US H-1B Visa Fee Raised to $100,000 Under Trump | Impact on Indians & Tech
The H-1B visa program, widely used by Indian IT professionals and US tech giants, has undergone its biggest policy change in decades. The United States government, under President Donald Trump, has imposed a new annual fee of $100,000 per H-1B visa, effective September 21, 2025. This fee applies not only to new applicants but also to renewals, creating shockwaves across the global talent market.
What Is Changing in the H-1B Visa Policy?
The new rule marks a dramatic increase in costs for employers and workers:
- President Trump labeled the H-1B system as abused and even a national security threat.
- Employers must now prove that the $100,000 annual fee has been paid for each sponsored worker or face petition denials and entry bans.
- Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta have already advised their employees to return to the US before the September deadline.
- The hardest hit will be Indian professionals, who accounted for over 71% of the 399,000 H-1B visas granted in 2024.
- Previously, companies paid between $1,700 and $8,000 per worker—a fraction of the new cost.
Indian Government and Political Reactions
India, being the largest user of H-1B visas, has voiced strong concerns:
- The Ministry of External Affairs warned of humanitarian disruptions, urging the US to consider the impact on families.
- Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has flown to Washington for urgent consultations with both US officials and the IT industry.
- Opposition parties in India have criticized the Modi government, accusing it of being too soft on Trump’s policies that hurt Indian interests.
How Will This Impact US Businesses?
The decision has raised alarms across Silicon Valley and beyond:
- Elon Musk and other entrepreneurs argue this will reduce America’s ability to attract global talent.
- Tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and TCS are among the biggest sponsors of H-1B visas for engineers, programmers, and other skilled roles.
- Nasscom, the Indian IT industry body, stressed that Indian companies follow US laws, foster innovation, and do not pose any security threat.
Possible Exemptions Under the New Law
The US Secretary of Homeland Security may grant exemptions for certain companies, industries, or individuals if:
- It is in the national interest, and
- It does not endanger US security or welfare.[1]
Economic and Social Consequences
The ripple effects are already visible:
- For many H-1B holders, the annual fee now exceeds their salary, making the program unaffordable.
- Airfares have surged as Indian professionals scramble to return to the US before September 21, creating panic at airports.
Comparison: Old vs. New H-1B Visa Fees
| Fee Element | Until Sept 2025 | From Sept 21, 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Base Fees | $1,700–$8,000 | $100,000 annually |
| Applicants Affected | 85,000 visas/year, majority Indian | All new and renewal applicants, majority Indian |
| Exemptions | None explicit | National interest/security only |
Conclusion
The $100,000 H-1B visa fee marks a turning point in US immigration policy. It will not only impact Indian professionals, who form the backbone of the program, but also American tech companies that depend on foreign talent for innovation and growth. With diplomatic talks ongoing, the world is watching to see whether the rule will remain in force or be softened under pressure.
