Understanding the $100,000 H-1B Fee Request Impact on Indian Applicants

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), under the Trump administration, has issued new Requests for Evidence (RFEs) concerning the H-1B visa process. These RFEs are now asking for an additional $100,000 in fees, leaving many employers and visa applicants uncertain and concerned. The unexpected fee demand is causing confusion, particularly among Indian nationals who represent a significant portion of H-1B applicants.

Kate Kalmykov, Co-Chair of Immigration & Compliance at Greenberg Traurig, explains that the sudden increase in costs and lack of clarity could lead companies to rethink or delay decisions about sponsoring foreign workers for H-1B visas. These developments add financial and administrative barriers to a visa program long considered vital for bringing skilled foreign talent into the U.S. workforce.

The change is particularly impactful for IT and technology sectors, which rely heavily on H-1B workers to fill specialized roles. With this added burden, both employers and applicants may face delays or be forced to look for alternative options, potentially affecting U.S. business operations and global competitiveness.

This shift signals a stricter immigration environment that could reshape hiring strategies and international workforce planning for companies relying on highly skilled professionals from abroad.

H-1B visa, USCIS, Requests for Evidence, Trump administration, skilled foreign workers