amount to $300,000 for the initial three-year H-1B visa period.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said that industry both in India and the US have a stake in innovation and creativity and can be expected to consult on the best path forward.
The MEA statement reads:
“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.
“Industry in both India and the US has a stake in innovation and creativity and can be expected to consult on the best path forward.
“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.
“This measure is likely to have humanitarian consequences by way of the disruption caused for families. Government hopes that these disruptions can be addressed suitably by the US authorities.”
The H-1B visa is a US work visa that allows companies to employ foreign professionals in specialised fields like technology, engineering, and medicine. Indians account for the largest share of H-1B visa holders, making up 71% of all beneficiaries in FY2024.
The Trump administration’s move has been described by US lawmakers and community leaders as “reckless” and “unfortunate”.
President Trump signed the proclamation saying the abuse of the H-1B visa programme is a “national security threat”.
Companies have asked H-1B visa holders or their family members currently outside America for work or vacation to return within the next 24 hours or risk being stranded and denied entry into the US after the proclamation comes into effect from 12:01 am September 21.
According to reports, Amazon has 10,044 workers using H-1B visas as of June, 2025, with TCS having 5,505 H-1B visas approved.
Other top companies include Microsoft (5,189), Meta (5,123), Apple (4,202), Google (4,181), Deloitte (2,353), Infosys (2,004), Wipro (1,523) and Tech Mahindra Americas (951).
