President Donald Trump has announced a major increase in the H-1B visa fee, raising it from $215 to $100,000 per year. This decision is expected to significantly impact Indian professionals working in the United States. The Trump administration stated that the fee hike is aimed at ensuring only “highly skilled” workers enter the country and to discourage companies from replacing American employees with cheaper foreign labor.
The new policy could make it difficult for many Indian tech workers to maintain their status in the U.S., especially if companies are unwilling to cover the higher fees. H-1B visas are valid for up to six years and are often used as a pathway to permanent residency. However, many Indians face decades-long waits for Green Cards.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick explained that in the past, employment-based Green Card recipients earned below-average salaries and were more likely to rely on public assistance. He claimed the increased visa fees could generate over $100 billion for the country.
H-1B visas are mainly used to fill specialized roles in the tech industry and are issued through a lottery system. Critics argue that the program often brings in lower-paid, entry-level workers, which can undercut American wages. The new fee is expected to make it economically unfeasible for companies to hire foreign workers just for cost savings.
In addition, Trump introduced the ‘Gold Card’ program, offering a visa path for individuals of extraordinary ability who invest $1 million personally, or $2 million through corporate sponsorship, contributing to national growth and gaining faster access to permanent residency.
The U.S. State Department has also updated visa procedures, requiring visitors under B1 and B2 categories to attend interviews in their country of citizenship or residence.
