India Raises Alarm Over New US H-1B Visa Fee

Wed Oct 22 2025 09:36:23 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

India's government has expressed concerns regarding President Trump's recent directive imposing a new $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applicants, warning of potential humanitarian impacts.

In response to the US government's recent decision to implement a staggering $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications, the Indian government has issued a cautionary statement highlighting the possible humanitarian repercussions. The new fee, slated to take effect on September 21, is over 60 times the current charge and primarily affects Indian workers, who constitute more than 70% of H-1B visa holders. Despite assurances from the White House that the fee won’t impact current visa holders, concerns over family disruptions and economic implications for both nations persist. Trade negotiations have already been tense following recent US tariffs on Indian oil imports.

The Indian government has raised alarms regarding a new $100,000 fee for applicants seeking US skilled worker visas, asserting that this change will bring about 'humanitarian consequences'. The announcement follows President Donald Trump's directive, set to take effect on September 21, which increases the fee more than 60 times its current amount.

Notably, workers from India are the predominant recipients of H-1B visas, accounting for over 70% of all such visas issued. In light of the new fee, some US tech companies have advised their H-1B visa employees to remain in the US or return as soon as possible if they are currently outside the country. Following these concerns, the White House clarified that the fee would not affect existing visas or those up for renewal.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated that this fee could cause significant disruptions in families, an issue they hope will be addressed by US authorities. The Indian government emphasized the value of skilled worker exchanges that have historically benefited both nations, urging policymakers to consider the mutual benefits of their workforce relationship.

Moreover, this announcement comes on the heels of tense trade negotiations between India and the US, particularly following Trump's imposition of tariffs on Indian oil imports last month. The Indian commerce minister, Piyush Goyal, is scheduled to visit the US for trade discussions, which may address some of these pertinent concerns.

India's major trade body, Nasscom, expressed that the abrupt changes to the H-1B program have created uncertainty for businesses and varying sectors reliant on skilled labor. The White House rationale for the fee cites misuse of visas affecting American wages and outsourcing, stating that exemptions may be permitted on a case-by-case basis if deemed in the national interest.