President Donald Trump’s new executive order raising the H-1B visa sponsorship fee to $100,000 has raised significant concerns among Indian visa consultants. The hike could heavily impact Indian professionals, who currently account for about 70% of all H-1B holders.
Bikram Chabhal, president of the Association of Visa and IELTS Centres (AVIC), emphasized that this fee increase — equivalent to over ₹88 lakh in Indian currency — may discourage companies from sponsoring workers. “Companies will struggle to sustain such high costs yearly, which could drastically reduce job opportunities for Indians in the U.S.,” he stated.
Chabhal warned that this move would particularly hit Indian workers who use the H-1B route to eventually acquire green cards and American citizenship. However, he also noted a potential silver lining, saying skilled talent may return to India, contributing positively to the country’s growth.
According to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the high fee aims to reshape the H-1B program by focusing on specialized skills rather than entry-level jobs. He said the visa will still be valid for three years with a possible three-year renewal, but fewer applications are expected due to the steep cost.
Indian tech companies like Infosys, TCS, and Wipro, who often send junior engineers to the U.S., may be heavily affected. Lutnick stated that this measure has industry support and would ensure swift and transparent processing.
The administration claims the policy will enhance vetting, increase revenue, and protect American jobs by bringing in only high-skilled, high-earning professionals.
