US H-1B Visa Fee Hike 2025: $100,000 Rule Explained for Indian Tech Workers
US H-1B Visa Fee Hike 2025: $100,000 Rule Explained for Indian Tech Workers
The US government has introduced a new rule in 2025, imposing a $100,000 application fee for fresh H-1B visa applicants. The move has triggered strong reactions, especially in India, which sends the largest number of tech professionals under this visa category.
💼 Who will pay the $100,000 fee?
- Fresh H-1B applicants applying for the first time in 2025.
- Companies sponsoring new hires under the H-1B route.
✅ Who is exempt?
- Existing H-1B visa holders applying for renewal.
- Dependents (H-4 visa holders) are not affected by this fee.
- Students under F-1 or other visas are unaffected until they switch to H-1B.
🌍 Why this matters for India
Nearly 70% of all H-1B visas are granted to Indians, primarily IT engineers and software developers. The $100,000 fee could:
- Discourage smaller firms from sponsoring employees.
- Shift more Indian workers to Canada, Europe, or remote opportunities.
- Impact India’s $150 billion IT services export industry.
Expert note: Larger firms like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro may absorb the fee, but startups and mid-sized companies could struggle to justify the cost.
📌 Reactions so far
Indian industry bodies and trade groups have called the move “excessive and discriminatory.” Discussions are expected during India–US trade talks later this month.
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