Trump hikes H-1B visa fee to $100,000, Indian-born professionals face major setback

September 20, 2025 by News Desk

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order imposing a $100,000 (88 Lakh INR) annual fee on H-1B visa applications, effective from September 21, 2025.

The move significantly increases the previous $1,500 administrative fee and aims to curb what the administration describes as the “abuse” of the visa program, particularly in replacing American workers with lower-paid foreign labor.

The H-1B visa program, established in 1990, allows US companies to employ foreign professionals in specialized fields.

The new fee structure is expected to disproportionately affect Indian-born Americans, who constitute approximately 70% of H-1B visa holders. This has raised concerns among Indian professionals and tech companies that rely heavily on the program.

Major tech companies like Amazon and Microsoft have advised their H-1B and H-4 visa holders to remain in the US or return before the deadline to avoid complications under the new fee structure.

Critics argue that this policy could stifle innovation and harm the US economy by limiting access to a skilled global workforce. Legal experts have also questioned the administration’s authority to impose such a substantial fee without congressional approval.

As the policy takes effect, its long-term implications on the tech industry and international talent mobility remain uncertain, with many Indian-born professionals and companies closely monitoring developments.