India Flags “Humanitarian Consequences” Over Trump’s H-1B Visa Fee Hike
New Delhi: India has expressed concern over the United States’ decision to sharply raise the fee for H-1B visas, warning that the move could lead to “humanitarian consequences” and negatively impact the Indian IT sector.
US President Donald Trump recently signed a proclamation increasing the annual sponsorship fee for H-1B visas to USD 100,000 - a dramatic jump from the previous range of USD 2,000–5,000. The American administration says the hike is aimed at ensuring only highly skilled foreign workers are brought into the country, and to protect American jobs.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it is studying the implications of the decision. “This could have humanitarian consequences, particularly for the families of H-1B visa holders,” an MEA spokesperson stated.
The move has caused concern in India’s information technology industry, which sends thousands of engineers and software professionals to the US every year. With Indians accounting for nearly 71% of all H-1B visas, companies like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro fear the fee hike could cost billions of dollars and disrupt business operations.
The H-1B visa is a key channel for Indian professionals to work in the United States. It allows foreign specialists in sectors such as technology and engineering to work initially for three years, with possible extensions. Each year, 85,000 H-1B visas are issued, of which a large majority go to Indian workers.
Analysts warn that the steep increase may not only discourage American firms from hiring Indian talent but also force Indian companies to shift more jobs back home. The change could also make the US less attractive as a destination for global talent, pushing professionals to look towards countries with friendlier immigration policies.
India has urged Washington to hold consultations and reconsider the move, hoping to safeguard the interests of its professionals and maintain strong bilateral ties.
