The Indian government has expressed deep concerns over a new $100,000 fee imposed on applicants seeking US skilled worker visas, warning that it will have humanitarian consequences. This fee, ordered by President Trump, dramatically surpasses the previous costs by more than 60 times and is set to take effect on September 21.
Notably, Indian workers constitute more than 70% of those who receive H-1B visas annually. The recent change prompted some US tech companies to urge employees currently on H-1B visas to remain in the country or return swiftly if they are abroad. However, the White House clarified that the new fee would not affect existing visa holders or renewals.
In a statement, India's Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the potential disruptions to families that could arise from this fee increase, emphasizing the importance of skilled worker exchanges between the two nations. They noted that these exchanges have contributed significantly to both economies and stressed the need for policymakers in the US to consider the mutual benefits involved in these labor migrations.
Relations between the US and India have been tense recently, particularly after Trump imposed tariffs on Indian oil, which has escalated trade negotiations. The Indian commerce minister is scheduled to visit the US for discussions soon.
India's leading trade organization, Nasscom, pointed out the considerable uncertainty generated by such rapid changes to the H-1B program. Despite claiming the program's misuse as a reason for the fee increase, the White House has mentioned that case-by-case exemptions will still be possible if deemed necessary for national interest.
As the visa program allows companies in the US to hire foreign workers with specialized knowledge, nearly 400,000 H-1B visas were approved in 2024, with a substantial number being renewals. The implementation of this new fee underscores the ongoing contentious discourse around immigration and skilled labor in the US.
