H-1B visa fee hike news is making global headlines as US President Donald Trump announced a $100,000 charge on new petitions, effective September 21, 2025. The rule applies only to new applicants, raising concern in India, which supplies most H-1B workers.
In a dramatic move, US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on the introduction of a $100,000 fee on H-1B visas for newcomers effective September 21, 2025. https://www.reuters.com/world/china/india-says-that-trumps-h-1b-visa-fee-hike-could-disrupt-families-2025-09-20/. The new rule, characterized as a dramatic overhaul of immigration, will apply only to new petitions, and not to visa holders currently in the US or renewal petitions, as clarified by US officials. The move has sent shockwaves through India because most H-1B visa holders come from there.
Indian IT Professionals Face the Sharpest Blow
Among the 3,99,395 H-1B visas issued in 2024, statistics indicate that 71% of them went to Indian nationals, while China accounted for only 11.7%. In light of those statistics. Experts warn that the H-1B visa fee hike will affect Indian IT professionals the most.
H-1B visa fees live updates: No need to return in a hurry – US official
During a time of panic, a senior US administration official has clarified that workers, or those who have a valid visa outside the US, who are currently on H-1B visas, do not need to return in a rush once the proclamation becomes effective. “The fee applies to new visa petitions only. It does not apply to renewals or existing holders,” the official said in a statement provided to Hindustan Times.
The Ministry of External Affairs raised concerns about a “humanitarian fallout” and warned that the policy could break up family units.. The Indian government has also asked all missions and consulates to assist nationals who are returning to the US. Industry group Nasscom has warned that this action could have the impact of damaging Indian IT companies, but also American companies that rely on the H-1B skilled workers to fill the skilled labour shortages.
Political Debate Over the H-1B Visa Fee Hike
The news has given the opposition something to pounce on, with Congress’s Pawan Khera criticising the Prime Minister’s “silence” during an avalanche of unfavourable actions taken against India, all the way from tariffs to oil sanctions, and now the hike in H-1B fees.
The launch of a new H-1B visa policy represents one of the most significant changes in US immigration policy in a year, with substantial economic and political ramifications.The US says it introduced the policy to protect American jobs, while India argues that the sharp fee increase discriminates against its skilled professionals, who play an integral role in the US tech ecosystem.
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